Currently, at my advanced age, I have been contemplating on starting a new business by first constructing a small shop on my farm situated along the road. This will be a retail shop selling household goods to the immediate neighbors and the passers-by. This will be an income-generating source for my family when we can not work anymore since it would be easier running a retail business compared to farming.

In my opinion, most of the work done by GiveDirectly was great, especially the enrollment team who ensured that they entered every household and talked to every household owner before making any inquiry around the village. I was only saddened by the fact that some people's transfers were paused right after the first transfer without any clear explanation which left us guessing that GiveDirectly might have picked the village rumors that led to the cancellation of some people's support. I would have wished that GiveDirectly would work closely with village stakeholders like Chiefs and the village elders who are well versed with the village and have always been there even when other people move out.

I exhausted the first transfer just when I was past halfway on the construction of my new house. The materials then were very expensive, and the budget I initially had was a bit strained. On receiving the second transfer, I had to spend KES 20000 more on the completion. I am glad that the interior is now well furnished with new pieces of furniture used by my children occupying the new structure. I also cleared school fees payment with KES 17000 for my child who is currently in secondary school. I spent KES5000 of the remaining on settling the debts I had with the shopkeeper, constructed a chicken coop and brought in chicken and a total cost of KES 12500, and spent the remaining amount on foodstuff and other household goods that we were missing then.

The moment I received my transfer, I was preparing to step out to the fields when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I knew that I will be able to complete my house, I then called my wife to inform him of the wonderful news that came our way, words cannot express how happy she was, I am grateful to have received the support from GiveDirectly.

I am a happy father now, in that I will be able to sleep in peace knowing that my children have a roof over their heads in my compound, unlike before where they used to sleep in our neighbour's place due to financial constraints, secondly, I was able to clear the school fees arrears of my children which was the main challenge due to the financial constraints, I lack words to express how grateful I am, indeed the organization has played a big role in lifting our living standard to a better one and we are thankful.

My wife and I are consistent farmers, together we are blessed with six children who are all schooling, when I received my transfer I saw it as an opportunity to expand my house which was small so that my children would have a place to sleep in, this is because they have been sleeping in my neighbour's place. therefore I used KES 25,000 in building a house, I then cleared the fee arrears of KES 10,000. I am so relieved that I was able to clear the school fees arrears meaning that my children would comfortably study without any worries of been sent home to collect the school fees.