Farming is our sole economic activity, whether the seasons are harsh or favorable. We've been doing mixed farming to reduce total losses during droughts, and I am hoping to expand into bulb onion farming in the coming year to fill a market gap I have noticed. Most farmers in the area plant maize and spring onions, but they go to the market every day to look for bulb onions, which are rarely planted. I hope to begin preparing nursery beds soon after we harvest our maize, and I will be ready to transplant when the rains come in April.

We appreciate GiveDirectly's excellent work, which was equitable to all residents of the village. The training during the initial meeting was informative and assisted us in understanding what was expected of us prior to enrollment. After listening to the teaching in the initial meetings and reading the fly cards that we received, we were able to plan ahead and make informed decisions. We appreciated every step of the process and hope to be able to receive more in the future.

I spent $130 on the construction of a chicken coop and the subsequent purchase of 10 chickens after receiving the second transfer. Collecting and selling chicken eggs has helped us pay household bills, and we occasionally sell some chicken when there is a pressing need. I also spent $400 on school fees for my two children, one in third grade and the other in second grade. I am glad one of them completed secondary school and hopes to join one of the tertiary institutions soon. It was a relief to know that their school fees could be easily paid thanks to GiveDirectly's generous support. I rely on subsistence farming, which is constantly hampered by adverse weather, which can result in crop failure. The loss is sometimes unbearable, but we are grateful for GiveDirectly's timely support

I was already on my bed, reflecting on how my day was, that was when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, on checking to see what the message was all about, I saw a Mpesa notification showing that I had received a sum of KES 55000 from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with happiness, I then informed my husband who was equally happy and excited, then went down on our knees to give thanks to the Lord for the wonderful gift that came to our way that night.

The biggest difference in my life today is that my son was able to collect his academic certificate from school, he was unable to collect the certificate before due to financial constraints, and the biggest win is that he was able to get a job, I am so grateful for the transfer that gave hope in our lives and also gave us the opportunity so as for us to better our lives.

My son had completed his education but unfortunately, he was unable to collect his certificates due to unreliable sources of income, this is because I work as a casual labourer in the village, The transfer came as a relief in our lives because I knew that I will be able to clear the pending school fees allowance for my son, thus upon receiving the money I used KES 21,000 in paying the school fees arrears I then used KES 10,000 in starting a poultry project, in addition to that I gave my son KES 20,000 so that he could add to his savings to enable him to acquire a parcel of land, lastly, I bought foodstuffs and clothes with the remaining amount, I am so happy that I was able to accomplish so much just the way I had planned before.