Currently, I have a herd of 10 goats, which has proven beneficial whenever I sell them to acquire household goods, particularly essential foodstuffs. Relying on subsistence farming during drought periods has presented challenges, leading to the necessity of selling goats to purchase food. This, unfortunately, has significantly reduced the size of my herd over time. Looking into the coming year and beyond, my goal is to expand my goat farming venture. By acquiring more goats and allowing them to breed and multiply, I aim to secure a financial foundation for the future. This strategic approach will provide a safeguard against food shortages and other potential emergencies, ensuring greater stability and resilience in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

GiveDirectly has been incredibly supportive in various aspects, from sensitization to sharing information that facilitated the responsible use of transfers. Before enrollment, I often wondered how I would secure my next meal, but since becoming part of the program, I now enjoy three meals a day. Many in the community commend GiveDirectly's fair approach and the attentive staff who listen to everyone. The willingness of the staff to answer questions has instilled confidence in our interactions, allowing us to understand the project thoroughly even before enrolling. While things went well for those enrolled, there are some who feel left out unfairly. We share the hope, along with those individuals, that one day they will be revisited, allowing their dreams to also come to fruition.

Upon receiving the second transfer, I incorporated my son's help in withdrawing a part of it, and together, we bought materials to construct a new kitchen. Adding to the first 8 iron sheets purchased earlier, I bought an additional 6 sheets for $63, roofing nails for $5, and window mesh for $3. My previous kitchen had collapsed due to weak poles destroyed by termites, so I am glad to initiate the construction of a new one. After spending $10 on transporting the materials home, I have paid a construction cost of $20 and have another $20 pending as per our agreement with the constructor. I also purchased foodstuffs, including 1 sack of maize for $40, beans for $5, a carton of milk for $6, and sugar worth $10, which I am still using since I live alone. Currently, I have $48 in cash and $25 saved in my Mpesa account, and I intend to use it to buy at least 3 goats once the currently high prices drop. This support has allowed me to address immediate needs and plan for a more sustainable future.

Upon receiving my first transfers from Give Directly, I was in disbelief about handling such a substantial sum after a long time. It was as if my dormant dreams were starting to materialize, as the plans I had made to transform my life seemed within reach at last.

The most significant change in my life at the moment is that I'm in a transformative phase, constructing a new home and fostering comfort within my family. These were developments I hadn't anticipated occurring so soon.

Having lived under challenging conditions in a small, old house that was deteriorating, it was only sensible to prioritize providing my family with a safe and comfortable home. To do this, I allocated half of the transfer ($100) to the purchase of building materials. Food, being a crucial aspect of our well-being and functionality, was another priority. Thus, I utilized the other half of the transfer ($100) to secure sufficient food supplies for my family.