Subsistence farming has been the backbone of our local economy, and my aspiration has always been to reduce our dependence on purchased food by growing enough to sustain my family of six. With the unwavering support of my husband, I plan to lease an additional two acres of land along the nearby water sources, which will enable us to implement irrigation methods during dry spells. By combining these acreages with our existing piece, I aim to enhance our farming operations, producing enough food for both consumption and surplus for sale. Alongside the support from GiveDirectly's remaining transfers, I hope to generate income from the surplus yield of our current acre. These efforts are all geared towards securing a steady source of income to ensure timely payment of all my children's school fees.

For the first time, GiveDirectly introduced a unique approach in Baringo by empowering us to decide how best to utilize the support provided to improve our living standards. This cash assistance, unlike previous aid from other organizations, has been transformative, enabling us to address various needs such as acquiring sufficient food supplies and upgrading our housing structures. GiveDirectly's staff actively engage with us through visits and calls to ensure the safe and effective utilization of the funds. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's generosity, and like many others in our village, I am diligently working to make the most of this support. I believe GiveDirectly's approach has been effective, and I have not considered any alternative method or changes that could surpass the positive impact it has had on our community.

For over five years, my family and I lived in a small cubicle made of iron sheets all around, including the roof. As our family expanded to six members, the space became increasingly inadequate. Thanks to the generous support from GiveDirectly, we were able to construct a better home. With the second transfer, I spent $310 on purchasing construction materials, including iron sheets, poles, and nails, for building a gable roof house, an improvement from our previous flat-roofed structure , and another small cubicle where my three children sleep. I also used $75 to pay for labor, ensuring the smooth completion of the construction process. Now, we enjoy ample space, with the addition of a sofa seat worth $50 to complement the six plastic chairs we had. This upgrade has boosted my confidence in welcoming visitors, as opposed to our previous practice of arranging chairs under a tree. Additionally, I invested $25 in land preparation for the upcoming planting season and purchased certified maize seeds for $10. Previously, we relied on loaned farm inputs, subject to interest payments to the seed company after harvest. GiveDirectly's support has relieved us of this burden, granting us autonomy over our harvests. I purchased purchased household essentials with the remaining amound, including utensils and toiletries, as well as covering transportation costs to and from the shopping center while acquiring construction materials.

As the day ended and darkness crept in, I trudged wearily back home. I had spent the whole day working hard on my neighbor's farm under the hot sun. It's tough work, but it's how I make $3 a day to feed my family of six. Exhausted, I finally got home and decided to check my phone for any missed calls, having been too busy to do so throughout the day. To my surprise and immense relief, I found a message confirming the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I couldn't help but kneel down in my bedroom and offer thanks to God for this timely blessing. With my son about to start Form One, we were facing financial strain, especially since the irregular farm work during the dry season offered limited opportunities for income. Despite community assistance through Harambee that raised $200, we still lacked funds for essential school supplies like uniforms and books, as this could only cater for the term one school fee. The arrival of the transfer lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, ensuring that my child could attend school comfortably. I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for this support during our time of need.

The most significant change in my life since I began receiving the transfer is the sense of peace it has brought me. Knowing that I could enroll my son in his dream high school has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Before, I was constantly worried about how to afford his education, and seeing him upset about missing out on his studies added to my stress. We relied on casual work to make ends meet, and it was tough. But now, with the help of the transfer, I've been able to take him to school, and that brings me immense relief. Additionally, I am grateful for the opportunity to lease land near the river, where I plan to grow maize for extra income. This will ensure that I can continue to support my son's education without any doubts or worries.

The timing of the transfer was nothing short of a blessing. As my son was about to embark on his secondary education journey in two days, we were facing financial uncertainty. While we had managed to gather $210 through a community fundraiser that I requested in my village, it was barely enough to cover the first term's school fees. Essential items like uniforms and stationery seemed out of reach, especially with our limited income from casual farm work, which is even scarcer during the dry season. The relief I felt upon receiving the transfer was immense. I allocated $100 from the transfer to purchase the school requirements, and I was able to enrol my son comfortably, knowing he had everything he needed for his studies. Another $50 went towards leasing a half-acre of land near the river, where I plan to grow maize for sale to continuously support my child's education. Currently, we are living on a small farm that we borrowed from relatives after being displaced by banditry in 2012, and it's too small for cultivation. I used the remaining amount to purchase food to ensure my young children wouldn't go hungry.