"The abundant rainfall this month has brought both blessings and challenges. The force of the water has eroded the muddy walls of my house, weakening the supporting poles. The imminent risk of the house collapsing compels me to gather resources and construct a new dwelling before such a disaster occurs. The funds from my upcoming transfers will be instrumental in realizing this goal of building a new home. I am deeply thankful for the assistance from the transfers, which has enabled me to lead a more fulfilling life free from poverty."

"Previously, I have faced various difficulties due to water scarcity, particularly during droughts. This compels us to trek long distances in search of water, and the water we obtain is often unfit for consumption. My intention is to invest in a water tank, enabling me to store water during the rainy season for use in the dry season. Additionally, I aim to purchase a large cooking pot that I can rent out, generating a modest income to support my family. I am delighted and appreciative of the financial assistance."

"Around 3:00 p.m., under the intense heat of the sun, I found myself rushing to complete the task of watering my neighbor's tomatoes—a routine work that sustains my livelihood. Fatigue had set in, and I was eager for a moment of rest. It was in this moment of weariness that an SMS notification appeared on my phone, indicating that I had received a transfer from GiveDirectly. I had to read the message twice to absorb the reality of the good news; it felt almost too good to be true. The joy that surged within me was profound, realizing that this financial support would empower me to enhance my living situation, particularly by acquiring furniture that had been absent in my home."

"My primary objective is to acquire new iron sheets and completely refurbish the roof of my house, as the current rusty and deteriorated sheets with holes allow rainwater to seep into the house during rainfall. Alongside this crucial renovation, I am committed to supporting my children's education by covering their school fees. The assistance provided by Give Directly has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of my life, and I am sincerely appreciative of this financial support."

"For several years, my farming endeavors have been adversely affected by the persistent lack of rainfall in our region. Despite our efforts in irrigation, the effectiveness of this practice was hindered by the inconsistency of river water levels, often necessitating the use of a generator for pumping. The challenge lies in the scarcity of individuals who own generators, resulting in long queues for rental services. Moreover, the cost of hiring stands at a steep $15 per day, a financial strain for someone like me who relies solely on farming as the primary source of income. Upon receiving the initial transfer, I made a conscious decision to allocate the entire sum towards acquiring this invaluable resource—a generator. The relief and joy I felt knowing that I no longer had to endure queues or bear the burden of expensive daily rentals were immeasurable. This acquisition signifies a crucial improvement in my farming practices, ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted water supply for nourishing my crops. The anticipation of increased productivity brings a sense of optimism for the future, and the financial savings from no longer having to rent a generator will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainability of my farming efforts. I express my heartfelt gratitude to GiveDirectly for the positive impact this support has had on my livelihood."

"Both my wife and I are currently unemployed, and sustaining our lives in the village has posed significant challenges. Before the intervention of GiveDirectly, I worked as a casual laborer, but the prolonged drought brought about numerous hardships, making it difficult to access food and water. The assistance provided by GiveDirectly during this difficult period proved to be a turning point for us. We were finally able to purchase food and pay school fees for our two children. From the transfers received, I allocated $40 to invest in two goats, which will serve as a lasting investment even after the project concludes. Additionally, $38 was directed towards purchasing food as our supplies had run out. Another $10 was utilized to settle a pending school fees debt for one of my children. The remaining amount was invested in buying seeds, aiming to enhance our food security during the planting season amid the ongoing rains in our area. I feel a profound sense of happiness and relief, knowing that many of the challenges we faced have been effectively addressed."

"As a mother of five children who rely on me for all their needs, life in the village has been challenging. My husband's water-selling business in Mombasa has faced difficulties, and my dependence on farming alone proved insufficient to cover essential expenses such as food, clothing, and school fees. The arrival of GiveDirectly has brought a welcome ray of light and hope to my family. The transfers we receive have significantly supplemented our incomes, enabling us to afford both food and school fees. Out of the received funds, $68 was allocated to settle a pending school fees debt, preventing it from carrying over to the next academic year as the school was about to close. The remaining $34 was used to purchase much-needed food for my family during a time of scarcity. I am sincerely grateful to the organization for making a positive impact on our lives during these challenging times."

"Upon receiving the final transfer, I prioritized several essential needs with the assistance provided by my helper, Robert. My first priority was to invest in a long-term plan by purchasing three goats for $150, aiming for future returns through the sale of their offspring. rearing them around has been easier due to the vast grazing area, and the immediate availability of water from the nearby borehole Additionally, I spent $154 on food supplies, including two sacks of maize, a carton of milk, and other kitchen essentials, ensuring sustained well-being. I addressed various household needs by spending $80 on utensils, toiletries, and two plastic chairs. Gratefully, I saved the remaining amount currently held in my Mpesa account under the care of my helper. Despite facing challenges in working on my farms or engaging in casual labor due to my deteriorating health, the support from GiveDirectly has enabled me to maintain a sufficient diet and seek necessary medical attention. I appreciate the positive impact on my life through this support."

"I have a family of five members with three being grandchildren whose mother died some years back. I do subsistence farming together with my husband. I am aged and my granddaughter is the one who helps me get water from the tap but she covers along distance to and from the water tap. It's almost 10km. This is a bother to me and I will one day resolve it. I will use $400 to buy pipes and other required items to have tap water at home. This will be for domestic use and also for business in the community. I intend to make $5 every day from sale of water . I will also use $400 to buy a cow as an investment. I already have one and the two will help me sell milk at the town centres and have a sustainable source of income."

"I work as a farmer, and my husband is employed on a casual basis at a water station, and together, we have two children. When we were informed that we would be receiving financial support from GiveDirectly, our primary goal was to utilize it judiciously, recognizing it as a unique and valuable opportunity. We initially used $20 to connect to water, settled a long-standing debt of $40, and purchased maize and other essential food items totaling $115. Additionally, we set aside $250 in savings. I am overjoyed that, finally, we were able to acquire things that seemed unattainable before, given that our income was primarily directed towards meeting basic food needs."