My spouse stays in town and when I received both transfers we agreed that he was to purchase livestock and some of the household items. Unfortunately, after sending him both the transfers he did not meet his promise. Instead, he spent the money on his own. At the moment, we do not have any bedding. I sleep with my children on the ground but it is uncomfortable, besides, we get insect bites whenever we wake up. My new goal is to raise money so that I can purchase both a bed and a mattress.

I appreciate the work done by Give Directly. As much as my plans did not go as I wanted but I am happy with the way, lives have transformed in our village. Giving everyone cash without discrimination and letting them decide on how to spend it was an ideal move in helping people to improve their lives. I was impressed by their field officers too. They are so polite and give everyone a chance to air their views which they respond too well.

Out of the 55000 KES that I received first from Give Directly, I sent 54000 KES of it to my spouse, and when I received the second one I also sent him 48000 KES which he was to spend on cows and some of our household items. He is in town and these items are cheaper in town as compared to the rural. Unfortunately, immediately after sending him the second transfer he changed and never kept our promise. He told me never to call him again. I am disappointed in him because the money was meant to improve our family but all in vain. The remaining 4000 KES I spent on foodstuffs for my family.

It was past 5:00 PM when I sent my son to collect my phone from the nearby center where it was charging. By the time he got home everything was sent for bathing my baby but then I decided to switch on the phone before proceeding. The confirmation message that I had received money from Give directly marked the end of everything. I got overwhelmed by the excitement leading my children to join in the celebration even before knowing what I was celebrating. I then called my spouse who was 150 KM away to inform him about the good news. He was overjoyed and could not wait. He traveled the same day and got home and got home at around 9:00 pm.

The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is the feeling of satisfaction. The dairy cow which I bought has brought back hope in my life. I never knew I would one day own any livestock, let alone a dairy cow. We lived on hand-to-mouth and in most cases, we could barely afford two meals a day. See my life now, we have a dairy cow, and I am hopeful that in some month's time I will be earning some income from the milk sale once it gives birth.

I bought a dairy cow with the first transfer at KES 40000. It is a good investment since in the future after it will have given birth I will not only have an additional cow but will benefit from milk. I will sell some of the milk to earn income and use some for family consumption. We will not budget for milk anymore and the money we are currently spending on milk will help in meeting other household needs. This will enable me to improve my family's living standards. KES 3000 I spent on a goat for rearing while the rest of the money I spent on foodstuffs for the family.