"At around 3 p.m., I was sitting outside my compound, feeling overwhelmed by how difficult things had become. We had barely enough food for the day, and I kept worrying about tomorrow. My phone was inside, so I decided to check it. To my surprise, there was a message from GiveDirectly! My heart raced as I opened it, and sure enough, the money had arrived. I felt an instant wave of relief and joy. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. With this money, we wouldn't have to worry about food anymore. The timing was perfect, and I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful."

"I am a mother of eleven children. Five of them are married, but I still take care of the six who are in school. My husband supports our family by tapping palm wine, but it has not always been enough. When I received my first transfer of $550, I knew I had to use it wisely to improve our living situation. My priority was to construct a house for my children. I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for $220 and building poles for $110. I made this decision because I used to sleep with my children in the same house. I’m happy to say that the house is now under construction! After securing materials for the house, I used $25 to repair a bed for my children. A good bed is important for their rest and health. I also spent $115 on food, ensuring we had enough supplies to keep us going during this busy time. Finally, I bought a thermos for $20, which will help us store food and keep it warm. With the remaining $60, I decided to save for future needs. This transfer has given me hope and the opportunity to create a better life for my family, and I am grateful for every step we are taking toward stability and comfort."

"I am a mother of eleven children. Five of them are married, but I still take care of the six who are in school. My husband supports our family by tapping palm wine, but it has not always been enough. When I received my first transfer of $550, I knew I had to use it wisely to improve our living situation. My priority was to construct a house for my children. I bought 20 pieces of iron sheets for $220 and building poles for $110. I made this decision because I used to sleep with my children in the same house. I’m happy to say that the house is now under construction! After securing materials for the house, I used $25 to repair a bed for my children. A good bed is important for their rest and health. I also spent $115 on food, ensuring we had enough supplies to keep us going during this busy time. Finally, I bought a thermos for $20, which will help us store food and keep it warm. With the remaining $60, I decided to save for future needs. This transfer has given me hope and the opportunity to create a better life for my family, and I am grateful for every step we are taking toward stability and comfort."

"The absence of a steady income to provide for my family's essential needs is my current major challenge. I previously relied on the honey business, but since it is seasonal in my area, life becomes increasingly difficult during the dry season, making survival even more unbearable"

"I was relaxing at home around 3 pm when I received a message notification on my phone. Curiosity sparked within me as I quickly grabbed the device and checked the message. To my amazement, I saw that I had received the promised $550 from GiveDirectly. A wave of joy washed over me, filling my heart with gratitude and excitement. I couldn't help but smile, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Instantly, my thoughts raced to my family's needs, and I envisioned building an extra room for our house. It was a dream I had longed for, a space where my children could have their separate room to grow and thrive."

"Since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, my life has changed in ways I never thought possible. Before the transfers, I used to sleep with my grown-up children in the same house, which left me with no privacy at all, and that pained me. I could not find a moment of peace or space for myself. However, with the money I received, I made the important decision to build a new house for them. The construction is ongoing, and very soon, my children will have their own house, and I will finally regain my privacy. This new home will not only provide us with comfort but also strengthen our family bond, as we can create a space where we all feel secure and happy. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now dream of a better living environment for my family, something I could only wish for before."

"Since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, my life has changed in ways I never thought possible. Before the transfers, I used to sleep with my grown-up children in the same house, which left me with no privacy at all, and that pained me. I could not find a moment of peace or space for myself. However, with the money I received, I made the important decision to build a new house for them. The construction is ongoing, and very soon, my children will have their own house, and I will finally regain my privacy. This new home will not only provide us with comfort but also strengthen our family bond, as we can create a space where we all feel secure and happy. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can now dream of a better living environment for my family, something I could only wish for before."

"My hubby is the sole breadwinner for our family. In April 2024, the flash floods caused extensive damage to Masai Mara resort, where he worked as a staff member. Due to the closures, he was unfortunately laid off. We were shocked by the news and had to prepare ourselves for the difficult times ahead, learning to adjust our budget and live within our means. We struggled a lot to put food on the table and meet our family needs. My two sons, Brian and Eugene, who are in secondary school, were also affected by the loss of our family's source of income. Covering their school fee arrears has become an additional challenge for us."

"Financial constraints are the biggest challenge because my husband and I depend on charcoal burning to make ends meet. Currently ,the government has placed strict measures to restrict selling of charcoal and this has greatly affected our income. If we had a stable source of income life would have been better."

"I am a single mother of one, and I rely on cooking and selling meals at quarry sites to provide for my child and myself. When I received my first transfer of $550, I saw it as an opportunity to invest more in my business and expand my offerings to attract more customers. I spent $150 to buy enough stock, which allowed me to prepare a variety of meals. This investment not only helped improve the quality of my food but also enabled me to reach a wider audience, boosting my sales and providing better meals for my family. In addition to investing in my business, I knew I had to prioritize my child's education. I used $50 to pay school fees, ensuring my child could continue attending school without interruptions. Education is vital for a better future, and I want to give my child every opportunity to succeed. With the remaining $350, I decided to save it as I figure out the best way to invest for the future. This way, I can secure a stable income and create a better life for my child and me. The transfer has been a lifeline, helping me build a brighter future while managing my responsibilities as a mother."