"Both my husband and I work as casual laborers. I earn a living by selling charcoal and firewood, and when the weather permits, I also engage in farming. My husband works as a farm laborer. However, our combined income is quite low, making it difficult to meet all of our family's needs—especially during times like this when the lack of rain means I can't farm. The financial assistance from the transfers has been a huge boost for my family. Recently, I spent $40 to clear school fees arrears for my children, allowing them to sit for their end-of-term exams. I also saved $20 in a savings group, which I plan to use to complete the construction of our two-room house. I used $10 to buy building poles to get closer to starting the house construction. Additionally, I purchased a goat for $15, which I see as a crucial investment for the future. In times of need, I can sell it to raise funds. Lastly, I spent $17 on food, ensuring that we had plenty to eat and never went hungry. I’m incredibly grateful for the financial support, which has allowed me to keep my children in school and provide for their education."

"Looking forward, my main goal for the coming year and beyond is to ensure that my family is well-fed. I plan to use future transfers to purchase food for them. Another important goal is to ensure that my children continue their education and receive the best opportunities possible. The financial support will be essential in helping me cover their school fees. I am deeply thankful and appreciative of the transfers, as they have not only helped me take care of my family but have also made it possible to work towards a better future for my children."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving cash from GiveDirectly is that I now have a stable source of income and a sense of security that I didn’t have before. In the past, I relied heavily on crop farming, but after the floods displaced me, I lost that livelihood and faced serious challenges in providing for my family. Moving to this new area felt uncertain at first, as it’s not suitable for crops. But with the support from GiveDirectly, I’ve been able to adapt by investing in livestock, specifically goats, which thrive here. Owning goats has brought consistency to my income, something I couldn’t achieve before. This support has given me the resources to plan for my family’s needs, including my child’s education, and it has relieved a lot of stress. Now, I feel more in control of our future, and I’m confident that I can continue to provide for my family in a sustainable way."

"When I received the cash, the first thing I did was buy two bags of maize for $54. I depend on casual labor and selling charcoal to make ends meet, and having food stocked up gave me peace of mind. Feeding my family is always a struggle, so I knew this would keep us going for a while without worrying about our next meal. I also bought a goat and a sheep for $110, something I’ve always dreamed of owning. In the future, they can multiply or be sold during hard times. Having them makes me feel more secure because they’re assets I can rely on when I need quick income. Since I wasn’t feeling well, I spent $5 on medication to treat myself. I couldn’t afford to let the illness slow me down with so much to do. Lastly, I used $8 on my children’s school fees. Education is very important to me, and I want my kids to have better opportunities, even if it’s only a small contribution for now. Every bit helps keep them in school."

"My primary goal is to attend college and study building and construction. With my parents out of work and relying on peasant farming, I’ve taken it upon myself to work hard in my second-hand clothing business to save for my college fees. I remain optimistic that I can reach this goal with the support from GiveDirectly. Once I've saved enough, I plan to pass my business on to my sister, who has finished high school but hasn’t found a way to enroll in college despite her passing grades. After I complete my course, I intend to help her with her college education."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I prioritized paying off the school fees arrears for my three children in secondary school, which cost me $200. Education is very important to me, and I didn’t want them to miss any more classes due to unpaid fees. Clearing their balances brought me a huge sense of relief, knowing they could now focus fully on their studies without the worry of being sent home. I also spent $100 to replace my bed and mattress, which were destroyed by floods. For months, I’d been sleeping on sacks and mats, and finally having a proper bed again felt like a return to dignity and comfort. It was a long-awaited change, and I’m grateful to have a place to sleep that provides me with proper rest. With the remaining money, I bought household essentials, including two bags of maize to ensure my family had enough food. Food security has been a constant concern, so securing this supply was a top priority. I also set aside a small amount for emergencies or additional food needs that may arise. This support has truly helped me stabilize my household and provide a better environment for my family."

"I was at home alone when I received a message notification informing me that GiveDirectly had sent me $180. I was so happy and grateful! My first thought was to use the money to pay school fees for my children. This support would help ensure their education could continue without any interruptions, and it filled me with a sense of relief knowing I could meet this important need."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly is that I now have a sense of comfort and stability in my home. I used to feel overwhelmed by financial stress, especially when it came to paying school fees for my children. With the funds I received, I was able to create a cozy living space for my family and ensure that their education remains uninterrupted. I no longer have to rely on casual labor, which used to take a toll on my time and energy. Instead, I can focus on providing for my family’s needs while also feeling secure about their future. This support has truly changed my life, giving me hope and peace of mind."

"After receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I decided to make thoughtful choices, especially since I was recently affected by floods. I already owned a plot in a safer area, one not prone to flooding, and made plans to relocate. With $230 of the funds, I purchased fencing materials to secure the plot, taking a crucial first step before thinking of building a home there. I’m eagerly waiting for the next GiveDirectly transfer to cover labor costs and begin construction, which will permanently protect us from the threat of future floods. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for making this possible. Next, I invested $150 in three goats, knowing they would thrive in our area’s hot climate. Goats are resilient during the dry seasons we often experience, and I am confident they will multiply into a large herd that can generate income and provide support in emergencies. To celebrate my child’s graduation from PP2, I used $30 to cover the graduation fees. This investment in their education brings me immense satisfaction because I know how valuable education will be for their future. Finally, I used the remaining funds to purchase food, ensuring my family had enough to eat. With this support, I have been able to plan for our safety, improve our food security, and invest in assets that will bring stability. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can see a future filled with hope, stability, and resilience."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, it came at the perfect time. My youngest daughter had been accepted to join Maseno University, which filled us with joy. However, even though she was government-sponsored, I still had to cover part of her tuition, and I didn’t have the money. With $350 of the transfer, I paid her fees, allowing her to start her studies. Seeing her happiness and dedication to education meant everything to me, as I know this is an investment not only in her future but in our entire family. To support her education continuously, I decided to start farming. I spent $120 to buy two sheep, which I plan to raise and allow to multiply over time. As they grow, they’ll serve as a source of income and security for emergencies. This is a new income-generating venture that I am optimistic about. With the remaining funds, I bought food to ensure my family had enough. As a single mother, providing for my children’s basic needs, especially during challenging times, is always a priority. GiveDirectly’s support has truly helped me provide for my family and allow my daughter to follow her dreams."