My plan is to start maize farming for home use. This will ensure that my family has enough food to eat, and if there is any surplus, I can sell it to raise more income. The extra money will help me address other immediate household needs, such as paying bills or buying essential items. The thought of being able to provide for my family and ensure we are food secure fills me with happiness and joy. It gives me hope for a more stable future, where I won’t have to worry about where our next meal will come from.

What stood out for me with GiveDirectly is how well they informed us about their program. They made sure we understood everything clearly, from how the program works to what we can expect. This level of transparency and communication helped me feel confident and supported. I appreciate how they took the time to explain the details, making it easier for us to trust the process. Overall, their approach to keeping us informed was something I truly valued.

When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I was extremely happy and grateful for the support. I used $250 to buy a cow, something I didn’t own before. This cow will be very helpful in providing milk, which is essential for my family, and it will also help generate income when it reproduces. I used $100 to lease one acre of land for farming, and I plan to start farming early next year with the Kenya Seed Company program. Their prices are competitive, and this will help me generate more income. Previously, I struggled to lease land for farming, so this is a big improvement. I also used $100 to pay school fees for my child in secondary school for the next term, leaving a small balance that I will be able to manage. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am now able to meet some of my most important needs and plan for a better future.

I was in the house breastfeeding my child when my brother-in-law came in and told me I had a message on my phone. I did not think much of it at first, but when I checked, I saw that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I couldn't believe it—such joy filled my heart! I called out to my brother-in-law, and when he checked his phone, he had also received the transfer. We shared this incredible moment of happiness together. Right away, I knew what I was going to do with the money—put it into the farm to plant beans since the planting season was almost over.

The biggest difference I have seen after receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that I was able to plant my beans on time, just before the best planting window closed. I was running out of time, and any delays would have meant that the beans could be affected by red mites, ruining the entire crop. I was on the verge of giving up because I didn’t have the finances to cover the farm costs, and I knew that if I missed the season, I would later struggle to find money for my son's school fees. But thanks to GiveDirectly, all this has changed for the better, and I now feel more hopeful for the future.

When I received the cash transfer, I knew it was the perfect time to invest in my farm. I used $20 to plough half an acre of land and another $20 to make ridges on the farm, which would make irrigation easier. Since I didn't have any seeds, I spent $30 on bean seeds. It was the right season for planting beans, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. If I had delayed, the weather would have affected the crops. I’m hoping that when the beans mature, they will help me cover my son’s high school fees. To ensure the farm was well-watered, I spent $30 on fuel for the generator, which I use to pump water for irrigation. I also paid $10 for labor to help with the planting of the beans. With the farm running smoothly, I was able to focus on my family’s other needs. My son’s school fees were due, and I didn’t want him to be sent home, so I used $30 to cover that as well. Normally, my husband, who works as a policeman, pays for the fees, but his salary was delayed this time, and I had to step in. With the remaining money from the transfer, I bought household food items and some clothes for my daughters. We needed to ensure that we were food secure, especially while waiting for the crops to grow. My daughters were also happy to receive new clothes since they knew I had received some money from GiveDirectly, and they wanted to look good. It’s been a relief to cover all these pressing needs thanks to the transfer.