"The challenges that I am facing currently are among other things harsh climatic conditions. We have been relying on subsistence farming and casual work in people's farms to make some income that helps us sustain ourselves and the needs we have in the family. The prolonged droughts have resulted in very low produce from our farms. Furthermore, these harsh climatic conditions have meant that we do not get any form of casual work in people's farms too. It has been particularly tough during school holidays when my husband makes no income at all from the school that he teaches. Recently he has had to resort to doing motorcycle taxi just to help us make ends meet. My dreams of furthering my studies have had to be postponed because of the situation that we are currently facing."

"We had no lighting when we first moved into the new home in December of last year. As a result, I bought a solar lantern on credit. I must pay for it every month to settle the balance by the end of the year. I, therefore, have a goal of using $10 per month towards repaying the solar lantern outstanding cost. This will be a reality with continuous transfers. I aim to ensure that I do not fail in making the installment payments. However, the remaining portion of the transfers will help me to pay off my children's educational expenses."

"For the past two years, we have been experiencing low crop yields caused by the climate change phenomenon. However, I am optimistic that this year will be better and we may have sufficient rain. Therefore, as I continue to receive my transfers this year, my primary goal is to focus on food crop cultivation. I believe this will enable me to improve the food security for my family, which has been affected by the famine which is currently being experienced in our area. It will be simpler for me to engage in other development-based activities and venture into new businesses if there is enough food in the house. I also want to buy three more goats. When my children get enrolled in school, they will be a source of revenue for their fees."

"I am so glad and grateful to God for being among GiveDirectly's cash transfer recipients. So, as I continue to receive my transfers this year, my primary goal is to save part of them for the enrollment of my last son, Onesmus in High School next year. He is currently in eighth grade and will take his exams by the end of the year. Since my husband passed away, he has always represented hope in my life. He had just turned one year when his father passed on and seeing him always gives me hope for the future. I know when he succeeds in his academics, he will be able not only to support himself but also to give support to me as I advance in age."

"Financial constraints is the biggest challenge currently. My husband who is the sole provider, got involved in an accident two months ago, and since then I was forced to do casual jobs to make ends meet.The hard-earned money goes into buying food and medication for my spouse and none is left to save for future emergencies and school fees for my children. This has seen my two sons drop out of school and it saddens me when they stay at home."

"I am a farmer who grows maize and some kales so that I can sell them and earn a living. I started farming some time back and this work has been my source of income. I have raised my kids through the money I got and I want to start planting beans and sell them so that I can increase my income."

"Six months ago, I took a motorcycle on hire-purchase basis from a microfinance bank. After paying a down payment of $200, I pay $3 each day. Paying this amount has been challenging as there are days where I earn less that that amount. As a result meeting the basic needs for my family such as food has not been consistent. Sometimes when food is not enough, we forego for the children while me and my wife sleep hungry."

"I felt very happy"

"I felt grateful and happy"

"Financial constraints is the biggest challenge. With old age, I am unable to fend for myself and hence rely on livestock keeping to earn a living. Currently, none of my two cows produces milk meaning I am forced to ask for money from my children. It makes me feel like a burden to them since they have their own families to look after."