"In the coming year and beyond, I will be focusing on getting enough building materials that will then see me have the floor of my house cemented. I already have enough cement and only waiting to have the floor of my house cemented once I get enough reapurces. I know right now that I can do very little to raise enough money to do this but with the help of my children, I will be able to raise enough money and sell some of my goats and see this come to pass. I am so much impressed by the water tank that I bought and willl always be indebted to GiveDirectly for this. My focus now os to see the floor or my house cemented and then enjoy my old age with my grandchildren. Without the boost that I received from GiveDirectly, I would not have thought of accomplishing all these within the time that I have accomplished."

"Receiving financial assistance from GiveDirectly was indeed a blessing, providing me with the perfect opportunity to make thoughtful use of the funds. As a widow, I reside with my four grandchildren, and our livelihood depends on goat rearing and support from my children. Consequently, I decided to spend $350 to purchase a water tank, ensuring a convenient and clean water source for our daily consumption, given the distant location of the stream. Additionally, I used $100 to acquire essential food items such as maize and sugar. These endeavors were previously unattainable due to financial constraints, as my earnings barely covered all our needs. The aid we received from GiveDirectly has raised our living standards and granted us a newfound sense of financial independence. We will forever cherish and remain grateful for the transformative support provided."

"Receiving the transfer was the most significant blessing I have encountered in my life, primarily because of the urgent needs we faced. Our long-held dream of having a pit latrine within our household had been affected by financial constraints. We relied on farming and my husband's income from a small retail shop, which barely covered our basic necessities, particularly the hefty school fees for our three children in secondary school. However, upon receiving the transfer, I spent $130 to construct a latrine, a luxury we did not have as we were accustomed to relieving ourselves in the open. Additionally, I used $320 to purchase a water tank, as my health prevented me from carrying water on my back. The impact of this milestone on my life has been profound, and I am immensely grateful for the remarkable improvements it has brought about."

"Education is important for any person. I believe educating my children will give them a better future, they'll also support me. I plan to use at least $600 for my children's learning. That amount will support them towards school completion. Due to water shortage, I plan to buy a water tank. This means I can harvest rain water for use, especially during drought periods. A tank can cost about $200. Additionally, I plan to cement my 2-roomed house. It's dusty and not good for our health. When cemented, it's easy to clean and reduces chances of getting a flu. Plan to spend about $200. The rest of the transfer will be used to prepare and fence a small vegetables garden. This will provide me with enough vegetables and some for sell."

"GiveDirectly has truly done an incredible job, bringing about a remarkable transformation and balance in our village. Families who once struggled to afford education fees have built new homes, and others have invested in livestock, which continues to provide for them. The improvements in hygiene and sanitation, thanks to the construction of latrines and the purchase of water tanks, have been a significant benefit to our community. Personally, I can't think of any specific recommendations for change; I am just hopeful that we might receive further support in the future to continue this positive trajectory."

"My aim has been to leave a Mark in my life through this Givedirectly transfers. I purchased a water tank, a bed, goats and chicken which will serve as a reminder of the change that being a recipient of this cash transfers had on my life. I am planning to buy my child a mattress since she is currently sleeping with me so she can have a place of her own to sleep. I also would like to strengthen the foundation of our house by adding a stone layer as the house is a mud house to ensure it does not crumble and fall for any reason."

"What I truly appreciate about GD is the unconditional nature of their transfers. These transfers have been a lifeline for many of us, lifting us out of poverty. I can personally attest that a significant number of people in my area have invested in income-generating projects, and I believe this will gradually elevate our economic status. Thanks to GD's support, I used part of the funds to purchase a cow and two sheep, which I see as a promising investment for a brighter future. Additionally, I no longer need to purchase vegetables since I can now grow them with the water from the water tank I bought."

"My family of seven depends on goat rearing for a living. However, we have been affected by an adverse drought that rendered most of my goats dead, therefore running into losses and sometimes not meeting my family's needs. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the assistance it offered me, as this was a source of inspiration and a financial breakthrough for my family. When I received the transfers, I used $70 to pay school fees for my daughter in grade 10 and $55 to purchase maize for the family. I am now happy that my daughter has uninterrupted school sessions and my family is food secure. Additionally, I repaid $65 of the monthly loan that I took from the Kenya Women Trust Fund to purchase a water tank and construct my house. In an effort to secure our future income, I bought two goats for $100 and spent the rest on household goods."

"While my two sons support me, they rely on casual jobs to assist with our needs. However, their income is limited. I had a long-standing desire to purchase a wooden bed along with a suitable mattress but relying on my children’s income to support me in this goal was challenging. Previously, I slept on a sisal-twined bed made of ropes, which provided me with uncomfortable sleep. To afford the bed and mattress, I needed at least $100. I was aware that a single cash transfer would not cover the cost, so I diligently saved $20 every month for the last five months through a self-help group until I had accumulated the required amount. I am delighted to share that I now have a comfortable bed, and I enjoy restful sleep at night. In addition to the bed, I also invested $30 in buying a 200-liter water tank. This tank serves as a valuable resource for water storage, helping me overcome the challenges associated with intermittent water shortages. During the rainy season, I can collect and store a significant amount of water for various household uses."

"The struggles in our community have been numerous, especially when it comes to access to essential resources like water and education. However, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, positive changes have started to take shape. With $120, I decided to invest in a water tank. Water scarcity has been a significant issue in our community, and we were often forced to buy water from the nearby school. Unfortunately, this source was becoming unreliable as water became scarcer. So, having our water tank was a crucial step towards securing a steady water supply for my family. I also used the funds to invest in livestock. I bought three goats for $150 and three chickens for $10. Livestock can provide a source of income and nutrition for our family, making us less reliant on external resources. i also spent $170 towards paying my son's school fees. He's currently in form four, and education is a priority. Before receiving assistance from GiveDirectly, I had to rely on casual work, like selling tree posts, to make ends meet. This often meant that paying school fees was a constant struggle. These investments and payments have made a considerable impact on our lives. We're slowly becoming more self-reliant, and our children have better access to education. It's a step-by-step journey towards a secure future, and we're thankful to GiveDirectly for making it all possible."