"GiveDirectly does well by providing unconditional cash transfers that allow us to choose how to spend the money. This strategy is good because we can always put our needs first. I have seen a good change in my life since the last transfer. I managed to buy a new bed and mattress, so now, unlike before, I have better and more comfortable bedding. Similarly, many households have succeeded in constructing new homes. Whenever one takes a stroll in the village, they are often astounded by the bright, shiny roofs of recently built houses. On the other hand, I have not found anything that GiveDirectly does poorly."

"I have been having ulcers that have become chronic and from time to time I have been going to Tenwek hospital for medication. It has given me problems, sometimes it is so bad that when I eat I constipate immediately. I had tried the traditional herbs but it has not been of much help. So bad is the situation that doctors have recommended that I avoid taking some food including my favorite fermented milk. I feel bad about it. I hope one day I will be healed and be able to regain my normal health status."

"I consider financial constraints as the biggest challenge that I am currently facing. My quarrying job earns me very little, usually $2 per day, which equates to the cost of 1 packet of maize flour. This means I do not have a chance to save for my future as well as cater to very basic needs like housing. In addition, this job is no longer reliable because the workers are many and our boss chooses whom to hire. This has forced me to live in a pathetic house since I do not have money to construct a new one, a situation that has lowered my self-esteem since I can not afford to welcome my visitors."

"What a sorrowful life to lack money that can easily settle down my very basic needs! Imagine depending on my son who is a casual labourer yet he already has a family of 5 to support. This means when he fails to send me some cash, I will be forced to stay hungry since my charcoal work is no longer reliable due to the scarcity of trees. Sometimes, I am compelled to forfeit meals or survive on one in a day, a situation that has negatively affected my health. Therefore, I consider financial constraints as my biggest challenge."

"I have a family of eight members with six children. Two are in secondary school and four are in primary school. My husband is a retired driver and I am a casual laborer making charcoal for sale. In a month I sell ten bags of charcoal at $3 each. 50% of the money I get goes to school fees and the other 50%/cater for food. Educating children and feeding the family alone is a challenge for me since I do not have a reliable source of income. Sometimes the family goes without food."

"I wish I could afford to buy a bed, have a place I can lay my head comfortably, and not expose my body to pain and fatigue. Ever since I got married, four years down the line I have not had the luxury of sleeping on one, we sleep on the floor and every morning I wake up tired with my back aching. How I wish this could improve and one day be able to afford a bed."

"The drought situation has affected our lives negatively. I am a farmer, I used to plant maize, and vegetables and this was my livelihood. This is not the case today. It rains for a while, and we prepare our lands but it fails to rain again leaving us empty-handed which is very frustrating. I have resulted to open a Mpesa shop but it is also not doing well since the locals are also struggling to make ends meet. The recession is making life harder."

"I am constrained financially. I am a stay-at-home mother, and my husband Amani is the sole breadwinner. He drives a three-wheeled motor vehicle in Mombasa town which earns so little. We have two children in primary school and two of his brothers are in college pursuing a certificate in driving. Ever since he started supporting them he has been struggling to pay school fees for our children and provide for the family. As his wife, I see how hard he is working to support us and still be a supportive brother but it is taking a toll on our family."

"I hear people talking of areas where food is in plenty and rotting, I think to myself and wish I could be in such a position. The past year has been tough, with no rain and scarcity of food. I can not remember the last time I had a different meal for lunch and dinner. Every meal we eat cornmeal mush with kale, this is daily. It is so hard to eat any other type of food like rice because of the prices, I simply can not afford them. I no longer know what a balanced diet entails."

"I work as a casual laborer on construction sites, a very energy-draining job, and its income is $8 per day. Getting this job is inconsistent and this means forfeiting meals on some days. This circumstance has directly affected my family because my 2 children are forced to miss classes due to a lack of school fees. In addition, seeing my children struggling with hunger makes me feel so bad as a parent but again, I can not help them. Hence, I consider the lack of a stable source of income as my biggest challenge."