"When I first heard about the GiveDirectly program, I was skeptical, but as soon as the money was sent directly to me, that skepticism turned into relief. For once, I felt like I had control over my own life and choices, knowing that they trusted me with this support. They didn’t try to tell me what to do or restrict me; instead, they left the decision entirely up to me. What stood out to me was how clear and transparent GiveDirectly was from the beginning. They explained everything well, making sure I understood how the program worked and what to expect. There was no confusion or worry because they communicated everything in a way that made sense to us. It’s hard to think of anything that should be changed, as they’ve approached this perfectly—letting us be in charge of our choices, believing in us, and providing us with resources we need. I am grateful that, for once, an organization trusted us enough to empower us, without conditions or interference."

"The biggest change in my daily life is that I've become more hopeful and happier since I started keeping two goats on my homestead. Having them around gives me confidence that I will soon achieve my dream of owning dairy cows. Since goats reproduce quickly, I believe I’ll have many more in no time. Once they multiply, I can easily trade them for a dairy cow. I think having a dairy cow will greatly improve my life because it will produce milk. This means I’ll have an income from selling the milk, especially since I currently don’t have a job. It has been challenging to rely solely on my son for all my needs since I can no longer work. In addition to the financial benefits, my health will improve as we’ll have our milk to supplement our meals. As my goats continue to reproduce, they will increase my livestock, which is a positive step forward for me, particularly after all I’ve endured, including the loss of my spouse. Now, I worry less about the future because I'm confident these goats will soon make my life easier, providing relief for my son, who has been taking care of me for so long."

"I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish next year. The first thing is to work really hard on the farm. My plan is that when I get a good harvest, I’ll buy half an acre of land where I can finally settle. You see, where we live now, it floods every time the rains come, and it’s become too stressful. I need a place where my family can feel safe no matter the weather. I'll use that land for both living and farming—something that gives me stability. I hope to have one acre in total, so I can keep farming to sustain us. This way, we’ll not only have a secure home but also land to grow crops, ensuring that no season goes to waste. Another goal I have is to buy five more goats. Goats are really important—they’re like insurance. If something comes up, like an emergency, I can always sell one or two and get what I need. I already have a few goats, but these extra ones would make all the difference. Farming will be the key to getting those goats. If all goes well, by this time next year, I’ll have everything in place."

"When I first heard about GiveDirectly, I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment their staff came to our community, I was impressed. They treated us with so much respect, speaking to us kindly and making sure everyone felt heard. They took the time to explain everything clearly—how the program works, how the money would be sent, and what we could do if we had questions or problems. I wouldn’t change a thing about how GiveDirectly handled everything. The process was smooth, and there was no confusion from the start to the end. They did exactly what they promised, and it was clear they respected us throughout the entire journey. I can’t think of anything that needs improvement—they got it all right."

"I want to buy half an acre of land elsewhere, somewhere it doesn’t flood. Where I stay currently is prone to floods whenever it rains, and I need a place that’s more secure. The constant worry isn’t something I want to live with forever. To achieve this, I’ll keep going with maize farming. It’s steady, but I also plan to try watermelon farming this time. They fetch a good price, and if things go well, I should make a decent amount from both crops. The plan is to sell the melons and maize, then use that money to buy the piece of land. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m determined. It’s time to move to a place where rain doesn’t bring fear with it."

"I am currently facing a challenge in providing for my family of seven. I work as a house manager for a neighbor, earning KES 4000 a month. While I use this money to buy food, it is often not enough. Sometimes, I have to take goods on credit from shops, hoping my husband can repay them through his driving job. With schools closing soon, I am worried because I will have to pause my job since my employer will be home full-time. This adds even more stress to an already difficult situation because there will be no salary for those days. For this period , I will reinvest in my tailoring business so as to earn an income from repairing clothes."

"I was at home alone when I received a message notification informing me that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. I was so happy and grateful! My first thought was to use the money to pay school fees for my children. This support would help ensure their education could continue without any interruptions, and it filled me with a sense of relief knowing I could meet this important need."

"I was at home alone when I received a message from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received $200. I was overjoyed, knowing that many of my needs would soon be met. My first thought was to address the food situation in my household, as it had been a concern for us. I eagerly waited for my husband and children to come home so I could share the good news with them."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly is that I now have a sense of comfort and stability in my home. I used to feel overwhelmed by financial stress, especially when it came to paying school fees for my children. With the funds I received, I was able to create a cozy living space for my family and ensure that their education remains uninterrupted. I no longer have to rely on casual labor, which used to take a toll on my time and energy. Instead, I can focus on providing for my family’s needs while also feeling secure about their future. This support has truly changed my life, giving me hope and peace of mind."

"My main goal for this year and the years to come is to start a business after relocating here. I aspire to become a businesswoman and open a mini wholesale shop. With the network I have built in the village, I know many people will come to buy from me. Additionally, those who run businesses in the surrounding villages will also come to stock up at my wholesale. This venture will not only provide for my family but also enable me to be fully self-dependent. I envision a future where my business thrives, allowing us to live the life we deserve and giving me the freedom to support my family. This opportunity fills me with excitement and determination to succeed."