Before my husband's passing, he had acquired a parcel of land intending to build a home. Regrettably, he was unable to realize this plan. My objective for the upcoming year is to initiate the construction of our family home on this property. I've diligently saved the financial assistance I received, accumulating resources to purchase necessary building materials. I am optimistic that construction will commence in the coming year. The prospect of having a permanent residence holds significant meaning for my children as they will have a place to call their own, a lasting legacy in honor of their late father. The anticipation of realizing these goals brings me immense joy, and I eagerly look forward to the fulfillment of this heartfelt endeavor.

Five years ago, my husband tragically lost his life in a road accident when he was hit by a car. In an instant, life underwent a profound transformation for me and my seven children, as I assumed sole responsibility for their well-being. Meeting their needs became exceptionally challenging due to the struggles my soap-selling business was facing. Despite my determination to provide education, it proved to be a big struggle. Fortunately, GiveDirectly came to my rescue through financial transfers, enabling five of my children to complete their schooling, with only two left to support. Using the funds received, I allocated $39 to purchase a goat and two chickens as a contingency for emergencies. Additionally, $27 went towards acquiring food for my family, as our supplies had depleted. Recognizing the importance of self-care, I allocated $12 for new clothing, replacing worn-out and tattered garments. The remaining amount was wisely saved for future use in purchasing building materials. I am grateful for the invaluable support I have received.

The ongoing financial challenges I'm facing are prompting me to explore opportunities in income-generating endeavors. One of my intended projects involves the construction of a rental property, with the goal of securing a consistent monthly revenue stream. This additional income is expected to provide substantial relief for certain expenses that currently exceed my means. I find solace in the fact that the assistance provided through these transfers will empower me to realize this aspiration.

In July, $20 of my transfer was allocated to settling my son's secondary school fees; he is currently in Form 2. He had been asked to leave school temporarily due to an outstanding debt of $5700 that he owed. Lacking the necessary funds at that moment, he remained at home for three days until I eventually received my transfer, prompting me to send him the required funds. I hold deep appreciation for the invaluable financial assistance that has enabled me to foster my son's education. The remaining $14 was utilized for purchasing food supplies. My role as a casual laborer engaged in charcoal sales fails to generate sufficient income to adequately provide for my two children, who are financially dependent on me following my husband's passing. Consequently, I've been compelled to take on significant loans as an attempt to fulfill my children's needs. Nonetheless, with the aid of the monthly transfers, I am gradually but surely navigating this challenging situation, and for that, I am truly thankful.

When my husband passed away, he left me a piece of land near the trade center in Guruguru, where he had planned to build a rental house. The hardships that followed his death hindered me from picking on the task from where he had left. It was until I started receiving the cash transfers that I got the motivation to build the house. Since we had already acquired the bricks, I only need to save money for irons sheets and other building materials alongside labor compensation. I plan on building a six-room rental structure. 

Being a widow, keeping three children in school has been a real challenge to me. Before the cash transfers, I used to rely on charcoal burning to provide for the needs of my children. The physical demands of the activity were becoming unbearable and my body could handle any more pain. Gladly, the cash transfers were enough motivation for me to take a break from the practice, Ever since, I have used these funds for my basic needs. However, recently, I decided to spend $23 on acquiring a goat because if I focus on covering my needs alone, I may never build something out of the cash aid program. Rearing livestock will establish a solid income foundation, which can help settle my bills in the future. Also, I spent $10 to buy school uniforms for my daughter who joined junior high school two months ago. All along, she had been attending classes in uniforms from her previous school because I could not raise money for the attire by then. Am happy that she appropriately dresses for school these days. 

For the last couple of years I have been a widow and therefore I have had to hold the burden of the finances concerned with my children's education and well-being by myself. This has been quite tough and that is why I am grateful for the generosity I've received from the organization because through the funds I can take care of my children's health their clothing, basic needs and necessities that they need for their day-to-day life.

At the time I happened to receive the funds I was extremely grateful for it especially since my daughter had been ailing for quite a while to the point where she had been admitted to hospital. The debt at the hospital had accumulated for KES 14,000 and yet I had no penny on me. That is why I was extremely joyful to receive the funds when I did and I immediately went ahead to spend the entire money which was KES 3,400 on trying to pay for the hospital bill.

I was overjoyed when I learned that I had received my transfer. I had to rely on my helper. After all, I could not read or write because I never went to school. My assistant is dependable and always willing to assist me. We had slept hungry the day before the transfer because we had run out of food. I didn't have enough money to buy more food. It was 6 p.m., and I had confirmed the recipe for transfer at that time. I was home alone with the disabled son because the others were still at school.

My children almost missed their exams because I could not afford to pay their fees. With the transfer, I was able to support them. A situation, that alleviated my initial concerns. I feel good and happy seeing them leave for and return from school every day. In addition, as a result of the transfer, I now have a hen. I did not have one at first because I could not afford to buy a chick. Whatever little money I could scrape together went straight to food.

I am a widow and a mother of four children. Among them, three are school-going while one is disabled. I always struggle to cater to their needs because I do not have any income-generating activity. Mostly, I am at home looking after my disabled son, Peter Rodgers. Therefore when I received my transfer, I spent $5 on examination fees for my three children, Samuel, Susan, and Mapenzi. I am glad they sat for their exams courtesy of the transfer. I also used $2 on a hen. Lastly, I used $5 on food that lasted us for two days.