"Because of prolonged drought in this area, getting clean water that is safe for domestic use is a challenge. As a woman, it is my responsibility to ensure that there is enough water for domestic use in the homestead. Every morning, I cover 10 kilometers in search of this commodity, and because I do not own a donkey I have to carry it on my back with a 20-liter jerrican. I do 3-4 trips in a day because once is never enough. This not only leaves me exhausted but also with chest pains that last for days."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is payment of school fees for my kids and availability adequate food for my family. Initially, I relied on casual labor in order to feed my family and at the same time fetch irrigation water from a far away dam. This was quite tough on me but with GiveDirectly I am grateful because I am relieved of casual labor and my kids have grown healthier and happier."

"I spent all the three transfers in a very useful way. Like I said, I have already received three transfers. I used the first kshs 1,200 to buy food and go for medication. That is 6 packets of 2kg maize flour worth kshs 660 and vegetables worth kshs 100. I had a terrible flu at that time, so I used kshs 400 for my medication. The second transfer of kshs 3,000 then came in when I had a plan to renovate my house. I saved kshs 1,500 in a merry go round for my house repair, I bought 10 packets of 2kg maize flour worth kshs 1,100, vegetables at kshs 100 and later bought water worth kshs 300. There is drought here so water is this much expensive. I used the third transfer of kshs 3,000 on savings, food and water. You understand I'm saving for the repair of my house. So I still saved kshs 1,500 for the repair in a merry go round. I bought 4 packets of 2kg maize flour worth kshs 880, vegetables worth kshs 200 and water worth kshs 500. I'm a casual labourer, you realize that casual jobs are not very stable and so is my income. Thank you very much Give Directly for coming through for me."

"I spent part of my first transfer on buying three goats worthy of KES 10000. I had been longing to keep them for years but this was attainable since I had a lot of responsibilities to cater for. Also, I bought a bicycle at KES 12000 which has been of help especially in transporting water from the dam which is 12 Km away from the village. For all that time, I have been using my hand which was very tiresome and at times I was complaining of backaches. For now, I feel there is a great relief. I also cleared school fees of KES 3000 for my children who are in secondary schools. I am so happy that they have been attending classes without hiccups. In addition to that, I bought new school uniforms and stationery which has been their learning so smoothly. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodtufs for the family."

"I am a single mother with three children who are above 18yrs of age.I was working before my father fell ill and died so i decided to came back home and at the moment I don't have a home have been living with a neighbour .My first transfer was used to buy palm tree leaves which are commonly used for roofing I bought 50 stacks for kshs 1000 and bought maize flour with the kshs 200.The second transfer I bought more palm tree leaves for kshs 2000 and paid for the sand with the kshs 1000.The third transfer I bought more palm tree leaves for kshs 1000 hence enough for the roofing and paid for the sand for kshs 1000 and because of lack of water used the rest of the funds to buy water.I am excited because at the end of the month I will be moving in to my house."

"I topped up most of my recent transfer and bought a motorcycle which is now a source of daily income for my family. It also helps in transportation of livestock feeds and water. I spent the rest on food and household items. Before the GiveDirectly transfers, I used to work as mason in order to feed my family and the job was quite unreliable because it came on a seasonal basis"

"Receiving this money means a decent house for me. The house am sleeping in currently is very small such that I have no space to keep my things. Sometimes I have to put my clothes or water cans outside which is very dangerous in here because you may wake up another day and find all the water is gone. Therefore, if I could be able to put up a two roomed house it will be a life changer to me as an elder in the society. I will be able to redeem my respect from my fellow elders and children."

"Receiving this money means better housing for my family. currently, we live in a small hut with my family. The but is too small and each time my inlaws visit am forced to borrow a pace where I will spend the night. I plan to use KSH 50, 000 to build a bigger iron-roofed house that can accommodate my children and guests each time they visit. I will also buy a dairy cow worth KES 30,000 since I do not have one. The remaining amount will go for foodstuffs, clothing, and a water tank."

"I have lived in a single grass-thatched house for the last 40 years. Although the house is still in good shape, it is however small to accommodate my family and also visitors who occasionally come to check on me. Since the roof is made of grass, I am not able to harvest rainwater every time it rains and this has forced me to always go to the river to fetch even during rainy seasons. At my age I cannot carry a 20-liter jerrican of water on my back because of persistent backaches that comes with it. Due to these frustrations, my desire is to build a 24-iron sheet house at a cost of KES 25000. Receiving this money will mean a decent house for me and my family."

"Receiving this money means that I will be able to build a new kitchen house. The one I have at the moment is an old grass thatched house , dilapidated and seeps water. It is uncomfortable to stay in. It is against this backdrop that I intend to build a modern iron sheet roofed. It is expected to cost KES 35000. We will use the rest of the money to pay school fees for my children who are in various schools."