"My mother has suffered pressure for so long. This has been a challenge to me and I can not even work far from home because she needs my care. Healthy issues is the challenge that I am currently facing in life."

"I am in the process of embarking on goat rearing, as these animals represent the only assets I can comfortably manage. My primary occupation has traditionally revolved around selling livestock during market days, which has served as my primary means of livelihood. However, due to my advanced age and declining physical strength, I am no longer capable of engaging in strenuous activities. Therefore, the prospect of owning a number of goats is highly advantageous, particularly in times of financial crisis. I am currently the proud owner of four goats, and my goal is to significantly expand this herd. I take comfort in the fact that, as they multiply, they will provide a consistent source of financial support, particularly for necessities such as medication. My overarching objective now is to accumulate these assets that can provide for me in my elderly years, offering a financial cushion whenever the need arises."

"I currently face the challenge of landslide which threatens us all time that may lose our lives and property. We also a problem of poverty which comes as a result of crops and property destruction. We also face a challenge of sickness which takes a lot of money and makes us fail to pay school fees for school going children."

"It was exactly noon when I was taking my lunch when I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking, I realized it was an M-Pesa notification from GiveDirectly. My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. In that moment, I couldn't help but smile as a flood of possibilities filled my mind. With this unconditional cash transfer, I knew I could finally repair my motorcycle, which had broken down months ago. That mortocycle was more than just a mode of transportation; it was my lifeline and my means of earning a living by transporting charcoal within the town center. As I looked at the message again, I felt a sense of hope and gratitude for the opportunities this unexpected blessing would bring into my life."

"As I returned from my friend's place around 3 PM, where I had gone to charge my phone due to its dead battery, a rush of excitement coursed through me as I unlocked my device. To my sheer delight, there it was—the long-awaited notification confirming that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that this support would be the key to transforming my life. With tears of joy, I envisioned a future where I could finally afford a fresh water tap, ensuring clean and accessible water for my family, and a spacious new house to replace the cramped one we had endured for years."

"In the coming years and beyond, I am considering transitioning from maize farming to cultivating green gram and peanuts. These crops are known for their resilience to drought, which has been a recurring challenge in our region. Over the past four years, my attempts at maize farming have been marred by losses due to inadequate rainfall, resulting in reduced yields. I believe that shifting to green gram and peanuts will be a more sustainable choice. These crops are better suited to our climate conditions and have the potential to yield a surplus that I can sell to secure both food for our consumption and funds for my children's education. This transition represents a hopeful step towards a more stable and prosperous future for my family."

"The second transfer brought a wonderful transformation to my home. It's no longer a dilapidated old house but a welcoming refuge. With $145, I gave it a complete makeover. We replaced the old, rusty, and leaking roof with shiny new iron sheets. Termite-infested frames were swapped out for fresh ones. A fresh coat of paint adorned the walls and roof, adding a burst of colour. We even got new cushions for our seats worth $30, a significant upgrade from the worn-out ones. Now, I'm a proud homeowner, ready to receive visitors without feeling ashamed of my house's appearance. Additionally, I pampered myself with new shoes and clothes, spending $50 to replace my old garments. Now, I'm ready to look my best, whether I'm attending special functions or going to town. I also decided to upgrade my sleep game with a new $50 mattress, saying goodbye to my worn-out, decade-old one. Now, I sleep like a baby. Not forgetting the welfare of my kids, who used to share a tiny bed, I got them a bigger one for $20. I also cleared a food debt of $60 in a nearby shop to show the owner my commitment and maintain a good relationship with him. With the remaining amount, I stocked up on food to ensure my family of eight always had enough since my income is not consistent as I rely on casual construction for a living."

"The lack of a reliable source of income in my household is basically what makes my life tough. At the moment, I have 3 children who are schooling and they depend on me to pay their fees. This has stressed me a lot because my casual activities does not earn me much, usually $2 in a day that I use to buy food. This means their education is affected most because they are mostly sent home. As a parent, I have been feeling the pain of watching them desperately at home. What a life of worries about their future!"

"I was once dealing with second hand clothes, a job that I depended the most. This job came into a halt since June last year because I experienced some challenges like school fees and hunger, that forced me to spend the money planned for the business. Considering that I had borrowed a loan as my capital, it shocked me and I had to spend everything including selling my 3 goats to pay back the money. As I speak, I decided to engage in other small business of selling sweet potatoes within our village and in a day I make $2, an amount which is three times less of what I used to earn. The pressure of balancing how to sustain my family's basic needs due to the financial crisis is what I consider as my biggest challenge."