"I've been through some tough times lately. I can't even stand or walk because of an illness that's taken over me. But when I received that cash from GiveDirectly, it felt like a lifeline. With the help of my young brother, we made sure I wouldn't go hungry. We bought some food that not only filled my belly but also gave me some strength back. Those meals shared with my brother became precious moments of connection and care amid my struggles. But I knew that food alone wouldn't make me better. So, I used a significant part of the money to seek medical treatment. Finally, I could afford the medicine and care I needed to fight this illness. It's not been an easy journey, but every day, I'm a little closer to getting back on my feet. GiveDirectly didn't just provide cash; they gave me hope and the chance to heal."

"I have recently made a payment of $13 to cover the school fees for my daughter, who is in Preparatory 1 at Ikanga Primary School. This payment ensures that she will not be sent home during the term, allowing her to have uninterrupted learning, which is crucial for her academic performance at the end of each term. In addition to my daughter's fees, two months ago, I welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family. To ensure his well-being, I allocated the remaining $21 to purchase essential items such as food, medicine, baby clothes, and other necessary supplies. This financial assistance has been particularly valuable to me, as I had previously left my job at an eatery several months before giving birth. It has provided a significant boost in ensuring that I have all the essential items required as a mother. I am grateful for the assistance and the positive impact it has had on my life."

"My Two year old son has been ailing for while now. Due to his persistent ailment, I was then referred to a Hospital in Mombasa and scheduled for monthly check-ups. In July after receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 to cover his medical expenses. I purchased medicine at $5 and used the remaining $5 on our transport. I then put $15 in savings, leaving me with $9, which was then spent on food for my household. Earlier in that month, my husband lost his Job, so I took over the role of the main breadwinner while he tries to navigate the situation. Before, we used to share the financial responsibilities, but he's currently facing difficulties. To help the situation, I also operate a small business. Amidst these responsibilities, I've been setting aside a portion of the transfers with the intention of reviving my business. Accumulating a sum of $250, I'm now ready to launch the business in November. This upcoming project gives me excitement and joy."

"The transfer will be of good help, we need a separate house from the children. A two-roomed whole rounded iron sheet is enough. Iron sheets lasts longer and cannot be eaten by termites. We plan to use about $500 for this house. If possible later, we can source other funds to cement the floor. It's expensive constructing a house. Investing in goats is a marvelous idea, they do well under the scorching sun. They just need enough water, medicine and little pasture. We'll buy about 10 goats at a cost of $300. This means we can have something to support our family in the future. Goat prices are good around here. Chicken also do well, we need to invest about $50. They will supplement our food and solve small emergencies. On big cock can be sold for $10. Additionally, we don't have enough household items like clothes, food stuff and utensils. I plan to use about $300 to buy this items. This means we can relax with my wife not worrying about many things. Our children will also be looking good."

"Due to persistent eye problems affecting my work ability. I need to solve this, it has been there since early 2021. I need to visit a good eye specialist. The previous engagement with a doctor indicated that I need about $150. After treating myself, I know that I can work well without worrying about my eye. Secondly, I need to make a good investment in goats. I currently have 4. I plan to buy 20 more. This will cost me about $500. They do well here, hence in no time, I will be owning a large stock. This will support my future activities. It can also act as a cushion during emergencies. I also need to optimize my farm. Mangoes do well here, I will plant 20 mangoes on my land. This will cost approximately $100. They have a 5-year maturity. I also need to expand my poultry. I now have 3 hens. I will then buy 50 more chicks. This project will cost me approximately $150. It's easy rearing chicken, you only need enough feeds and medicine. They also start fetching income faster."

"Supporting a family of seven with no income source presents significant challenges. I had to make wise decisions with the recent transfer because of how unproductive our location was owing to the lack of rain. I set aside a substantial amount of $260 to buy food as a preventative step against the anticipated famine that may be coming next year. This food supply will act as a key safety net. Furthermore, I directed $110 from the transfer to address my son's education needs by paying his high school fees. Financial constraints have continuously hindered his consistent attendance and impacted his academic performance. With his fees settled, he can now dedicate himself fully to his studies, which significantly reduces his worry. Recognizing the importance of dignity and appearance, I earmarked $50 to purchase clothing for my children. This will allow them to have respectable attire, even for church gatherings, supplementing their limited wardrobe. Lastly, I attended to the well-being of my goats by investing in medicine using the remaining funds. Ensuring the health of our livestock is essential for our overall livelihood."

"Upon receiving the transfer, my immediate priority was to acquire an additional goat to complement the ones I already had. I recognized its potential for multiplication, offering a valuable resource in times of emergencies, and so I spent $50 towards this endeavor. Previously, such aspirations appeared unattainable due to our limited income being largely allocated to essential needs like food. As a widow residing with my two sons and grandchildren, I sustain our household through farming and a herbal medicine business. Unfortunately, the unpredictable regional weather often hindered our earnings, dependent on rainfall. With the remaining $100, I secured essential food supplies, a task that would have been insurmountable without the cash transfer, and allocated the final $50 to bolster my business. I am profoundly thankful for your support, as it has significantly elevated our quality of life."

"In this tough economy, I find comfort and relief knowing that my children can now eat well and even enjoy simple pleasures like tea with sugar. The financial support I received has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing me to provide for my family's basic needs and send my children to school. One of my biggest worries was losing my goats to illnesses because I couldn't afford proper treatment. However, with the assistance I received, I was able to purchase medicine for the goats, ensuring their health and well-being. This has brought me immense joy and peace of mind, knowing that I can take better care of them. Moreover, I am grateful to be free from the burden of debts. Clearing the debt I had accumulated for food has lightened my financial load, and I can now face each day with renewed optimism. With the improved financial situation, I am now considering making long-desired improvements to my house. It has been challenging to do so with limited income, but now I have the opportunity to create a more comfortable living space for my family. Additionally, I am eager to invest in my poultry farming to enhance the breed and improve its overall productivity. This will not only contribute to our income but also open up new opportunities for growth and sustainability."

"Upon receiving the transfer, I deemed it necessary to allocate my initial funds towards purchasing essential food supplies for the household, considering my recent childbirth and the need for sufficient nourishment to regain strength. This prompted me to utilize $70. Subsequently, I settled a long-standing overdue debt with $40, then invested $27 in acquiring a larger storage container for clean water. The remaining funds were directed towards procuring medicine for my goats and other household necessities. As a farmer with my husband dependent on sporadic motorbike jobs, financial struggles were a constant. Blessed with six children, I now find joy in having ample food supplies in our home."

"I am a housewife and I have long depended on my husband who took an early retirement after having been diagnosed with spinal cord problems. This has left him jobless at home and we normally depend on his monthly pension which is usually $150. A good amount of this money goes on paying hospital bills because he uses medicines which cost him the utmost $60. The remaining amount clears our electricity and water bills leaving us with nothing for food. Hence, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge."