I am a teacher by profession, though I am not employed currently. One thing that I desire is for my children to have a good foundation for their education. So, in the years to come, I trust that I will be in a position to look for more ways of generating income, so I will not struggle to pay school fees when that time comes. Purchasing the cows was an investment for the future in that I will not be buying milk but rather using the expenses meant for it on something else and also selling extra milk to earn some money. I would also wish to drive a car in this world before I die, and so I am holding on to my wishes and putting everything in place to ensure that this dream is met.

The time that GiveDirectly came in was one of the most difficult times we have ever faced as a community. We had not done farming for two years because of the prolonged drought, so having food in our homes was a problem. We are grateful to give direct transfers because we have been shielded from the worst; luckily, the rains are here too, and we have bought seedlings and fertilizers to do farming without too much struggle. Through the transfers, our people are made responsible not by choice but for ensuring that the transfers are used in a proper and beneficial way. GiveDirectly has also demonstrated fairness and transparency in this program, which has encouraged many people.

I've been married for two months now, and my first priority was to fill the house with comfortable furniture, including a bed. When I got the transfer, I already knew where I would get them for a negotiated price. I went there and paid $150, which served as a reminder of how I was changing from a senior bachelor to a responsible family man. Additionally, I recalled how, during the dry season, we would go great distances to gather water and that buying a water tank was not at all an option. I went to a hardware store and took out $100 to buy a 1,000-liter tank, and because it is now the rainy season, we will have plenty of water. Because of how highly regarded cows are in our town and how humiliating it might be to not have any at home, I felt compelled to purchase two cows at a cost of $150 each. As the man of the house, all of this made me feel satisfied, and my wife was unable to conceal her joy because it was so obvious on her face.

I was in Bomet town where I run a daycare center when I received my cash transfer. I heard my phone ring and when I checked the message, I realized that I had a huge amount of money in my mobile Mpesa wallet. I couldn't share the news with anyone for security reasons since I was in town. I remained calm until the evening when I shared the news with my family who were grateful.

The biggest difference in my life today is that my son is in school and studying comfortably. Second, I was able to tile up the floor of my house which was a challenge before, due to financial constraints. I'm so happy and content with the accomplishments so far.

My husband is a farmer whereas I run a daycare in Bomet. Together, we have three children and one grandchild. When I received my transfer, I opted to pay school fees for my son at the University where I spent $200. Secondly, I spent $300 to enhance my house by putting up tiles on the floor. Lastly, I spent $50 on foodstuff. All this wasn't possible before because I had a sick child to take care of plus the responsibility of paying for school fees. I'm grateful for the support that amazingly uplifted my living standards.