If I manage to secure some funds, my sole aspiration revolves around acquiring a dairy cow. With diligent care and unwavering commitment, I envision the cow becoming a source of sustenance and prosperity for my family. Through selling the milk produced, a stream of income would trickle into our lives, providing a steady flow to cater to our hunger, clothe our bodies, and light the path toward education and brighter days.

Each household, and more so the entire village, received a new look as a result of this program. We were given the freedom to choose how we would use the transfer without being forced to. There is absolutely nothing I have noticed to complain about, other than to urge GiveDirectly to continue helping more communities.

Upon getting the second transfer, I decided to invest in goat-keeping by buying seven goats for $280. Besides having a ready market for them, I chose to invest in goats over cows because they are cheap to acquire, maintain and can withstand the harsh climatic condition of our area. Thereafter, I opted to construct a house for my three grandsons whom we have been sleeping in the same house with. Currently, the construction of the house is ongoing and soon they will have their own house. I believe they will be very happy with the freedom they will have in their house. I will also be relieved of the deprivation of privacy which I have lived with for a longer period in my house with my grandsons.

I was at home relaxing after spending the better part of the afternoon working on my farm. My daughter, who is also a beneficiary, approached me with a smile on her face. When she told me that the transfer had been sent, I was curious about what could have happened to make her happy. I got hold of my phone, and because I could not understand the contents of the messages, she checked for me, and I could not contain my joy. I had also received my transfer, and I was relieved that my grandchildren could now return to school after teachers threatened to terminate their studies if they did not pay on time.

I am grateful for GiveDirectly's assistance because, to be honest, my grandchildren would have been stuck at home, unable to continue their studies. Their father has been unable to find work, making it difficult for them to attend class. They were almost sent home, and if it had not been for the transfer, they might have been. Seeing my grandsons continue their education is the most significant difference in my daily life now that I have enough time to pay for the next term. Furthermore, I was unable to purchase new clothes for myself because all of my money had been spent on food. I am glad I was able to buy new clothes after receiving the money.

My two grandchildren, who are all in my care after their mother died and their father has been unsupportive, were nearly sent home due to fee arrears that had accumulated over time. I could not afford to raise all of the required fees on my own because I do not have a source of income, relying primarily on burning and selling charcoal, which, aside from being tedious, pays little. When I received the transfer, I paid KES 20,000 and cleared the fee arrears, and they were allowed to continue their studies. I also replaced the old bedding that I had been using for many years. They were old and worn out, and they did not provide a good night's sleep. As a result, I spent KES 10,000 on a new bed and mattress to sleep on. I spent the remainder of the transfer money on food for my family, such as maize flour and cereals. Despite the financial constraints that I am facing, this ensured that my household did not go hungry.