"I am so grateful for the cash transfer because it has helped me in many ways. With the $200 I received, I bought two sheep for $100, which will be a great long-term investment. They can multiply, and I hope to sell some in the future for extra income. I also leased a piece of land for $50 to plant vegetables, as maize hasn't been doing well lately due to disease. Vegetables seem like a better option for now, and I’m hopeful that this harvest will support my family.For food, I used $35 to make sure my children had enough to eat, and I spent $15 on school uniforms for them. It’s been tough managing as a single mother since my husband and I separated six years ago. I have five children, and the responsibility of raising them falls entirely on me. Casual jobs are what I rely on to put food on the table, but they are inconsistent, so having this support has really lifted a burden off my shoulders."

"Thanks so much to GiveDirectly because, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had the capital to start farming. Before receiving the cash transfer, I felt stuck and hopeless after losing everything to the floods, but now my life has completely changed. With the money, I invested in watermelon farming, and I can’t express the joy I feel seeing my crop flourishing. It gave me a new sense of purpose, and I wake up each day with excitement, knowing that I’m building something for my family’s future.The happiness I have now is immeasurable. Watching my watermelons grow strong and healthy on the farm is a daily reminder of how far I’ve come. This transfer has truly been a lifeline, and the difference it has made in my life is huge. I am hopeful that in just a short while, I’ll be able to harvest and sell the crop, which will give me the financial freedom to achieve my next goal—relocating to a safer and better place for my family.Very soon, I will move us to a good and better home, away from the area that floods. This would have been impossible without the help I received. Now, my children and I can look forward to a brighter and more stable future, all because of the support from GiveDirectly. I feel so grateful, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we are moving forward is truly priceless."

"I recently became very ill. While my daughter, who takes care of me, had gone to the shop, I accidentally collapsed and fell, which resulted in a fractured arm. With her support, I was taken to the hospital and received treatment. The cost of treating my arm and the transportation to and from the hospital totaled $100. Although I still have a bandage on my arm, I’m relieved that I no longer feel any pain.I asked my daughter to save the remaining $440, as I plan to use it along with my next transfer to install a tap that will provide me with clean water. As an elderly woman, I no longer have the strength to lift heavy jerrycans of water. I've always struggled with access to water for my personal use. Installing a tap close to my home will make life much easier, as I won’t have to fetch water from far distances.I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, which will soon make this long-held dream a reality."

"The biggest difference in our lives right now is that our children are happier than before. With food available in the house, they get to eat meals that are enough, and they sleep with their tummies full. This has given them the energy to go to school daily with bright faces because they have been eating well. I used to worry about whether they'd have the strength to concentrate in class, but now I see them excited about their studies, which is such a relief. I cannot be thankful enough to GiveDirectly because they have brought us happiness and hope in our lives, something we lost during the floods. When the floods came, we lost so much—our home, our crops, and our sense of security. But now, with the unconditional cash we received, we’ve been able to rebuild our lives."

"I was at Kabarnet Boys for my son's Form Four prayer day, and as I was sitting there, I heard a message notification on my phone. I assumed it was just another message from Safaricom, nothing unusual. But when I checked, I saw it was a transfer from GiveDirectly. I couldn’t believe my eyes—I thought I had been left out because some of my village mates had already received their money, but I hadn't. This was such a blessing; I knew I could finally clear my son's school fees arrears, something I had been struggling with since my casual labor barely covers our needs."

"In the afternoon, while I was in the farm with my sister, taking care of the crops, a message popped up on my phone. When I checked it, I saw that GiveDirectly had sent me $200. I immediately told my sister, and we both celebrated the good news, as it was a huge support for us. My first thought was to stay calm and not let my excitement get the better of me, so I could stick to my plan for using the money wisely."

"Recently, upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I decided to use the money to improve my overall well-being, as I am 82 years old. I had been sick and needed immediate medical attention, so I spent $25 on health care. After getting the medication, I’m now back to my normal health. I also needed a comfortable place to sleep, as I spent most of my time in bed. I used $90 to buy a new bed and a comfortable mattress. This was the first time I’ve ever owned a bed and mattress, and the quality of sleep I’m now enjoying is something I have never experienced before. Given my age, I can no longer farm and lack the energy to do so. I used $32 to buy enough food to last me for about two months. Having a reliable food supply is essential for my current situation while I’m on medication. With the remaining money, I arranged to travel and move in with my elder son, who lives in a neighboring village. I need close care, and this is the best place for me to receive it. Thanks to GiveDirectly’s support, I have been able to make these important changes in my life, and I am eternally grateful."

"I was at home that evening when my helper brought me the good news that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. It was a moment of pure joy because I knew exactly how this money would help me. My immediate thought was to use it to buy new bedding, so I could finally enjoy a comfortable sleep. The excitement I felt was overwhelming, as I had been longing for this comfort for a long time."

"I was at home one evening when my son came to me with the wonderful news that GiveDirectly had sent $180. I was so happy and grateful, and the mood in my household immediately changed. I couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that the money had arrived at just the right time. My son had been selected to join a university in Nairobi, but we didn’t have enough money to send him. This had been weighing heavily on my mind, as I didn’t want his future delayed because of financial problems. Now, with the money from GiveDirectly, I knew he could finally join without further delay. The relief and joy I felt in that moment were overwhelming, and I’m so thankful for the support that made this possible."

"The biggest difference since I started receiving GiveDirectly transfers has been in my daughter’s education. She was at home due to unpaid school fees, and each day she missed school, the gap between her and her peers grew. It weighed heavily on me, as I didn’t want her to fall behind, but I had no money to send her back. When I received the transfer, everything changed. I was able to pay her fees and send her back to school immediately. Seeing her return to her studies lifted a huge burden from my heart. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my daughter’s education is no longer at risk, and I can finally breathe easy."