"Life was really tough before we received assistance from GiveDirectly. My husband and I depended on casual jobs that paid just $2 a day to support our family of seven, including our five daughters. With the help I got, I invested in a 5,000-litre water tank for $330, which was crucial due to the severe water shortages we face. Normally, in the dry season, the river dries up, and I have to walk 2 kilometers to a borehole, the community's main water source. I'd go early in the morning, between 4 and 5 am, to fetch water and avoid the long queues. The cost of hiring a motorbike to transport the water was $2, way beyond our means. Now, I plan to buy 10,000 liters of water for $50 in bulk and share it with a neighbor, cutting the cost to $25 each, which is a big saving for us. Further, I used $50 to add more food items to my small hotel business, which I started with my first transfer from GiveDirectly. At my hotel, I sell food and fresh milk, earning about $15 a day. As I run the hotel, my husband looks after our tomato farm, which we started with my second transfer. To ensure we have enough food, I bought a 90kg bag of maize for $42. With the remaining money, I bought school uniforms for three of my children in primary school for $15 and paid $13 for school fees to the teachers under the Board of Management. This support has truly transformed our lives, making a positive impact and allowing us to afford a living."

"In the next few years, my goal is to have water taps installed in my house. Right now, I have to walk quite a distance to fetch water, which isn't good for my health, and sometimes I don't even get enough. To make this happen, I'm saving money through a merry-go-round savings group. Eventually, I plan to take out a loan to install the taps, and I'll repay the loan using the little money I earn from selling charcoal. This will make life much easier and healthier for me and my family."

"I am delighted to share that I've made a significant investment of $400 in purchasing pipes to draw water from Lake Baringo, enhancing irrigation practices on my farm. This decision was prompted by the necessity to improve water management and boost overall irrigation efficiency. Previously, my farm suffered from low productivity due to limited access to water, leading to frequent disruptions and reduced yields as I struggled to borrow equipment. There were instances when the equipment would be taken back before we could complete our work, resulting in negative impacts on our crop yields. However, the installation of the pipes has effectively addressed these challenges, allowing me to irrigate my crops more efficiently. Already, I am seeing promising results, particularly with the thriving tomatoes I recently planted under the improved irrigation system. This investment fills me with happiness and optimism for a bountiful harvest, which, combined with the income from my village kiosk business, will enable me to provide more comfortably for my family of three. With the remaining amount, I purchased food to sustain my family, and I am truly grateful for the support provided by the transfer."

"Even though I recently built a new house, the roof was constructed with iron sheets salvaged from the wreckage of my old house. Unfortunately, these sheets are not in the best condition, showing signs of rust and developing perforations over the years, causing water leaks during rainy periods. This doesn't look ideal for a new house, does it? I have a plan to address this issue by saving money from the cash transfers until I have enough to replace the iron sheets. The cash transfers have given me the confidence to take on projects like these without relying on my nephew for financial support. He already bears a significant burden of school fees for his six children, and I wouldn't want to add another financial strain. "

"My dwelling is in a state of disrepair, with the iron roofing extensively rusted and riddled with numerous holes, allowing rainwater to seep through during downpours. My objective is to accumulate sufficient funds to procure new iron sheets and overhaul the aging roof. The financial assistance provided through transfers fills me with gratitude, as it brings tangible improvement to my life, despite my advanced age preventing me from working independently."

"As the sun dipped low in the evening sky, casting long shadows across the land, I found myself in my neighbor's compound, engrossed in the simple task of fetching water. Suddenly, amidst the routine, the loud vibration of my phone startled me. Curiosity piqued, so I reached for it and discovered an Mpesa message from Segovia Technology. A rush of joy flooded over me as I realized the significance of the notification that I had received an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. Without hesitation, I called my husband, who was in town, to share the news. The excitement in his voice mirrored my own, as we both embraced the realization that our dreams were finally within reach. With this unexpected support, we could now fulfill our long-held aspiration of purchasing cows and goats, a prospect that filled our hearts with happiness and gratitude for the newfound opportunities ahead."

"Given the erratic weather patterns and persistent drought plaguing our region, my objective is to acquire an irrigation water pump. This investment will facilitate the irrigation of my crops, particularly during the arid spells of the dry season. Acquiring the water pump promises to liberate my farming activities from the constraints imposed by climatic unpredictability. I am genuinely grateful for the financial assistance provided by Give Directly, recognizing its pivotal role in realizing some of my aspirations."

"This year, my objective is to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase a water tank, priced at $500. Acquiring this tank presents a promising business opportunity for me, particularly in light of the persistent issue of water scarcity in my village, particularly during the dry season. My strategy involves storing water in the tank and subsequently selling it to generate income. I am immensely grateful for the ongoing financial assistance from Give Directly, which has been instrumental in supporting my family's education endeavors."

"On receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, our biggest challenge at home has been water. The nearest clean water source is over 3 kilometers away. So, I decided to invest $350 in buying a water tank. Now, we can store water for drinking and other needs. With clean water easily available, life has become much easier for me, my wife, and our child. I used $70 to extend our house. This extra room provides more space and comfort for our family. Now, we have a cozy home where we can live comfortably. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we've been able to address our most pressing needs and improve our living conditions."

"GiveDirectly has helped me a lot. Now, I have a generator to pump water for irrigation, which was just a dream before. I don't have any complaints. I like all their programs and how they do things. I'm thankful for everything they've done for me."