The goal that fuels my ambition this year is the completion of building my house, a dream that has been deferred due to the pressing need to allocate finances for my children's education. With the Givedirectly monthly transfers we shall overcome financial obstacles, and I will be able to construct a durable home that can withstand the test of time, providing a secure haven for my family. I'm hopeful that our dreams will come true.

I was able to buy a new bed worth $30 since the previous one had been broken. My job as a bus conductor only brings in $5, and although my wife contributes through farming, it's still a challenge to meet all our family's needs. The unconditional Givedirectly cash transfer came at the right time, allowing me to pay my children's school fees and cover other school-related expenses amounting to $45. After that, I bought the bed and set aside $15 as savings for any emergencies that might arise. Additionally, I used $12 to purchase food and other household items, making a significant difference in our daily lives. Reflecting on the impact of the Givedirectly cash transfer, I am very grateful that it has brought about a great difference in our lives. The financial support not only helped address immediate needs like the broken bed and school fees but also provided a sense of security with the emergency savings. Now, our family can enjoy a better quality of life with improved living conditions, thanks to this assistance.

I am determined to make further advancements in the reconstruction of my house. By doing so, I aim to provide a secure and worry-free space for my family, particularly during the rainy season. This will not only ensure their safety but also save me from the financial burden of frequent house repairs, which can be quite costly. I am truly grateful for the support I have received thus far, and it has brought me immense happiness.

As a public service tout, my work provides an uncertain income, making it difficult to ensure daily meals for my family. Fortunately, with the assistance of funds from Give Directly, I am able to pay school fees for my three children. I allocated a significant amount, $30, towards their education to ensure they can continue their studies without the fear of being sent home. Additionally, I invested $24 in purchasing sand and stones to address a recurring issue with the walls of our house. The walls, made of mud, are prone to erosion during heavy rainfall, leaving large openings. To provide a safer living environment for my family in the future, I plan to construct permanent stone-walled pillars around our house. A portion of the funds, $24, was also dedicated to purchasing food. This was necessary during a time when we had not yet harvested our crops and had to rely on purchasing food from shops. Additionally, I used $24 to hire people to assist me in weeding my farm, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The financial support from Give Directly has greatly improved the quality of my life, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact it has had on my family's well-being.

I had been concerned about the condition of my house. Because building costs are always high and I do not have a steady income to contribute to the construction of a new house soon, I could not sit back and watch as my house grew weakens. I have, therefore, resolved to renovate my two-room house. It is my primary objective, with the assurance of the monthly transfers. I will always use my cash to buy cement and sand to plaster the wall and make it permanent. That will extend its lifespan because rain can weaken it should I leave it in the previous state. I hope to accomplish this primary goal this year before I embark on livestock raising early next year.

I am a father of seven, though two daughters are married. My five children, my wife, and I live in a mud-walled house weak as a result of rain. Though I had desired to renovate it by plastering the was, I could not do that because my income is always low. My wife does not have a job. With the most recent transfer, I spent $14 to buy two bags of cement and $10 on the sand. I spent the rest on labor. The last three transfers also went into improving the same house. I hope it will withstand the rains to last long after the renovation.

It meant a lot to me, especially financially, so I would want to thank the organization for making it possible for me to participate in the program. I intend to spend the upcoming monthly transfers for home improvements. The existing one is in poor condition and has a mud wall. The rains had washed away the majority of the mud, leaving holes in every wall of the house. I have so far purchased sand in the hopes of purchasing cement with the upcoming transfers because plastering is a long-term solution. I presently work as a public transportation vehicle tout, and I think that, when combined with the monthly transfers, the money I make from that job will help me reach my objective by the end of the year.

Due to the prolonged drought we have been experiencing, both water and food are now scarce. It took me longer to find a new job when I lost my one as a driver. I was forced to work any odd jobs I could find in the village because my family depends on me. It has been difficult to raise money to meet my family's demands because they are unreliable and I made less money from them. I spent $58 of the most recent cash, which I received, on both food and water. In addition, my house is dusty since the walls are constructed of mud and the rain has washed a bigger part of it off thus weakening them. I purchased a $10 ballast for the same since I intend to plaster it. I'm delighted I just got a new job since the money I'll get from it will let me finish plastering the house.

Since I do not have any formal job. I had resolved to do a motorcycle taxi in order to earn a living. However, the income from this kind of business has been low hence I struggle to support my family. When I confirmed the receipt of my transfer, there was no food in my house. I, therefore, spent KES 1,200 on buying maize flour which has served my family for over two weeks. Because I had school fee arrears of KES 2,100 for my school-going children, I used KES 1,000 to pay part of their fees. I am glad that as they re-open schools today, they will have ample time to focus on their studies. The remaining KES 800 helped me to seek medication for my two youngest children who were feeling unwell by then. I am glad that they have tremendous improvements.

Give Directly stuck to their word of giving us the transfers. I have never been a beneficiary of any help before and I see this as a miracle from good. I urge the organization to commit to helping needy people in society, especially during these tough times. 

I work as a “Matatu tout” in public service vehicles. The recent hike in prices and scarcity of the commodity has made it difficult for me to work for the past three months and earn a living. As a result, I could not pay a school fee debt for my children and hence sent them back home. My wife, who is a casual laborer working in making and selling charcoal, stepped in and provide food for the family with the little she earned. When I received my second transfer, I spent KES 2000 to pay off part of the debt that my children owed the school and was admitted back to school to continue with their education. Finally, I spent the remaining KES 1000 on buying food for my family. I did not work for close to three months and this made my wife struggle in providing for the family (slept hungry 3 days a week). Buying the food will ensure we have plenty to eat and not sleep hungry due to lack of food.

The night the message came was an extraordinary day because out of my old routine of switching off my phone, had not switched off my phone and that was the last message I received before retiring to bed. I was surprised because it was unexpected. The night became better when my wife heard me celebrating and confirmed to me she had received the money as well. It was double blessings which made us excited to fall asleep that night.

The biggest change that have seen since I received the cash transfer is from a distance every villager can notice that I have renovated my house. Even thou am remaining with final touches of here and there, am content and happy to remove the house renovation from the list of important actions. It is a relief for my family that with the heavy rains our house is much better to endure the climate changes. I am also planning to use the rest of the funds to help me pay my child's school fees which has been a challenge and for a change they will all enjoy their undisrupted classes.  

My desire has been improving my house. Currently have been living in a mud house for the last seven years. The stability of the structure to avoid collapsing because of heavy rains is very important when we are expecting heavy rainfall. My work as a casual laborer in construction sites and garage pays as little as KES 400 per day. The amount which is not consistent is barely enough to divide on our daily food expenditure and save some for other financial obligations for a family of three children. When I received my cash transfer of KES 3000, I spent it all on buying the building materials and paying the contactor who was renovating my house.