"At the moment, my concentration is more on my farm, which is why I intend on buying a couple of goats and some poultry as well. This is because they're quite affordable, and they always come in handy during a time of financial struggle. Apart from that, I am also thinking of starting my own business where I sell groceries, preferably from the comfort of my home, because at the moment I make money from burning charcoal, and it's hardly ever enough. I also happen to be a single parent, so I also plan on using that money to cater for the basic needs of my child and myself, which include clothes and nutrition."

"Since 2020, I haven't been able to plant any crops because of the biting draught. This has led to challenge of hunger in my household which is made worse since I have to take care of my grandchildren. It is challenging since we have to go without food. I'm forced to burn charcoal which gets me about $20 dollars monthly which is not enough for food."

"My main objective for this year is to launch my own business and achieve financial independence. Now that I have the skills to help run the business, I'm looking at purchasing a sewing machine and clothing supplies. Working on the farm is my current source of income, but it only pays very little due to the severe effects of the drought, which have prevented the farm's crops from growing. I will start earning money once the business is up and running and I am able to draw clients, which will help me support my family."

"I chose to focus on additions and renovations that had been pending, in and around my house. I completed installation of my 5,000 litre water tank. Which ensures we no longer have water issues, provided we keep it filled. The four bedroom house was in need of plastering, as well as installation of a proper floor in one of the rooms, not to mention, plumbing fittings and labour costs. Needless to say, a sizeable chunk of the transfers from GiveDirectly went towards this. I am a father of three, two of whom live with me in Ganze , where I am a teacher, while my youngest stays in Tana River with my wife, who is also a teacher. I teach at Dungicha Primary, earning KES. 35, 000, while my wife teaches at Odole Primary, earning KES. 30, 000. My two eldest go to Ganze Brains Academy, which is in town and for which we pay KES. 4,400 and KES. 4,000, respectively for my Grade 1 and PP1 kids. Add to these expenses the cost of my wife running her small house where she lives and pays rent of KES. 1,000, as well as the homestead I live in with my kids, and the numerous recurring expenses that always crop up, it's easy to see how our combined incomes, left us little in the form of saving that we would have used to achieve the goals that GiveDirectly funds allowed us to. We are truly in awe of the kindness your organisation has shown. Thank you"

"Our area has been adversely affected by extreme drought in the past year. All we could think of was securing foodstuffs. For our sustainability, I plan on starting a poultry project as I rear goats. To accomplish this dream, I plan on saving at least $10 monthly from my cash support. This would help meet my children's school fees and I'll also have something to show for once my project is done."

"Prior to receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly, I had began a construction project, and the money was immediately used to buy iron sheets for roofing. Along with that, framing timber was also needed and catered for by the same transfers from GiveDirectly. This greatly improved the quality of life for my wife, two kids , as well as My stay at home wife who looks after my eldest, she is in PP1 at Ganze Primary School, and our second born who is 1 month old, while I go to work as a security guard(working in shifts-day or night) and earning KES. 20,000 per month. My income and my family's needs didn't leave much for development, since recurring expenses like school fees of KES. 1,600 monthly for my eldest, added to countless others small expenses, meant no savings were made. GiveDirectlys transfers were a welcome relief for us as a family."

"By giving the unconditional transfers, one is able to plan accordingly as per their urgent needs without any limitations. Everyone was delighted and grateful that they had chosen our village from among many."

"I would love to grow my business. In an ideal world, I would love to employ more workers, allowing me to this bid for school tenders and make substantially more money than I do now."