In the upcoming year, I am hoping to improve my living conditions by purchasing a bed. Currently, I have to place the mattress on an earthen floor. This simple upgrade will be a significant step towards a better life, something I have longed for but had to put off due to other pressing needs. With the upcoming transfers, my priority is to acquire that bed, and after that, I will focus on other essential matters. It's not just about making my space more comfortable; it's about creating a sense of dignity and peace in my everyday life. This small change will give me the strength to tackle bigger challenges, such as expanding my herd.

I rely solely on the monthly transfers from GiveDirectly because my health condition no longer allows me to work. For a long time, my situation was dire. I had no proper place to sleep and had to use empty sacks spread on the earthen floor of my house. Initially, I didn’t even have a house, but thanks to the earlier transfers, I managed to build one. It was a significant step for me, as it meant having a roof over my head and a place to call home. With the most recent transfers, I prioritized my comfort and well-being by purchasing a mattress for $30. After months of discomfort, sleeping directly on the ground, I can finally rest on something soft. Though I don’t have a bed yet, the mattress has made a difference. With the remaining $72 from the last three transfers, I invested in something that would secure my future. I bought two goats and added them to the three I already had. These goats are not just animals; they represent a sustainable source of income that I hope will support me in the coming years. As they multiply, I can sell some and use the earnings to cover other expenses or expand my small herd. This investment in goats feels like a step toward financial stability, and I am hopeful that it will help me through tough times.

Having just completed the construction of my new house, I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, but my journey isn't over yet. My next goal is to buy a bed and a mattress, which may seem simple but means everything to me. Right now, I sleep on torn mats and pieces of empty sacks spread on the ground. It's uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but it's what I have. With the upcoming transfers from GiveDirectly, I plan to dedicate them to purchasing a proper bed and a soft mattress. This will transform my nights, allowing me to wake up rested and ready to tackle each day with renewed energy. In the coming year, I hope to create a more comfortable and dignified living space, and in the future, I aspire to improve my overall quality of life, step by step.

With the recent three transfers, I completed the construction of my house, which was my top priority. Before, I used to sleep in the kitchen, which was uncomfortable, especially after cooking. The soot would be all over, making it hard to breathe and rest properly. Each transfer brought me closer to my goal, as I carefully budgeted and spent the money on essential materials like mud, timber, and roofing. Gradually, the walls took shape, and the structure began to feel like a home. Now, I am happy to say that I have a one-room mud wall house where I can comfortably relax. Unlike before, I no longer have to endure the discomfort of sleeping in a smoky kitchen. The new dwelling provides a clean and cozy space where I can rest peacefully. Completing this construction has transformed my life, giving me a sense of security and satisfaction.

In the coming year, my goal is to have started building my house. This has been my dream since my previous house collapsed, but it was hindered by issues of hunger. Fortunately, with our recent harvest providing enough food, the cash transfers are no longer constrained by food expenses. Having already purchased the required iron sheets for the house, my focus is now on buying building poles and other necessary materials. I would be content with a one-room house, as I am single and do not have children yet. I am hopeful that the continued support of cash transfers will enable me to turn this dream into a reality. Building a house represents not just a physical shelter but also a significant step towards greater stability and independence in my life.

After my house collapsed a few years ago, I moved into my brother’s place where I've been staying until now. However, I have always desired to build my own house as I feel like I am inconveniencing him and his family by sharing their space. Previously, it was challenging to save money for construction due to hunger, and most of the cash transfers were used to buy food. I am grateful that, following the recent two planting seasons, my family farmed and obtained enough maize produce to sustain us for the next few months, alleviating the constraints on food. Now that our food situation is more stable, for the last three months, I have been directing $30 toward buying building materials such as iron sheets. I plan to assemble these materials first before hiring someone to build the house for me. The remaining $4 is allocated for household expenses like toiletries and sugar. I am thankful that I can embark on building a house, even though I lack a stable source of income and rely on casual jobs. This opportunity is a significant step towards achieving greater independence and improving my living conditions.

To fully cover the roof of my house, I still need to purchase some additional iron sheets. Thankfully, I have planned to utilize the funds from my upcoming transfers to acquire the remaining sheets and complete the construction of the house. The thought of finally moving into my new home fills my heart with immense joy, as it signifies the fulfillment of one of my goals. I am incredibly grateful for the support provided by Give Directly, as it has played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality.

I recently invested $60 in purchasing two goats. Currently, my main source of income is raising cattle for others. However, the earnings from this venture are barely enough to provide a single meal for my family, leaving no room for savings. By acquiring these goats, I am creating an opportunity to raise them until they multiply into a sizable herd. Once this happens, I can sell some of the goats and utilize the proceeds to support my family even after the five-year duration of the transfer program. Additionally, I joined a savings group consisting of five members. Each month, we contribute $10, totaling $50. This collective amount is then given to one member to undertake a life-changing project. Recently, it was my turn to receive the funds, and I used them to purchase six pieces of iron sheets, amounting to $57. Furthermore, $27 was allocated to paying the mason who is currently constructing my house. This opportunity brings me immense happiness as I will finally have the chance to own a house after a long time. Previously, I lacked the necessary funds and didn't have a substantial income to make this dream a reality. Being part of the savings group and receiving this financial support has brought newfound hope and possibilities into my life. I am grateful for this opportunity, as it allows me to take meaningful steps towards a more secure and comfortable future for myself and my family.

At the moment, I am being accommodated by my young brother in his house. I feel embarrassed because I do not have freedom in the house as an elder brother. This triggered me to start saving small and commit the transfer to building my own house. I aim to buy at least one iron sheet every month to see my plan coming to pass. I project to have reached the needed number of 12 iron sheets by December this year so that I start concentrating on buying some building poles and rafters.

I bought three iron sheets for $27 as per my commitment after receiving the most recent transfer. Building my own house is the reason for buying these iron sheets. I am tired of sleeping in my young brother’s house, I want to be independent. I started this plan just recently but I am happy to report that I currently have six iron sheets. As much as I would like to buy several iron sheets at once, it will be a challenge for me because I also depend on the transfers for survival. For the remaining $7 I bought some maize flour for my family.

My focus right now is to build a new two-room house made of mud walls and a tin roof. Since I cannot work to raise funds for the project, I hope to finance the construction through the cash I receive from Give Directly. I started securing some iron sheets using previous transfers. My aim is to assemble the construction materials like building poles and more iron sheets and then hire a builder later to help implement the project to completion. I would be happy if this happens within the next year. 

After I fell sick a few years ago, I stopped taking on vigorous tasks to raise money for my needs. My brother took me in and started providing for my needs, regardless of bearing the existing burden of taking care of his wife and two children. Though he has been very generous to let me share shelter with his family in the one-room house, I wish to build a new house. I already spent $90 from the recent three transfers to buy iron sheets for the new structure, and I hope to keep buying the building materials till I have enough. I used the remaining money to help buy food for the household. 

The moment I realized the funds had actually been sent out, I immediately decided that I had to ensure that I provided nourishment for my family and myself especially since we barely had any food in the house. That is why I ended up buying nine packets of maize flour for KED 1,500 and sardines worth KES 200. Afterwards I decided to use KES 800 so that I could buy iron sheets to renovate a part of my house because my roof was leaking whenever it rained. Lastly I ended up using the remaining KES 500 to buy a duck because I was also planning to invest in poultry farming.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well for sending unconditional cash transfers directly to my phone. This has able us to transform our living standards since we are using the transfer wisely. We no longer suffer to meet some of our essential needs like food.

With the rising cost of living due to the inflation, Getting food for myself and the family has been a great struggle for me owing to the fact that I am jobless. I spent the recent transfer to purchase sufficient food for the family. I used KES 1500 to purchase 12 kg of maize flour, 3kg of beans, and 4kg of sugar. Also, I bought 3 pairs of clothes for KES 1500. Formerly, I was wearing torn and worn-out clothes something that makes me feel uneasy whenever I am in front of other people.

I was at home relaxing with my mother and sister while narrating stories for each other. I remember it was around 9 am when we had completed taking by breakfast with my family member. I felt so happy for receiving my transfer which was to transform my life for the better.

The biggest difference in my life is that I can meet my needs, especially food for myself without even struggling. Previously, I had to go without food for two days a week. This was a tough experience in my life, all this was attributed to the long drought conditions in our area. I am very thankful for the transfer.

I spent my recent transfer on purchasing a variety of foodstuffs like sugar, flour, and beans. This is because we are experiencing famine in our area. I am very grateful for the aid. I am planning to spend my next transfer starting livestock rearing which will be my reliable source of income for myself. Currently, I am jobless and full depend on my brother who is a casual laborer.