My plan for this year is to build my own house. I used GiveDirectly's second transfer to cultivate maize on two acres. Despite floods that destroyed one acre, I am hopeful of harvesting from the remaining acre. I plan to use the produce to meet my family's food needs and sell the surplus to build a one-bedroom house. The thought of this fills me with joy and satisfaction because it will greatly improve my family's standard of living, allowing us to live in a larger, more comfortable home that meets our needs.

What I liked about GiveDirectly is the respectful nature of their officers. They welcome questions and answer them politely. I also noticed that they do not ask for bribes, which is commendable. What I would like GiveDirectly to change is that they should continue funding us even after the third transfer because when we receive the money, the need for it arises. Otherwise, I am very happy and thankful for GiveDirectly's support.

Upon receiving the last transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, my family and I were so thankful and happy for the support. My son, who has just been married, was unfortunately not eligible for the program. They had no proper house and were living in a muddy structure that was at risk of being swept away by the constant floods in our area. I decided to spend $300 to help him buy building materials. This amount covered the cost of iron sheets, frames, and labor. Now, he and his wife have a safer home where they can live privately. At the time I received this money, I was sick and needed medical attention but didn’t have the money to pay for it. This help came at the perfect time, and I used $15 to cover my hospital bill, and now I am healthy. The rest of the money was used to buy food, which is a real challenge. Relying on casual labor to put food on the table is not sustainable, but now I have enough food for my family. I am so happy and grateful for this support.

My goal this year and beyond is to find a new place to live. The recent floods in Baringo swept away my household goods, forcing me to seek refuge with neighbors on higher ground. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly and some surplus from my farm, I will look for a safer place to build a new home. This permanent relocation will protect my family from future floods. GiveDirectly has given me the means to plan for a secure future. Their support allows me to move to a safer area, bringing peace of mind and stability to my family. We are deeply grateful for their assistance, which has made it possible to dream of and achieve a safer, better life.

What stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the kindness of their officers. They are very polite and listen patiently, even if you say something that doesn't make sense. They correct you without making fun of you, and I loved that. Their support has made my life easier because I no longer have to seek casual jobs on an empty stomach. I hope GiveDirectly continues the transfers even after the third one, as we still need their help to grow and develop further. Their assistance has been a lifeline, and with their continued support, we can achieve even more

Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, my life changed in ways I never thought possible. Before this, I struggled for a long time without farming due to a lack of capital. But now, things are different. I used $50 from the first transfer to buy insecticide for my two-acre maize farm, which I planted with the first transfer from GiveDirectly. With the insecticide, I am hopeful for a good harvest. This farm is crucial because it will provide food security for my family and allow me to sell some produce to meet daily needs and save for future farming. I also plan to support my son's family with the harvest, as they were not enrolled in GiveDirectly. I allocated $10 to buy two goats as a long-term investment. Goats multiply quickly and do well in our hot climate, making them a valuable resource in emergencies. I used $8 to address the immediate food problem at home. Before GiveDirectly, my grandchild and I sometimes went to bed hungry due to inconsistent casual labor. Now, we have plenty of food. Lastly, I spent $15 on a school uniform for my grandchild. He didn't have a uniform before, but now he can go to school with pride, just like his classmates. GiveDirectly has given us hope, security, and a brighter future.

Coming home from a day of hard work at my neighbor's farm not knowing good news awaited me. I hadn't taken my phone with me, upon checking my phone in case of any missed call or text, imagine my surprise when I saw a notification for a receipt of $200 from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with happiness! I couldn't keep this joy to myself, so I immediately shared the news with my children. We all burst into excitement. Our Needs that had felt distant seemed within reach. I felt thankful to GiveDirectly for keeping their promise.

Before, getting enough food was a big problem for me, but now things are better, and we have food. Seeing my land, which had been empty for years, getting ready for planting again has lifted my spirits. It makes me feel hopeful that we'll have a steady supply of food and a better life ahead. Thank you GiveDirectly, Your support has brought back my hope for the future.

With my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to make sure we had enough food. So, I spent $80 on essential foodstuffs like maize, beans, and rice. Getting food on the table has always been a struggle, especially since my income comes from odd jobs here and there. It's just me and my grandchild at home, but I also try to help my son and his family living with us in the same compound. In addition, I bought 3 plastic chairs to save us from the old containers we have been using as chairs since we had none, costing $650 each. Moreover, I have an acre piece of land right near the river. I haven't farmed it in a while because money for capital has been a problem. Even when I could start something, the cost of keeping the crops healthy, like weeding, adding fertilizers, and even renting a generator was way beyond me hence losses. The last time I got any harvest from it was four years ago. But now, thanks to GiveDirectly. I've set aside $100 specifically for getting back into farming. I've already used $30 to clear the land, and the remaining $70 for plowing, furrowing, and planting my maize. There's a feeling of hope. I believe that this year, I'll harvest and sell the extra to support my family.