"Our family income is unstable. I am running a small crockery business that brings in only $2 a day, and my spouse earns $115 a month from casual work. With the high cost of living, our combined earnings fall short of meeting our family's needs. This situation makes it challenging for me to provide a better life for my three children. It is disheartening that we often have to borrow or depend on getting food on credit from the nearby kiosk. There are times when we skip lunch altogether or only have tea."

"I am currently living in a small one-room house with a severely leaking roof due to termite damage to the *makuti* roofing, which has created gaps. The space is also too small for my needs, so I am planning to build a more spacious house with a verandah, even if it’s just a single room since I live alone. To achieve this, I intend to save part of my transfer to fund the construction. Having this new house will provide me with a comfortable living space, free from the constant worry of leaks during rain, and allow me to work towards a better future. For now, there is no food, so I am using part of my transfer to buy food while hoping God will bless us with rains this season. Once I have enough food, I will redirect the funds toward building my house. My current roof leaks badly, and when it rains, I get soaked. I also plan to support my building project with the income I earn daily."

"The biggest difference in our lives after receiving the transfer is that we now have enough food at home. Before, we often struggled to find meals, and our children were unhappy because they were hungry. Now, there is plenty of food, and our kids are very happy. This change has brought a sense of peace to our home. We no longer feel the stress of worrying about where our next meal will come from. Overall, the money has improved our lives by ensuring that we have enough to eat and that our family can enjoy each day together."

"What I like about GiveDirectly is that they are very fair when it comes to giving out money. They enroll us in the right way without any jealousy or favoritism. The officers are very professional, and they treat everyone equally without discrimination. I appreciate how transparent and organized the process is. I haven’t noticed any areas that need improvement because their work is excellent. I am very grateful and hope they continue with the same spirit."

"GiveDirectly did an excellent job with their emergency response. Through their unconditional cash transfers, I was able to recover from the effects of the floods. I am truly grateful for the support, as it helped me rebuild my life. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider providing more cash beyond the third transfer. This would allow us to fully recover and continue building a stable future after the challenges we faced."

"My plan for this year and beyond is to buy a new place to relocate, as my primary goal is to mitigate the threat of future floods. The devastating floods I experienced have taught me the importance of finding a safer location for my family, and I am determined to make this move a reality. I plan to use the last transfer from GiveDirectly to help me achieve this goal. The thought of securing a safe, flood-free home fills me with immense joy and relief, as I no longer want to face the dangers and damage caused by floods. Relocating will provide my family with peace of mind and a stable foundation for the future."

"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy 30 bags of cement for $250 and a damp-proof membrane for $55. I also purchased building rods for $52 and a roll of wire for $32. My goal is to build a permanent brick house because the iron-sheet house I currently live in has been ruined by termites and floods. It’s no longer safe, so I’m determined to improve my living conditions step by step. To make sure the construction doesn’t stall, I took a loan to buy hardcore. Now, I’m waiting for the next transfer to continue with the structure. Meanwhile, I also invested $50 in my business, where I sell potatoes and cabbages. I’m hoping the profits will grow so I can pay the mason when the time comes to start building. I see the business as a key part of the plan—if it flourishes, it will help me complete the house faster. With the rest of the money, I bought food for the household. I wanted to make sure we have enough to eat while we focus on our work and daily struggles. Knowing that there’s food at home gives me peace of mind as I juggle the house project and running the business. This transfer has given me hope, and with careful planning, I believe I’ll finally achieve my dream of a stable home."

"My future goal is to continue investing in livestock, particularly goats. I have already joined a saving group, where I regularly contribute. Once it's my turn to receive the funds, I plan to use the money to purchase more goats. I currently have five goats, which I bought with money from the transfers, and as the herd grows, I will have the opportunity to sell some to meet my family's needs. I am grateful for the financial assistance, which has helped me improve my life and the well-being of my family."

"Looking forward, my main objective in the coming year is to purchase these two bulls to help with plowing my farm. I also plan to generate additional income by offering plowing services to other people in the community. By continuing to save through the group, I am confident that when it is my turn to receive the lump sum, I will be able to make the purchase. The financial support has been instrumental in helping me pursue this goal and move toward financial stability. I am truly grateful for it."

"Previously, I saved a portion of my transfers each month and was able to purchase a goat for $50. That goat has since multiplied, and I now have two goats. My goal in the coming months is to buy another goat to add to the ones I already have. These goats serve as a future investment, as I can sell them in case of an emergency and raise the money I need. To achieve this goal, I plan to save a small amount from my subsequent transfers, just as I did before. I am very thankful for the financial support, which has helped us get through these difficult financial times and continues to offer hope for a better future."