"Utilizing the most recent transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to address the challenges and improve the living conditions for my family of three. With $40, I paid for my daughters school fees, acknowledging the hardships of raising them alone after their separation from their mother, who left and remarried with another man three years ago. The financial support from GiveDirectly has had a significant and positive impact on our lives, providing crucial support. I invested $68 in purchasing six iron sheets, intending to construct a new house that I hope to address the issue of inadequate housing. Our current grass-thatched hut has proven problematic during dry seasons due to termite infestations and water leakage. Constructing a new house with an additional room will offer my daughters a more comfortable living space, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, I allocated $60 towards purchasing food for our family of two, considering that one of my daughters is currently residing with her grandmother. I spent the remaining $12 on essential household goods such as toiletries, sugar, tea leaves, and cooking oil, which continue to be of great use to us. The support from GiveDirectly has truly made a difference in our lives, and we are grateful for the opportunity it has provided."

"There is a water project that was done for the community recently and it came as a major reprieve for the villagers although I am not able to go for it because of my health situation. I have been buying water from the water vendors when I have money or paying someone to carry it for me. The borehole is not far from my house, it's barely 200 meters. I have always wanted to connect it with water pipes to my compound for easy access and to irrigate my garden so that I can be able to plant enough food crops to cushion me against the biting food insecurity. It is for this reason that I intend to use $ 250 for the water connection and use the other money to do fencing for my garden and purchase foodstuffs. I will be extremely happy when I receive the transfers."

"In the coming year, my goal is to purchase a 5000-liter water tank for home use. This acquisition would alleviate the challenges of traveling to a distant river daily, which can be both physically demanding and time-consuming, all for the sake of obtaining a minimal amount of water. By having a water storage tank at home, I aim to streamline the water-fetching process and improve the convenience and accessibility of this essential resource."

"The cash transfers have made a significant difference in my life, especially considering the limited income my husband earns as a house help. With previous cash transfers, I was able to install a solar lighting system, providing ample light for my children's studies. They no longer have to use battery-powered torches, which provided them with dim lighting. Additionally, I acquired a decent water storage tank, ensuring that our household doesn't run out of water frequently. Through the recent funds received, I allocated $20 to reduce the school fee debts of my five children, who were at risk of being sent home as their father had not received his salary to settle these balances. With the remaining $14, I purchased food, which sustained my family until my husband received his wage. I am incredibly grateful to Give Directly, and I wish I could personally shake everyone’s hand to express my gratitude to every person involved."

"Recently it rained and it brought joy and hope to our lives since we were able to get enough water and it saves us the trouble of having to trek for long distances in search of it. We were also able to get casual farm work that assisted us to earn wages and we were able to buy food without much struggle unlike before. Even the intensity of the heat reduced and we were happy about it. Rain is indeed a blessing!"

"In our community, where adverse climatic conditions pose challenges to farming activities, leading to a reliance on expensively purchased groceries, I have been exploring alternative drought-resistant endeavors. Building on the first transfer, I allocated $300 of the second transfer towards purchasing ten beehives at $30 each. This supplements the four beehives I already acquired, with the initial set already housing bees. The cost of ordering and transporting the new beehives amounted to $50. I am hopeful that within a year, I will be able to harvest honey from all fourteen hives, as beekeeping thrives in all seasons. Additionally, I invested $26 in three water containers and $21 in three poly chairs.With the remaining $74, I used it to buy food for my family of three. I express immense gratitude for the generous support provided by GiveDirectly and eagerly anticipate the possibilities that the final transfer will bring."

"The first transfer arrived at a time when I had already outlined my spending priorities. My compound was constantly invaded by neighboring livestock, leaving droppings on my veranda, especially during rainy days, so I knew it was time for a change. I decided to purchase three chain links, each costing $27. With the existing poles in place, I am delighted to have a lockable gate that effectively keeps the intrusive animals away, only granting access to authorized individuals. I also purchased 10 kg of dry maize grains for $9 and 5 kg of beans for $10, ensuring I had enough food to sustain myself since I live alone. Additionally, I spent $35 on repairing my motorcycle, focusing on replacing the rear wheel dampers. I am thrilled that the repairs were successful, enabling me to provide water transport services upon request, generating a daily income of at least $5. Moreover, I gave my wardrobe a much-needed facelift. I invested $13 in two pairs of trousers and $7 in two new shirts, replacing my worn-out and tattered clothing. This boosted my sense of confidence and ensured I had presentable attire for various occasions. I set aside the remaining amount to cover fuel expenses and weekly repairs, further enhancing my transportation business. This strategic decision has allowed me to expand my services and cater to the needs of the community more effectively."

"The transfer I received has brought about a remarkable transformation in my life. Among the notable improvements is the purchase of a water tank, which has provided a reliable and long-lasting source of drinking water. Unlike before, when we had to constantly refill small containers on a daily basis, we now have the convenience of ample stored water. Additionally, the transfer has alleviated my concerns about food insecurity. I was able to purchase enough food to sustain myself and relieve my children from the burden of daily expenses. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this transfer has afforded me, and it has truly made a significant difference in my life."

"With the second transfer, I optimized the maize plantation through an investment of $140 in purchasing four 50-kg bags of top dressing fertilizers. This allocation aimed to enhance the growth and yield of my three-acre maize farm, despite the challenges posed by the devastating drought. To further diversify my agricultural activities, I acquired certified tomato seedlings from reputable vendors in Naivasha, spending $120. In the face of the harsh climatic conditions, I took a proactive approach by leasing a three-acre piece of land situated near a reliable stream that has consistently provided water for irrigation. Currently, the maize plants have entered the flowering stage, and I remain hopeful that they will retain sufficient water to reach maturity. I anticipate a bumper harvest that will not only serve as a vital food source for my family but also provide surplus produce for sale. I also spent $70 on purchasing dry maize grains to sustain my family of eight. This investment in food would help meet our immediate dietary needs. Additionally, I used $55 to pay school fees for my son, who had recently joined Form 1, ensuring that his educational journey continues uninterrupted. Without forgetting clothing and footwear, I dedicated the remaining $65 to buying clothes and pairs of shoes for my six children. Their excitement and gratitude upon receiving this support were heartwarming, reaffirming the positive impact these provisions have on their lives."

"This money means a lot to us, it will make what has been unlikely to be likely and make our aspirations come true. The feeling we have is out of this world, we are so excited and we will be forever grateful to GiveDirectly for their support. We have been having trouble with water accessibility for some time now. The county government recently did a water project in our area and every household is free to connect water from the source. This transfers could not have come at a better time than this, we intend to use the transfers to purchase water pipes to connect water to our homestead and purchase a 5000 liters tank. The project will cost us $ 300. The success of the project will relieve me of the stress of trekking long distances in search of water. We will use the water to irrigate our farms too. The remaining amount will be for house construction and the purchase of foodstuffs."