We rely on rainwater for our one-hectare farm, which I have already prepared. It is currently waiting for rain. That land is insufficient for growing both food and income crops, so I intended to rent an additional one hectare to make it sufficient. If my crops are profitable, I will use the money earned to buy cows and sheep, which will be a long-term investment because they multiply. If any money remains over, I will use it to construct a nice home for my children. The current one they reside is not in good condition.

At first, I didn't want to take the money. But then we learned where it came from and felt better about it. The village that got the money first didn't have any problems. I wondered where all that money came from. But in the end, I'm grateful. It really made our lives better. When you go to the next village, stick to our own customs. Don't copy other groups like Red Cross, who sometimes treat people unfairly and let local leaders choose who gets help..

Once I got the money, I was really happy because I knew my son could go to school. He was starting Ainabmoi Secondary School in Baringo County. I decided to use $410 for all my kids' school fees. I have five kids who go to school, and I didn't have any money to pay for their fees or even their basic needs. My wife and I work on other people's farms, but we don't have regular jobs. I was planning to ask people to help me with money for my kids' school fees, but then I got the money from GiveDirectly, so I didn't need to do that anymore. Before we got this money, we depended on farming to pay for the school fees. But this year, our crops didn't grow well because of the dry weather and diseases, so we couldn't sell anything. I used the rest of the money to buy food because it's really hard to find food where we live. We only make $2 or $3 a day from our work, and that's only enough for one meal a day.

When I got the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I was doing a casual job on my neighbor's farm. I felt overjoyed when I finished my work and immediately headed home that evening. Sitting down with my family, I shared the exciting news. We had several plans to address, but the first thing that came to our minds was to buy sheep and create a lasting memory of GiveDirectly's support. The happiness we felt was indescribable. We discussed the various ways we could use the money and the idea of getting sheep stood out as something special. It wasn't just about the practicality of having livestock; it was about creating a symbol of the support we received.

Before, our mornings lacked the richness of milk in our tea. Our dependency on casual jobs left us in a situation where buying milk was a luxury we couldn't afford. However, since acquiring the sheep through the support from GiveDirectly, our lives have taken an unexpected turn for the better. The presence of these sheep means more than just a source of income; it symbolizes abundance in our lives. Having milk has transformed our daily routine and brought a positive change we never thought possible. Thanks to GiveDirectly for the support that has enabled us to own a sheep that has turned our fortunes around.

Having received an unconditional cash transfer of $180.1 from GiveDirectly, I wasted no time in making a memorable and strategic investment. The very next day, I decided to purchase sheep for $65. Beyond the joy it brings, I recognized that they thrive well in our area, where free land is scarce. Managing sheep is relatively easy, and their rapid multiplication, with two births a year, promises a sustainable source of income. Addressing the persistent challenge of food scarcity in our household, my husband and I, who both depend on occasional casual jobs, allocated $28 to ensure a more stable provision of sustenance for our family of seven. Our current living conditions pose their challenges – a small, muddy, and cramped one-room dwelling. Equipping it with household items is a struggle due to limited space, and hosting visitors becomes a considerable challenge. I've embarked on the ambitious plan of building a new house by purchasing materials for $36.I plan to acquire the remaining materials and commence construction. Drawing on my carpentry skills, I also invested $12 in purchasing my equipment, a decision to enhance my capacity for future projects. A prolonged wound that I have led me to allocate $40 for medical expenses. This holistic approach to utilizing the unconditional cash transfer reflects not only immediate needs but also strategic investments for a more sustainable and improved quality of life.