"I come from a polygamous family, and the house we lived in was very small and on the verge of collapsing due to its age and wear. I have always wanted to build a spacious house where my family and I can live comfortably, as the old house was not safe, especially during heavy rains. However, the cost of building a new house seemed out of reach for me as I rely on burning and selling charcoal to make a living, which doesn't earn me much. I can only sell charcoal worth $6 in a week, and this isn't enough to cover our basic needs, including the school fees for my four children. With these financial burdens, saving for a new house seemed impossible. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support which made my plan possible after receiving the transfer. With their assistance, I was able to purchase iron sheets, nails, and building poles to construct a new two-roomed house. I now live in a safe and secure home, no longer worried about the rains. Additionally, I was able to use the support to send my son to college, fulfilling a dream deferred for three years after he completed high school."

"I am really impressed with how GiveDirectly handled the entire process of enrolling us into their program while keeping their main objective of helping us overcome poverty at the forefront. The unconditional transfers they provided were truly impactful, as we had never experienced such individualized support before. Having the freedom to plan for ourselves has completely transformed our lives, as we were each able to address our specific needs. We can attest that the program has been a true blessing for us. The changes brought about by these transfers have not only affected me but have also impacted my village. I sincerely wish that the program could continue so that we can experience even more positive changes!"

"In the coming year, my main aim is to use the upcoming transfers to expand my livestock holdings, particularly with more goats. These animals will not only help me meet my basic needs but also serve as an investment. My plan is to grow their numbers steadily so that in the future, I can exchange some for a cow, which will further secure my family's stability. With these animals, I envision a sustainable source of income that will support my children's education and our overall well-being long after this project concludes. I'm optimistic that by diligently managing this opportunity, I can provide a better future for my family and ensure we have the resources we need to thrive."

"I am devastated by what happened two months ago in my village, Loldama. The flash floods caused by the overflowing River Perkerra and Molo washed away all the maize I had sowed on my one-acre land. It is especially painful because I had taken a loan from Kenya Seed Company, counting on the harvest to repay it. Now, I am left with nothing, and I do not know where to start again.I have reached out to Kenya Seed, but they have informed me that their season is over, and they do not allow replanting at this time. It is a heartbreaking situation because I not only lost my crop but also my means to support my family of three. We are facing uncertainty about where our next meal will come from and how we will manage financially."

"By December, my goal is to expand my livestock holdings to around four goats. Currently, I'm proud to say I own three goats, which is a significant step forward considering our previous financial constraints. Before receiving monthly transfers, it was a real struggle to afford and care for livestock while also meeting our family's basic needs. Now, with this support, I can see my dream becoming a reality; a dream I never thought possible. I'm optimistic that with more goats, I'll not only secure a stable source of income by selling them as they multiply but also be able to support my children's education as they progress to higher levels. This opportunity means a lot to me and my family, promising a brighter future ahead."

"I lost my one acre piece of land of watermelon on the recent floods. The fruits were to be harvested in a week time. And my 2 acre maize farm was also swept away by the floods. I am now struggling to make the ends meet after that great loss due to financial challenges"

"I used to supply vegetables to Nakuru and eldama ravine from my farm and I was making good money enough for my farming needs but unfortunately the recent floods cleared everything including fence. I am currently struggling to cope with charcoal burning and casual labour to fend my family basic needs which is very challenging because the money I get is not enough for my family."

"Life has become unbearable for me and my family because I depend on casual labour and charcoal burning to fend for my family daily needs. Getting best stumps to use for charcoal is very hard because people we have already cleared all of it leaving out small stumps and this is the biggest challenges iam facing because If I had different source of income or be financially stable I could not struggle like this to cater for my family."

"Before this year ends, my main goal is to renovate my house. The one I currently live in is quite old, and whenever there's heavy rain, the roof leaks badly. It's been a constant worry for me. To make this happen, I'm planning to use my savings from the chamas and any additional funds I can gather. Once I achieve this dream, I won't have to stress about the safety of my home during harsh weather anymore. It's something I've been planning and saving for, and I'm determined to see it through. A renovated house will bring me peace of mind and a sense of security for my family."

"In the coming months, I have two major goals I want to accomplish once I finish repaying the loan I borrowed. First, I aim to build a new house because the one we currently live in is almost collapsing, and the constant fear of being left homeless is overwhelming. My second goal is to buy bulls that will significantly help with our family activities, as I have been relying solely on my own hands, which is incredibly tiring. Achieving these goals will be a huge relief and improve our quality of life. To make this possible, I plan to use the monthly transfers I receive and my savings from the chapati business I operate. With careful planning and determination, I believe I can turn these aspirations into reality and secure a better future for my family."