"Initially, it was a struggle to get fresh drinking water. To an extent, we had to drink the dam water since we had no alternative. By so doing, we were exposing ourselves to some diseases. Glory to God we did not get infected. As of now, I salute GiveDirectly for the cash program it started. This program has uplifted us in different sectors depending on one's needs. As a village, we are very grateful, and how we wish the program could be recurring for the third and fourth registration."

"The hospital emergency for my husband disrupted the noble plans I had with my household before receiving the transfer. We had a lot to do; among them was to demolish the small old kitchen and construct a new one because I already had a better main house and to buy a large capacity water tank to collect the rainwater from the roof that would spare us the struggle of frequently fetching from the river during dry seasons. I still hope the goals will eventually come to pass since my plan is to resume the search for money that will enhance picking from where we left once they discharge my husband from the hospital."

"I spent part of my second transfer on buying pipes, a water tank, and all sorts of materials to install fresh water in my compound. I am so glad that for now I no longer have to trek to the dam which was around 20KM. I used to complain of back pains and unending headaches as a result which made me not able to do my other house chores. To add to that, I bought two dairy cows at KES 35000 which I am currently keeping in my compound. I am positive that having them will bring a positive impact on my life because, in a few months to come, they will start producing milk. I will therefore be in a position to supply them to my neighbours and nearby dairy shops and earn a living. I am currently jobless and I feel it's high time I need to support my spouse to raise our twelve children without struggling. Initially, some used to stay at home for weeks because of the arrears, apart from that we would skip meals regularly. It's now a relief to us because I trust the cows will serve as a permanent solution to all the problems we've been going through. Finally, with the remaining amount, I bought foodstuffs and other household items."

"While I was in the kitchen preparing to make hot water to take my bath I notice that my phone make a sound and to my outmost surprise I received my first transfer. At that moment I praised the Almighty for the wonderful thing he has done for me so I was excited."

"I am a mother of seven working as a subsistence farmer for a living while my husband is a carpenter. I have five children who are in primary school. My husband and I support each other in paying our kids’ school fees using the income from our menial jobs and the GiveDirectly transfers we receive. Paying school fees, accessing water, and affording decent meals have been our biggest challenges due to our unsustainable income. The water point is far away from our home making us walk long distances to fetch. Daily trekking in search of water causes us to use a lot of energy leading to exhaustion and lack of peace of mind. Using my GiveDirectly transfers, I bought food and household items worth KES 1960 to cushion us against hunger. I also paid KES 1600 for our kids’ school fees to help reduce their arrears. Next, I bought a chicken for KES 350 for investment because I did not have any and had for a long time yearned to rear some. I thank GiveDirectly for supporting me financially."

"Among the seven members of my family is my elderly mother, who has been under our care because of his age and her sickly condition. With her in our household, my two sons had to be displaced from their room, which is currently occupied by their grandmother. Every time they are out of school, my sons seek a bed space in the neighborhood which is hardly comfortable for them. With the first budget I had with the first transfer, I could not construct a new house but, I am grateful that the second transfer was timely to put up a new spacious house for them. I spent KES 15000 on buying 16 iron sheets and other construction materials and KES 3000 to pay the labor force for the construction process. To collect the rainwater from the roof, I also bought a plastic tank at KES 2500 that has made it easier for my sons to fetch and use clean water during rainy periods. I also bought a Pedigree alpines goat at KES 8000 that will potentially provide my children with high proteins per serving milk compared to the standard cow's milk. To provide for all my mother's needs at her age, including the frequent hospital visits, I saved the remaining amount, and I am glad she has never missed her doctor's appointment."

"I am a subsistence farmer who makes a living by selling both livestock and agricultural products. My source of income ceased three years ago when the drought started. I suffered a large loss when the farm's crops dried up, and I was unable to recuperate my investment. My present business, selling cattle on the market, is floundering. As a result of the drought's negative effects on cattle health, prices have fallen, leaving us with slim profit margins. My financial situation had gotten worse by the time I received my transfer, so I decided to spend the full sum on food. I mostly got by on one meal a day since I could not afford the expensive food that was being sold. Beyond paying high expenses for food, it is exceedingly challenging for me to obtain water for my personal usage at home. As a result, I am forced to pay KES 45 for a 20 liter can of water from the sellers, which is incredibly costly."

"After utilizing the second transfer as per my plans, I developed another goal that I aim to accomplish. If I get some money, I want to fix a water tap at my home. Currently, Freshwater is pricey and we have to move a longer distance to get it. Based on that, I developed a goal of fixing the same to reduce the cost of travelling since I have to hire a motorbike to fetch the water."

"Life has been unbearable in our area due to the absence of rain. I appreciate GiveDirectly for considering me for their cash transfer program that has helped transform my life. Through the transfers, I have been able to buy a tank that I use to store water thereby saving us from the struggle of frequently walking longer distances to fetch. I have so far seen nothing wrong with the program as its positive impacts in our lives speak for itself."

"I used to buy livestock from the village members and sell them in different markets two years ago. It was doing well and the little I earned from it could sustain my family's needs. When my son joined secondary school I spent all the profits I had saved including the capital to enroll him in school and since then, I have not managed to revive it. We have been surviving on the income I earn from various casual works that I come across, but they are not well paying and unreliable too and thus a challenge to provide for my family. With the past three months' transfers, I spent KES 4000 on both food and water since they are currently the most scarce and expensive commodities. KES 5000 I paid in school for my four children who are both in primary and secondary school. It was a timely thought by GiveDirectly to provide us with the support."