"We decided to built a new house this time around with metal zinc on the roof, the thatch is not durable, we normally do some patching during the rainy season and the water has affected parts of the walls."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is availability of capital for adding more stock to my business hence more income. Before GiveDirectly transfers, I used to make upto KES1500 profits per day but now I can make upto KES3000 a day. I am also grateful because I now have a water tank which can store water upto five months and this has relieved me the headache of going to the river and carrying water on the back."

"I spent KES 30,000 to purchase a piece of land this is because the place were I am staying is at a low place where it is constantly filled with water during the heavy rain. In addition, I spent KES 7,000 to take my kid to college where he was going to take a building and construction course. He had completed secondary school but I lacked the finances to further his studies. With the remaining amount, I bought 5 iron sheets which I intend to construct a toilet for my family. We are using the bush which is very risky especially at night. The other part of remaining amount assisted me acquiring enough food for the family."

"I used part of the money to complete the construction of my house that was on going. This was one of my goals since I had suspended the construction due to lack of money. I used some amount to buy sofa set seats and the rest of the money I deposited at the shop, yet to complete and get a water tank. I'm so excited because I will be able to harvest clean rain water."

"Without a shadow of a doubt, I was so elated. I never expected to receive an Mpesa text as life was abit tough. Actually I was just from the river fetching water and was so fatigued. The transfer received just gave me a renewed ray of hope."

"After my spouse died 10 years, I was left with the responsibility of bringing up my family single-handedly. Providing food and other life necessities was a big challenge since I am jobless. The house that he left us with was in bad condition and was collapsing. I had wished to construct a decent shelter but I lacked the financial muscles. Therefore, after receiving the transfer, I bought the required building materials that includes 23 iron sheets, nails, building poles, and timbers all for KES 29,000. I also set aside some to pay the labor cost. Furthermore, I used KES 5000 to purchase 2 goats a long-term investment for my family. I also bought some small household equipment for the family and saved the remaining amount to assist me in our daily basic needs like food and water."

"I have an old bicycle that I want to repair. It played a great role in my life, I used it to fetch water from a nearby pond, ferry my sacks of charcoal from where I make them or to Tsangatsini town during market days which is on Friday. Receiving this money means I will use 3,000 KES to repair my bicycle and be able to be more productive."

"As a new mother, lately, I have been thinking of the kind of life I want for our daughter. As early as now, I feel the need to start saving for her well-being. My husband and I have decided to it aside KES 1,500 per month. When she gets to the age she's required to join school, we shall use that money for fees at a good school, even if it means moving to a place where we'll get a decent one. The rest of the money we shall use for food and water on a daily basis."

"The year 2021 was very harsh in terms of water availability. There was no rain, water pans dried up. With my son on my back, I used to fetch water at a distance of 2km. The fatigue was unbearable. Luckily, the rains poured heavily towards the end of last year. The water pans are now full of water and I am stress-free."

"Due to the drought that was experienced last year, all the nearby water pans dried up. At my old age of 64 years, I was forced to walk for 2 km a day to fetch 20 liters of water. The water was salty and unfit for drinking. It was tedious and energy draining. The trips left me with severe body aches. I was overjoyed in December 2021 because we received heavy rains that filled all the water pans. I now only walk for 100 meters to fetch water."