I intended buying myself a couple of clothes since most of the ones I own are old and worn out. Nutrition is also most definitely part of my priority list and therefore I intend on using any money I receive to focus on that especially considering that we are experiencing drought.

I honestly want to thank the organization for the help it has rendered to us. Personally the funds came in handy for me and my family especially considering that before receiving the donation we were almost on the verge of starvation. Luckily I was able to use the money to provide nourishment in my household.

My intentions when I received the transfers were mostly based on investing on my farm. Therefore I was elated when I went ahead to use the transfers in buying a cow which cost me KES 16,000 and then proceeded to buy three goats which cost me KES 11,500 collectively. I am hoping that in case I run into any financial difficulty down the line the animals will come in handy. Afterwards I gradually spent the balance left on nourishment since that it is a recurring challenge in my home as a consequence of drought.

It was around 2 PM when I was just relaxing when my helper alerted me that I had received my first cash transfer. I thought it was a prank because I was not expecting to receive the cash anytime soon. I was overwhelmed with happiness after realizing that it was so true that finally my first KES 55000 had been sent. I said a special prayer to God since He remembered me at the time I needed the help the most.

The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers I have been able to construct my dream house. For years, I have been sheltering under a grass-thatched muddy hut which was small in size. Also during the winter season, it was hectic and annoying because we would be rained on till dawn. We were therefore always attacked by cold-related diseases like pneumonia and as a result, we have been in and out of relatively costly hospitals. Being a widow and the breadwinner, it has not been easy to take good care of my cowife who is very old and build a house at the same time. I depended on the hand-to-mouth charcoal business. I was however positive that through God's grace all these troubles shall come to an end. For now, it still feels like a dream to us because we sleep in a better place. We are no longer affected by the harsh weather like before and there is also enough security.

I spent part of my first transfer on buying iron sheets, building poles and the labour charges. I had intended to build a new house because the previous one was a grass thatched hut which was small and almost collapsing. It was frustrating during the rainy season because we would be rained all through till the rains stops. These used to be the most difficult moments in our lives and we never thought they would come to an end this soon. Also, I bought a new bed and a mattress for a total of KES 10000. I had been sleeping on the traditional bed with mats which whereby I used to experience lots of discomfort. I would wake up with so much fatigue and pain and sometimes it could hinder me from going to work. I feel relieved, for now, that I have been sleeping comfortably and soundly which makes me healthier. With the remaining amount of money, I bought food for my family.