As a parent and in my area, I have always known the best investment was through livestock. This is because despite our area being semi-arid, we can afford to find pasture for them and it's the best investment I could ever get in my life. I tried saving from my casual work to buy livestock and due to low income, I was not able to. I had given up on the dream and decided to focus on ensuring my family had the basic needs. When I received my second transfer, I used part of it to buy two bulls which I use for cultivating my farm. I can also cultivate other people's farms at a cost which earns me an extra income. I no longer have to pay someone to plough my farm for me. Thanks to GD.

GD did well in keeping their promise of sending the transfer. Most NGOs which have worked in my area, have always given us false promises and I knew GD was one of them until I received the transfer and used it to change my life. On the other hand, there is nothing I feel GD should improve on. Everything is good for me.

I spent my transfer on buying two bulls. This has been my dream for the last two years to own livestock just like my friends. Since I did not have a good income, I could not hence I chose to buy with part of my transfer. My children who had been sent home for fees arrears too I managed to take them back to school by paying their school fees arrears. Since then, they have not sent home again. The rest of the transfers I used to buy timber which I gave my son to assist him in building his own house. He does not have a house yet he is of age to have his house. I would not be happy if my son becomes the laughing stock of the village. I have saved the rest to help in other family emergencies.

Having livestock which includes the pair of oxen and the two goats is the biggest differences in my daily life. I had none at first, also had no expectations of owning them because of my low income. I thank GiveDirectly because, through this support, I boast of having a pair of oxen and goats. With the pair of oxen, I am assured of timely and early cultivation of my farm for better harvests. I will no longer be hiring from anyone, instead, I will be hiring to them at a fee. I am also rearing the goats which will be reproducing and increase in number to have many of them.

I received the transfer notification around 4 am. I was really surprised to receive such a message at that hour and I was curious to know who the sender was. However, on checking, I confirmed it was from GiveDirecty notifying me that I had finally received my first transfer. I was greatly overjoyed to receive such a sum of money from GiveDirectly.

I spent KES 30000 of my first transfer to purchase a pair of oxen to help me in my farming during the planting season. As a farmer, having the pair is more economical and convenient than using the hoes which are tiresome when ploughing a larger acreage. I used to hire from neighbours but now I am happy that I will no longer be hiring from neighbours as it was before. Besides, I also bought two goats to keep in my homestead as my assets. At least I have some assets to lean in case of dire financial needs. I spent KES 15000 to pay for my child fees in secondary school for him to comfortably continue with their studies without any interruptions of being sent home. I spent the remaining amount to buy foodstuffs and clothing for my children.