"Financial constraints stand out as my biggest challenge because my husband and I are jobless at home due to our old age. This has pushed us to live a desperate life due to the worst nature of our house and the beddings. Imagine sleeping in a house without a door! This has exposed us to the danger of robbery at night. Also, sleeping on my bed over the night means waking up with rope marks all over the body which makes me feel more pain. What a worrying life!"

"I recently enrolled in college as a part-time student, pursuing a course in masonry. Since I rely on transfers to pay for my tuition, I've been surviving on menial construction jobs. I believe that having a certificate will help me find more profitable opportunities. To enhance my education, I recently joined a merry-go-round where I contribute $25. When it's my turn to receive the transfers, I'll be able to pay for my tuition. Once I complete the course this year, I plan to invest in livestock, specifically goats and chickens"

"I would like to increase my investment in livestock, specifically by purchasing more chickens and goats. Currently, I own over ten birds and two goats. As I do not have any other source of income, I primarily rely on subsistence farming to provide food for my family during the planting season. However, these livestock can be a great investment for my children's education. When they reproduce, I can sell them to pay for my children's education and also help solve my financial problems. Additionally, I plan on selling these animals in the future to buy a dairy cow, which I can then use to produce and sell milk for a living"

"My aim is to allocate a larger portion of my transfers towards expanding my livestock holdings. As the value of livestock appreciates with time, their capacity to reproduce and grow in number presents a significant advantage, amplifying my initial investment. With a forward-looking approach, I intend to utilize the proceeds from selling the livestock to fund my children's education. It brings me great joy to witness how these transfers are not only supporting my children's education but also catering to their fundamental needs, even in the absence of a steady income."

"Living in constant fear due to a leaking roof that seemed like it could collapse anytime was a tough reality for me. However, after receiving the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to take a significant step towards a safer life. I used the money to renovate the roof, making it strong enough to withstand heavy rainfall. The transformation not only fixed the physical structure but also brought peace of mind. Now, I can go about my daily life without the worry of my house falling apart, knowing that I am safe and secure in my own home. The support from GiveDirectly has truly changed my life for the better."

"In the coming years, I plan to acquire a maize milling machine, which will serve as a valuable asset for generating income for my family. Currently, many of my neighbors face the challenge of traveling long distances to access milling services, particularly during the rainy seasons. By owning a milling machine, I aim not only to provide milling services to clients but also to process my own maize harvest and sell the flour, thereby adding value to the product and increasing profitability. I am optimistic that this business venture will establish a sustainable source of income, allowing me to finance my children's education and prevent any interruptions in their studies. I look forward to the support of my spouse, who is expected to clear his loan by mid-next year. This support will be crucial in acquiring the necessary equipment to successfully establish and operate the maize milling business. Overall, I view this endeavor as a significant step towards achieving financial stability and positively contributing to the well-being of my family."

"In 2010, we faced displacement from our original homeland due to the rising waters of Lake Baringo. Forced to borrow temporarily, the owner of the land where we settled issued a notice to vacate by April of this year if we couldn't purchase the property. The looming deadline added daily stress to our lives, as our finances were insufficient for such a significant purchase. Last June, my spouse secured a job as a security guard, but the monthly salary of $60 proved inadequate for our family's basic needs. Receiving the transfer provided a golden opportunity to secure ownership of the land. I used $400 from this transfer, leaving $600 that I plan to further reduce using the third transfer. This has brought a sense of peace; the daily threats of eviction are now a thing of the past. Additionally, I can now pursue personal development, such as farming, without the previous owner's objections. Additionally, I utilized $35 to purchase food and $15 on clothes for my children."

"What truly sets GiveDirectly apart for me is their approach: from enrollment to support, their process was fair and inclusive. Their officers visited every home in our village without discrimination, ensuring a transparent and equitable process. The timing of their assistance was impeccable, providing crucial support for my child's circumcision—a significant moment for us. Beyond my own family, the impact of GiveDirectly on our community has been profound. This term, children from families who previously struggled with school fees have been able to attend school, a testament to the positive effect of their work. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this remarkable mission, transforming lives and communities with their generosity and fairness."

"With the generous support from GiveDirectly, I expanded my small goat herd by purchasing three additional goats for $150, a meaningful investment aimed at creating a lasting legacy and aiding in my family's future sustenance. I was managing 10 to 15 chicks due to financial constraints. With the support from GiveDirectly, I purchased 30 more chicks at $33, along with $15 worth of chick mash, significantly boosting my poultry business. Recognizing the need for a proper shelter for my growing chicks, I invested $50 in a ready-made chicken house, transitioning them from the kitchen to a more suitable environment. Additionally, the timely support facilitated the purchase of fertilizer for $150 for my three-acre maize farm at a critical top-dressing stage, a crucial step I could not have funded otherwise. To improve my family's living conditions, I allocated $30 for a new mattress, replacing the worn-out one and providing my children, who previously relied on temporary bedding, with a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. I used $12 on a few food items. Miscellaneous expenses included $4 for transport and $6 for educational books for my children to ensure their well-being and education are not compromised. As farmers, my husband and I tirelessly work to support our family, navigating the unpredictable nature of our livelihood with determination and hope. GiveDirectly's support has alleviated immediate financial pressures and planted seeds for a prosperous future for our family."

"My aspiration is to acquire a piece of land on which I can construct a home, providing a peaceful dwelling for myself and my three children. Having separated from my husband a considerable time ago, my driving force is to secure a permanent residence for my children, ensuring they have a stable and comforting home. The financial support from the transfers has been instrumental in not only caring for my ailing son but also in procuring food and enhancing the prospects of my business. I find great satisfaction in the progress made towards my goal and the positive impact on my family's well-being."