"Looking ahead, I aim to concentrate on farming by either purchasing or leasing a generator to draw water from the river to my fields, which will enable me to grow beans. This essential investment will guarantee a consistent water supply, vital for the health of my crops. Once I begin generating income from my farming efforts, my intention is to invest in livestock, which I can manage at home to help support my family. With age catching up to me, I believe that caring for animals is a more manageable task than the strenuous work in the fields. I’m confident that combining crop and livestock farming will provide a reliable source of income for us. Ultimately, my goal is to improve our living conditions and ensure we have adequate food and resources for the future."

"GiveDirectly has shown us great care by following up to ensure we use the money wisely. I appreciate how they talk to us nicely and treat us with respect. Their support makes us feel valued and included in the program. I have not noticed anything bad from GiveDirectly; all my experiences with them have been positive. However, I think they could improve by offering more workshops or training sessions to help us manage our finances better. This extra support would empower us to make the most of the funds we receive."

"Building a safe home for my family has been a top priority, especially after floods damaged our previous shelter. I used my entire second cash transfer of $450 to construct two rooms with iron sheets: one room to replace our damaged house and another specifically for my children. Our previous home was unstable and nearly collapsing, and the room where my children stayed was made of grass and mud, which the floods swept away completely. This support from GiveDirectly gave us a chance to rebuild and create a more secure environment for my family.My husband and I face many challenges as we work to provide for our five children. Although he does his best with farming, he has a disability from an accident ten years ago that prevents him from doing heavy labor. This makes it difficult to earn enough on our own to cover all our needs, and we often had to live day-to-day without knowing if we could make improvements to our lives. With this transfer, however, I was able to ensure we have a safer home for everyone, giving us much-needed peace of mind. Additionally, I work by selling vegetables and fruits at the local center, but life was hard before receiving this support, as the income from my small business was not enough for such a big need like housing. Now, our lives feel more stable, and I can focus on growing my business instead of worrying about the safety of our shelter. The cash transfer has truly made a positive difference, allowing us to recover and plan for a better future."

"The officers communicated with us very respectfully and took the time to explain how GiveDirectly's funds are meant to help improve our lives. They educated us well on how to use the money effectively, which was very helpful. I appreciated how they treated us with kindness and respect, making us feel valued. So far, I haven't seen anything negative in my experience with GiveDirectly; everything has been smooth and well-organized. I feel grateful for the support and guidance they’ve provided. Overall, my experience with GiveDirectly has been entirely positive."

"My spouse and I are fortunate to have three children of whom two are in school, while the youngest is still small. To support our family, my spouse takes on casual jobs, while I manage our livestock. Life was quite challenging before we received assistance from GiveDirectly; earning a consistent income was difficult, and the little we had was often insufficient for basic needs like school fees and food. There were times when we went to bed hungry, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, we can plan better and no longer face those hardships. With my most recent transfer, I spent $102 to purchase three goats. I aim to invest in goat rearing, so once the transfers conclude, I’ll have a reliable source of support for my family. As the goats breed and their numbers increase, I plan to sell some of them to pay for my children's education and purchase food."

"After getting attacked by a crocodile while fishing my life has been difficult because I'm unable to provide for my family because of my injuries."

"A few months ago, strong winds tore off the roof of my house, which had weakened over time. The old and dilapidated iron sheets couldn’t withstand the pressure. I had plans to renovate the entire roof with new iron sheets and timber for added stability, but financial constraints made it impossible to get the materials right away. Thankfully, after receiving my first transfer, I can finally make this goal a reality. I’m now able to buy new iron sheets, nails, and timber for the roofing. Additionally, I plan to purchase a truckload of stones, sand, and cement to reinforce the entire structure, as the original mud walls feel temporary to me. My ultimate aim is to rebuild and ensure it lasts, putting an end to my constant worries about shelter, especially during heavy rains."

"The last time we spoke, I mentioned my plans to buy animals, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve made significant progress toward that goal. I now own 5 goats, 3 sheep, and 15 chickens, which feels like a big step forward. Selling some of the chickens has helped me provide food for my family and support my child's education. I’m motivated to continue expanding by adding more animals with the help of my GiveDirectly transfers, allowing them to keep reproducing and increasing in number. This way, I’ll have a sustainable resource to sell from whenever needed. My long-term vision is to purchase my own piece of land and build a house for myself. Right now, I’m staying with my mother, but I’m diligently saving to turn this dream into reality. I also work in tailoring, though only occasionally, which helps contribute to my overall goals."

"The process was clear from start to finish—everything was well explained, and I didn’t have to pay a single shilling to be part of it. The best part was the freedom we were given to spend the money however we wanted. Whether it was buying food, repairing a roof, or starting a small business, the decision was entirely ours. That flexibility meant we could address our most urgent needs instead of being told what was best for us. Honestly, I don't think anything needs to be changed about the program. The way GiveDirectly treats us—with dignity and trust—has empowered many in my community. I hope they keep things exactly the way they are because it works. People here now believe they have a chance at building something better for themselves, and that’s priceless."

"I want to build a new house because the one I have right now is just a single-room house, yet I have four children. As time goes on, they keep growing, and I know I need to build a bigger house to give them more space and comfort. The plan is to plough a shamba so I can plant beans. Once I harvest the beans, I’ll sell them. And with that money, I’ll start building the house. But before that, I need to get the land ready and buy the beans for planting. To do all that, I’ll use the money I make from the maize I’ve just sold to Kenya Seed. It’s not going to be easy, but I have to do it. A better home for my children—one with more rooms where they can grow up comfortably—is worth the effort and I am optimistic that I am going to do it."