With the constant risk of flooding in my area, my main goal moving forward is to relocate to a safer place. I plan to use the last GiveDirectly transfer to make this happen. I’ll move my family to higher ground, where we will be much safer from floods. The thought of this fills me with gratitude, knowing that my family will finally be safe, and the danger of flooding will be permanently reduced. This opportunity gives me great peace of mind, and I am thankful for the chance to create a more secure future for my family.

I have a deep appreciation for GiveDirectly and its program. What stood out most to me was the sensitization process, where we were thoroughly informed about their cash program even before receiving any support. This was very informative and demonstrated a high level of transparency, which I truly respect. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to consider enhancing its enrollment strategies. Rather than relying heavily on information from village elders, I believe they should focus more on understanding each individual’s situation. This approach would ensure that everyone in need receives the right support, even if there is an issue. This adjustment could make the program even stronger.

Recently, I received $450 from GiveDirectly, and I am incredibly grateful for this support. I received the transfer in the morning and immediately decided to invest in livestock, spending $370 to buy a cow and two sheep. In my culture, livestock ownership is a source of pride and respect—without animals, one is seen as a “nobody.” We are traditionally nomadic, but drought had caused me to lose all my livestock. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I now own livestock again, and I plan to care for them well. Not only do they restore my pride, but they will also provide my family with milk and a future source of income. I used $50 of the money to buy food, which gives me the energy I need for my daily activities. The remaining amount allowed me to visit my family, something I am deeply thankful for. After being separated from my wife for 11 years, I am now reunited with my children, and I currently live with three of them. This experience has been profoundly moving, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making it possible.

I was just at home on Sunday, relaxing under a tree, enjoying my last bit of a meal. I was worried about what I would eat in the evening. As thoughts were running through my mind, my phone vibrated with a message. I checked it, and to my surprise, it was money from GiveDirectly. I was so excited that I left my food and even the plates outside the house. I was filled with joy—more than I had ever felt before. I immediately went to Logumgum center to withdraw the money before the M-Pesa agent ran out of cash. After withdrawing, I bought some meat at the butcher because I wanted to eat something special to celebrate this huge, unexpected blessing that landed in my M-Pesa for the first time.

Previously, no one could find me at home, and visitors or neighbors would never come to see me because I had nothing, not even food, to offer them. But now, my door is open to everyone. I also have good clothes to wear and change into, all thanks to your unconditional cash. I love you so much because you have changed my life. I appreciate it deeply because even my brother, who is the first judge in the Ilchamus community, has never helped me the way GiveDirectly has.

I am a father of three children, but my wife and I separated 11 years ago, and she left with all the children. Since then, I have been alone at home, struggling to find ways to get food. I am a charcoal burner, producing five bags of charcoal per week, and selling each for Ksh 500. This has been my only means of survival and getting food. However, whenever you visit my home, you would never find me because I leave early to the bush to burn charcoal. When I received the cash transfer, I used $75 to purchase food, ensuring I have enough stock to last for 90 days. This way, I can be sure there’s sufficient food at home. Additionally, I used $45 to purchase a goat, which will serve as my future investment since I had nothing of value as an investment in my compound. I also spent $6 to buy two chickens that will lay eggs, which I can eat with ugali if I don’t have vegetables.With the remaining $40, I bought clothes, as I had none. I was wearing the same clothes from January to December, with nothing to change into. So, I decided to remove this shame and now have three outfits.