"My plan for the next year revolves around my daughter, who is currently in Grade 6. Next year, she’ll be moving up to Junior Secondary School, and I want to make sure I am fully prepared for that transition. The thing is, I’ve already managed to clear her school fees for this year, which is a huge relief but I need to start thinking ahead. That’s why I’m determined to work even harder in my charcoal business. It’s not easy work, but it’s what I do, and it’s what’s going to help me save up the money she’ll need for next year’s fees. It’s important to me that she has every opportunity to succeed, and if that means burning more charcoal and putting in longer hours, then that’s exactly what I’ll do. By the time she finishes Grade 6 and is ready for Junior Secondary, I want to be able to say that I’ve saved enough to cover all her fees. I want to give her the best start possible, and that’s what’s driving me right now."

"My foremost aspiration right now is to develop my workshop into a wholesale enterprise over the next year and beyond. I believe this expansion will yield significant returns and create a foundation for a brighter future. Since this venture is my main source of income, it is extremely important to me. It will simplify providing for my young family and allow me to plan more effectively for my children's future. I envision a time when financial concerns are replaced by stability and security, giving my children the opportunities they deserve. In addition, I plan to enhance my poultry business. As it grows, I’ll be able to sell some chickens and use the profits to acquire goats. This expansion will further strengthen my business, increase my daily income, and enable me to support my family more comfortably."

"The lack of stable family income is making our lives increasingly difficult and unbearable. It is unfortunate that my old age limits my ability to take on casual work to provide for my family of four. I am currently working as a caregiver to support myself. However, with a monthly income of $45, I am struggling to cover the school fees for my two daughters, who are enrolled in college and secondary school. I am currently working as a caregiver to support myself. However, with a monthly income of $45, I am struggling to cover the school fees for my two daughters, who are enrolled in college and secondary school. I feel deeply distressed when my daughter is sent home to collect the unpaid school fees. It pains me to see her fall behind in her education, and I feel as though I am failing her as a parent."

"Once I complete my house construction project, I plan to invest in goats. Currently, I have one goat, and I believe that over time, I will be able to acquire more. Investing in goats is a practical choice because they can multiply easily and be sold when needed. Additionally, I can exchange them for dairy cows, which will help with farming. This investment will create employment opportunities for me through goat sales and milk production, contributing to my income. I also have a dream of finding a wife once I am financially stable."

"I currently burn and sell charcoal to support my family. This year, my goal is to purchase a five-by-six bed and mattress. The bed we have now is too small, and my children have to sleep on a mat, even during the cold season. I want to buy a larger bed for us and pass the current bed and mattress to my children. I believe that with the support from my merry-go-round savings group, I will be able to achieve this goal. It will ensure that my children can sleep comfortably and with more ease, instead of waiting for their father to leave so they can use the bed. Seeing them uncomfortable is distressing for me, and I am hopeful that this change will bring them the comfort they deserve."

"The biggest challenge we are facing currently is the flooding that has affected our village. The flooding has led to the death of our 6 chickens and destruction of our house. This has become a big challenge since we are forced to start over and yet we don't have enough money to do so. This has made life very difficult."

"My son is in secondary school, raising school fees is a challenge. I am a single mother, this means my children depend on me alone. Due to challenges in getting money to do farming, I am forced to lease my land to others. The income from leasing is lower. It leads to difficulty in educating my son. I believe he'll have a better future with a good education. I'm always worried that he may be sent home anytime to collect school fees, which I may not have. I mainly depend on casual jobs to support my family. It's hardly enough for a family of five."

"Charcoal burning is our main source of family income, this comes with numerous challenges on my health and ability to put food on the table. As a result of this, I can feel the pain of being the sole breadwinner of the family. Our source of family income is not sustainable to support my family of four. We often find ourselves with no food, and therefore we end up borrowing food from my mother or even our neighbors. It is at times embarrassing but I do not have otherwise. The waters of Lake Baringo are just a stone throw away. The lake is swelling and encroaching each and every day. It is sending fear to me and my family, we are hoping that it will not displace us some day."

"The greatest challenge I am facing is the lack of secure and stable land to call home for my family. We were displaced by the encroaching waters of Lake Baringo, forcing us to relocate for our safety. Now, we are constantly besieged by floods whenever it rains in the upper regions of Kabarnet and Kabartonjo, making life unbearable for my family. There are nights when we are forced to stay awake, battling the floodwaters as they invade our house."

"I completed my university degree in mechanical engineering 2 years ago but I have never been employed. I resorted to farming, livestock keeping and charcoal burning to earn a living. Recently I have had a lot of business ideas with those of farming and livestock keeping seeming viable. Unfortunately, I lack capital to kickstart this business. If it does not rain, then the farms are idle here. I do not have the money to purchase the farm equipment and machinery such as a water pump and pipes to irrigate my farm on dry days. It pains me to see this land lie bare when it could otherwise be productive and earn me income."