My life is different because initially I did not have any livestock in my compound. I am happy that through the money from GiveDirectly, I now own a pair of oxen, a cow and six goats which I am keeping in my homestead. These are living assets to me which I can readily rely on in case of a financial needs. It's also a saving for the future of my children's education.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done well in helping us through the transfer and giving us the freedom to plan for ourselves according to our individual household needs. I do not see anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well.

I spent my second transfer on buying a solar panel at KES 10000 to provide lighting to my household. I was using kerosene lamps incurring kerosene expenses daily but now even my children are comfortably studying using the solar lighting. In addition to this, I also purchased six goats at KES 18000 that I am currently rearing in my homestead. I also cleared fee arrears for my children so that they would be allowed to continue with their studies. I spent the remaining amount on buying foodstuffs for my family and paying for some household expenses.

I had never planned to own livestock considering that my financial status would not allow me to achieve that. However, with the coming of GiveDirectly, I got the financial support and accomplished that which seemed to be impossible to me. I now acquired my own livestock as necessary assets in our area and will help me in timely cultivation. To me, Owning these livestock gives me satisfaction and the biggest daily difference in my life.

I received the notification early in the morning as I was in the process of preparing myself for the day's activities. I heard a message notification on my phone and checking to confirm, it was the message from GiveDirectly that I have been eagerly and anxiously waiting for, that my first transfer had finally been sent. I could not hold the joy and the laughter that came in me as I went through the contents of the message. For sure, this was the first time to get such a large sum of money. This alone made me rejoice and thankful to GiveDirectly for the transfer.

I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen, a solar, 6 goats and the rest on shopping and for basic necessities. I decided to buy my own pair of oxen because previously I was hiring from neighbours which were costly to me and also using tools that were inferior and tiresome and I could not till a large acreage to obtain enough food for my family and will be hiring to my neighbours to earn an income. I am now assured of early and timely cultivation during planting season and increase the acreage for maximum utilisation of my land. In addition to this, I also bought a solar panel which provides lighting in my household as well as charging my phone and those of my neighbours at a fee, which is a small source of income to me. also, my children will be studying effectively as compared to before when they were using the small kerosene lamps which were not good for their health. I also bought six goats to keep and rear as my own assets and which I am hoping and expecting them to increase in number and be able to educate my children in furthering their studies in future. I can also sell when they increase and meet my financial needs. I did some shopping on the rest of the transfer on food and clothes for my children.