"From my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I allocated $100 towards paying the school fees for my two children, reducing their arrears by $50 each. We have two children in elementary school level and one in secondary school. My wife and I engage in crop production to sustain our family. Additionally, we operate a posho mill business. I invested in 5 bags of maize costing $150, to further boost this business. It has proven to be a valuable supplement to our crop production, which can be unreliable due to occasional water shortages. Although we rely on irrigation, the nearby river is seasonal. However, I ensure timely planting to minimize losses and sometimes relocate my farming activities to a location near a permanent river, where I rent land. Our primary crops are maize and beans. Unfortunately, the lack of a storage facility has been a challenge, forcing us to sell our produce immediately, often at minimal profit margins. This situation also limited our ability to reserve food for future use, as improper storage could lead to spoilage. I spent $200 from the transfer, with some building materials I had previously purchased to construct a store. The store is now complete. It will enable us to store our farm produce, keep some for our consumption, and sell the surplus when market prices are more favorable. For instance, a 90kg sack of maize can sell for up to $50 during the off-season, compared to $30 or less during peak season. I am grateful to GiveDirectly."

"As a real farmer, I felt really happy when I got $450. I was tired of renting farm tools from my neighbors, so I decided to invest all of the $450 in buying tools like a knapsack sprayer, hosepipes, and pipes to connect to a generator for watering the farm. I got the generator with the first payment from GiveDirectly. I chose to fully invest in agriculture by planting maize on one hectare of land. I knew that having enough food at home would allow me to look for other jobs. Before receiving cash from GiveDirectly, I used to do casual labor on other people's farms for $3 a day. Sometimes, I would also make charcoal, getting three bags a week, which I sold for $6 each. Even though I'm not married, I cook for myself."

"Unfortunately, last year, my farm experienced excessive waterlogging caused by heavy rains, resulting in a failed maize harvest. This setback left my family facing food shortages. To ensure a reliable means of providing for my family, I am strategizing to broaden my current business ventures. I intend to diversify by incorporating the sale of additional food commodities such as maize flour and sugar. This expansion not only promises to attract a wider customer base but also aims to increase my income, thus enabling me to better support my family. The stability afforded by the financial assistance from the organization is deeply appreciated, as it has played a pivotal role in securing my family's financial well-being."

"When I got my final transfer, I decided to upgrade my house's floor. It was made of cow dung and ash-based render. This made it unconducive for my husband, our two grandchildren, and me. I was tired of dealing with dust and replenishing it frequently, which required a lot of water. However, getting water was challenging due to the water shortage in our area. I used $300 for this project. My husband and I are farmers; we focus on crop production, specifically seed maize, under the Kenya Seed Company. We cultivate on our half-acre land, receiving seeds from the company, which they deduct from our income when they pay us. We sell all the produce to the Kenya Seed Company, except for the male produce, which we keep for our consumption at home. To create a memory of the support from GiveDirectly, I purchased two goats for $110. In addition, I set aside the remaining $40 to address daily needs such as food. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support. My life has improved significantly."

"As a single mother, my children rely solely on me for support. I take on any casual work I can find, like washing clothes for others or helping out on farms. On good days, I might earn $3, but there are also days when I can't find any work at all. This constant uncertainty makes it difficult to provide for my family. The place we previously lived was in terrible shape. Its roof was full of leaks, making rainy days uncomfortable, and the door was in such bad shape that water would pour in. When I received the transfer, I saw it as a golden opportunity to finally make our living situation safer and more comfortable. I decided to invest a significant amount, $440, into building a new house. This covered the cost of materials and labor. Now, I am incredibly grateful that the new house is complete, and we have already moved in. No longer did I have to worry about my children getting sick from the dampness or feeling unsafe during the rainy season. Now, we have a place we can truly call home, a sanctuary where we can feel secure and comfortable. Seeing the smiles on my children's faces as they explored their new surroundings filled my heart with joy. With the remaining amount, I purchased sugar, which had been lacking in our household for some time. We had been drinking plain tea for a while, but now, with sugar in stock, our simple daily rituals feel more complete."

"Receiving the first transfer left me overwhelmed with happiness, unsure of whom to thank at that moment. The struggles my family of six endured to secure basic household goods were huge for us, and the idea that someone unknown would step forward to offer financial support seemed unimaginable. From the challenges of obtaining water to ensuring my children had enough food, life has been incredibly difficult. However, this moment brought hope to our household. The relief that came with receiving the money meant I could finally provide for all the needs of my five children. Since I was alone when I received the news, I had to wait until my children returned from school in the evening to share the excitement with them. After two days, I collected the money from the nearby shopping center, ready to put it toward the planned needs."

"My husband and I work on casual jobs that yield minimal income. I engage in the sale of charcoal, generating $40 monthly, while my husband operates as a hawker vending bottled water in Mombasa town, with earnings also falling below $40 per month. This limited financial means have posed significant challenges in financing the education of our five children. Consequently, a substantial portion of the funds received as transfers was allocated to settle outstanding school fees totaling $60, ensuring our children's reentry into school and the continuation of their education. Additionally, $22 was utilized to procure stationary supplies for my son, Kahindi, at the onset of the new academic term. In an effort to establish a poultry enterprise with the aim of expanding our income prospects, $12 was invested in the acquisition of two hens as a starting point. The remaining $8 was allocated towards purchasing sugar to meet the needs of our family consisting of eight members. Words fail to fully convey the depth of gratitude we feel towards the financial empowerment facilitated by these transfers, which have played a pivotal role in covering our children's educational expenses."

"Thanks to GiveDirectly, things are looking up for my family. With their support, my children are now able to attend school, and I've been able to start and run my own business. It's been a journey filled with challenges, but we're making progress. One thing that still weighs heavily on my mind is the water problem we face. Without a reliable source of water, it's difficult to produce enough on our farms to sustain us throughout the year. We often find ourselves struggling to irrigate our crops, especially during dry seasons, which affects our harvest and ultimately our livelihood. I believe that if GiveDirectly continues to support us, we could address this water problem effectively. With access to clean and reliable water, we could increase our agricultural output, ensuring that we have enough food to feed our family and even surplus to sell at the market. Imagine the difference it would make if we didn't have to worry about water scarcity anymore. We could invest more time and effort into our farms, knowing that our hard work will pay off with bountiful harvests. I'm grateful for all that GiveDirectly has done for us, but I hope they'll consider extending their support to help us tackle this crucial issue. With their help, we can overcome this obstacle and build a better future for our family."

"I aspire to build a new house as our current one is in a dilapidated condition. The iron sheet roof has corroded over time, and the mud walls have started to collapse, particularly due to recent rains. When it rains, it leaks water, making the space damp. My husband, as the breadwinner, is facing challenges in raising money to build a new house because his casual household chores cannot provide beyond the basics like food. Therefore, I have been saving through a merry-go-round club to accumulate funds for buying building materials such as iron sheets and building poles. In the coming year, I wish to have completed this exercise and am relying on the transfers to make it possible."

"I wholeheartedly agree that GiveDirectly has the power to transform lives for the better. Personally, I have experienced the profound impact of their assistance firsthand. With the support provided, I have been able to acquire assets such as a water tank and fence my farm, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Now, with my farm fenced, I am eager to sow mangoes as a means to earn a living for myself and my family. This opportunity would not have been possible without the assistance from GiveDirectly, and for that, I am truly grateful. As for their approach, I believe it is effective as it is. In my opinion, there is no need for any changes. Everything is working well, and I am optimistic about the future thanks to the support I have received from GiveDirectly."