"Food insecurity is the biggest challenge because of unpredictable rain patterns. We hardly harvest anything when we depend on the rain for farming because it is not sustainable at the same time practicing irrigation farming is expensive because the source of water is five kilometers. I currently do a motorbike taxi to ensure my family does not lack anything."

"The message came around 4 p.m. when I was coming back from casual jobs with some of my neighbors—there were six of us. I heard my phone vibrating and took it out of my pocket. When I saw it was an M-Pesa message, I felt really happy and excited, but I decided to keep it a secret. I was surprised that money would come on a Sunday and wondered if it was a mistake, like the computer accidentally picked my name. I thought maybe GiveDirectly sent the money yesterday, but mine was delayed until today.After saying goodbye to my neighbors and getting home, the first thing I did was thank God for such a blessing. I had been living in very bad conditions, sleeping on the bare ground with just sacks. I told myself that the next day, I would go to town and buy a mattress because it had been bothering me for a long time. I was embarrassed to invite visitors to my house because it was completely empty—no bed, no mattress, no chairs. I’m really thankful to GiveDirectly for being the turning point in my life."

"In August 2024, it was my turn to receive money from the merry-go-round, and I received $100. With this amount, I purchased three goats and five chickens. I now have nine goats and one cow. My goal is to have the goats multiply so I can sell them to cover my children’s school fees. Although I didn’t have the opportunity for a good education, I am determined to provide my children with a brighter future and ensure they succeed. I also plan to exchange some of the goats for dairy cows. I will milk the cows, selling the milk to my neighbors and using some for my children’s nourishment. Additionally, I currently sell and burn charcoal, and with the income from the milk, I aim to increase my earnings and provide a better life for my children."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to purchase two bulls that will help me plow my land. Each time the rainy season approaches, I have to spend a significant amount of money to hire people to prepare my land for farming. To solve this challenge, I want to buy the two bulls. These bulls will not only help me plow my own land but also provide an opportunity to earn additional income by offering plowing services to other people in the community. To achieve this goal, I plan to save at least $10 from my subsequent transfers, gradually accumulating enough to purchase the bulls. I am very appreciative of the financial support, which is helping me meet my needs and work towards achieving my goals."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to purchase all the necessary building materials to construct a new house. This includes more iron sheets, building poles, nails, and sisal twine ropes. Once I have gathered all the materials, I plan to set aside some money to cover the labor costs for constructing the house. To achieve this goal, I intend to allocate a portion of my money from the subsequent transfers to purchase these materials bit by bit until I have everything I need. Owning my own house will be a significant achievement, as it will finally allow me to stop relying on others for shelter. I am deeply appreciative of the financial support I am receiving from Give Directly, which is helping me move closer to achieving this important goal."

"My current house is in a dilapidated condition. The roof was partly blown away by strong winds, leaving a huge opening, and the walls have become weak, bulging outward and forming large cracks. The state of the house is concerning and poses a threat to my safety. My goal in the coming year and beyond is to construct a new house. I am currently saving money in a savings group, and by the end of the year, I will have accumulated enough savings to purchase new iron sheets. After that, I will buy building poles and other necessary materials to begin constructing my new house. I am very grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, which is helping me work towards this important goal."

"My primary goal for the upcoming year is to purchase an irrigating machine to start growing vegetables for sale. Luckily, I have a nearby water source, making this project feasible. By investing in the machine, I can ensure a steady water supply for my crops, even during the dry season. I plan to save gradually for this investment. Once I have the machine, I can grow a variety of vegetables throughout the year, providing fresh produce for my community and earning a reliable income to support my family."

"My main goal for the coming year is to expand my herd of goats. I have already invested in a few and work diligently every day to ensure they are well-fed and healthy. As my herd grows, I plan to sell some goats to raise enough starting capital for a shop business. This shop will lay the foundation for a better life for my family, providing a steady income and the opportunity to save and invest in other ventures. My dream is to see this business thrive, becoming a reliable source of income that will allow me to provide more comfortably for my family's needs and secure our future."

"In the upcoming year, my top priority is to finalize paying off the $25 remaining on my solar loan. Once that is settled, I will shift my focus to expanding my cramped one-room mud wall house, especially since my two grandchildren live with me. I dream of adding a second room to give them the space they need to sleep comfortably and study without distractions. I will save bit by bit and work hard to gather the materials needed for this expansion."

"In the coming year, my greatest hope is to renovate my house, which has stood for many years but now feels too old and weak to withstand the heavy winds we often experience. I dream of building strong pillars to make it firm and secure, giving my family a safe place to call home. To achieve this, I plan to save $16 monthly until I have enough to start the renovations. Bit by bit, I will work towards this goal, knowing that with patience and determination, I can protect my family and give us all a better, safer future."