"Paying school fees for my two secondary school children has been my greatest challenge. I lack the funds to make my 1.8-acre farm productive, which could provide both food and income through the sale of produce. The farm requires HDPE pipes to bring water in, but I cannot afford them. Additionally, our single room is insufficient for my family of six. I do not have the finances to construct a larger house that would accommodate us adequately."

"Receiving GiveDirectly cash transfers is like a dream come true to my family because that money we will never be the same again. My first priority is to invest in my agricultural land, iam planning to buy farm inputs like seeds, fertilizer and pesticides and because I already have water pump life will not be the same a gain. I am also planning to buy goats for my family, buy food and clothes so that we can look beautiful and comfortable. I am planning to use the remaining money to extend my house because it's becoming small."

"In the coming year and beyond, I aspire to launch irrigation farming in Galana, a fertile area near the river. My initial goal is to cultivate maize crops for sale, leveraging the proximity to water to ensure a steady yield and income. I plan to start small, investing carefully to build up my farming operations. As I gain experience and resources, my next step will be to purchase a plot of land in Galana. Owning my piece of land will not only secure my farming future but also eliminate the uncertainty of leasing. This strategic progression will empower me to expand my agricultural activities, increase productivity, and ultimately achieve financial stability for myself and my family."

"As a household of five, one of our most pressing challenges is gaining access to clean drinking water. For the past three years, our community has been grappling with a severe water shortage, significantly impacting my family. Our area has been without tap water for over two years, despite having water pipes running through our compound. To obtain water, we have resorted to paying $1 for every trip using a motorbike to access water from alternative sources."

"My ambition to be a full time farmer shall come to pass up on receiving these transfers. I desire to invest more in maize farming because the proceeds are good. I plan to purchase a generator for pumping water to irrigate my farm as currently rely on my neighbors for it at a fee. I will also be able to expand my acreage from one and increase the profits I get from farming. I am happy because the transfers will boost me and change my life for the better."

"I went out to carry some water from a distant source in the afternoon, leaving my phone at home to charge. When I returned and took a break, I noticed a notification on my phone. Unfortunately, I couldn't read the messages, so I called my helper for assistance. After checking, my helper confirmed that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so filled with joy and relief, knowing that I could now pay my son's fees. This was especially important as my children had been sent home from school due to my inability to pay their fees on time."

"The transfer was a huge relief for me. My two children were about to return to school after their mid-term break, and I didn't have enough money for their school fees. I had recently sold about 12 goats from my herd to invest in a tomato farming project, and I was reluctant to sell more as my herd had already decreased in number. I was full of worries. When the transfer arrived, I used $100 to partially pay the school fees. While it wasn't enough, I'm glad that the amount I paid will keep them in school until I can sell my tomatoes to clear the remaining balance. I also used $60 to buy petroleum for my generator, which I need to pump water to irrigate the two acres of tomatoes. I have high hopes for this crop and expect a bountiful harvest. I plan to use the income from its sale to pay school fees for my six children, as I also have four children in a private primary school. Providing them with the best education is my greatest achievement. Additionally, I plan to buy land on higher ground if my income allows, to make a small deposit. Our current home is not safe as it is at risk of flooding, just as it occurred previously. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"For about a year, I have been sick with a condition causing loss of blood. I have been in and out of the hospital, receiving medication to boost my blood levels, but nothing seemed to work. I thank God because, when the money arrived, I was at the point of death, being taken by ambulance to a larger hospital. I spent $150 on medication there, and I thank GiveDirectly because I am now better. I haven't fully recovered, but I am much improved.After returning from the hospital, I spent $240 to buy iron sheets. I had been living in a house made of grass and mud, which leaked badly when it rained. The house isn't finished yet because I am still very weak and can't do much work. However, I will complete it once I fully recover.With the remaining amount, I paid my four kids' school fees. My husband is a farmer, but lately, we haven't harvested anything. We used to irrigate our fields with water from Lake Baringo, but the water level has dropped, making the lake too far away for us to use. Now, we rely on rainwater for farming. We mostly sell our farm produce to pay for school fees.I can proudly say that life has changed, and we truly appreciate GiveDirectly for helping us realize that there is a brighter future."

"The biggest change in my life is that I am now seen like any other person in the village because I have goats as a future investment. They are doing well because we live in an area with plenty of grass and water, and they look very healthy. In the future, I will sell them for a profit to pay for my kids' school fees since we are not employed."

"My source of income, which is casual jobs and charcoal production to provide for my kids, couldn't allow me to save anything. The recent rains caused floods, bringing me a lot of stress when water broke into our home at midnight. I was alone with the kids, and our lives were in danger. This made me wish I could secure land elsewhere not usually affected by floods, but I didn't have the means to do so. Receiving GiveDirectly's support turned my wish into reality. I started the journey towards purchasing land in another location by making a $200 deposit, believing I would complete the balance with the next transfers. Thank you, GiveDirectly."