"Low and unsustainable income are the challenges we are currently facing. Raising a family of 3 single-handedly with a meager wage of approximately KES 150 a day is an uphill task. I usually depend on casual labor such as fishing, vending water in the village, and, at times, taking care of teachers' children when they have gone to school for a fee. Living in such tough economic times with low income has made our lives unbearable. My hope has now been rekindled through the transfer that I am expecting from Give Directly. This will be a stepping stone to realizing a fulfilled future for my family."

"The officers spoke to me kindly and respectfully, taking the time to ask about my plans and how the funds would help us. They explained everything clearly, which made me feel comfortable and understood. I appreciate how they were patient and attentive, showing genuine concern for our needs. I did not notice anything bad from GiveDirectly; everything went smoothly, and their support has been a great help to us. The funds have made a big difference in our lives, and we are very grateful for the assistance. GiveDirectly is doing a good job, and I hope they continue to help more people in the future."

"The struggles of farming with limited resources have been tough, but this cash transfer gave me a chance to turn things around. I decided to invest $300 in tomato seeds to plant on one acre of land. Although it was an expensive investment, I know that tomatoes have the potential for a high profit, and this could help me secure a better future for my family. Growing tomatoes will give me the income I need, something I didn't have before, as I lacked the capital to plant anything beyond maize.In addition, I spent $150 on a cupboard to keep my fragile utensils safe. Before, I had no place to store them properly, and they were always at risk of getting damaged. The cupboard will help organize our home and protect our belongings, which is important for keeping our daily life running smoothly. This small change in our home makes a big difference, and I am so grateful to have it.I have two children, and both my husband and I are farmers. We've always worked hard, but we didn't have the capital to grow beyond basic farming. Since receiving the cash transfer, I have seen real changes in our life. With the new investment in tomatoes and the furniture, I now feel more secure and hopeful about the future. My family’s situation has improved, and I believe that this investment will continue to pay off in the coming years."

"The struggles of farming without reliable water during the dry season made me realize I needed to find a solution. I decided to use my unconditional cash transfer to buy a generator for $360. This generator will help me pump water from the river to my farm, where I plan to plant beans. Water has always been a challenge for us, and having this resource will ensure my crops can grow even in dry times. This investment felt essential to secure my family’s future and improve my farming.Additionally, I spent the remaining $90 on purchasing three sheep. I didn’t have any livestock before, and the sheep will serve as both a source of milk and a way to build assets. Once they multiply, I can sell them in case of emergencies or use them for other needs. This gives me peace of mind, knowing I have something valuable to rely on in difficult times.With five children to care for, I’ve always had to juggle various jobs like charcoal burning and farming to make ends meet. My husband is supportive and helps with providing for the family, but our combined efforts are what really make a difference. Thanks to the transfer, life is becoming more stable, and I’m hopeful about the future as we continue to work hard and take care of our children."

"What impressed me the most about GiveDirectly is how organized their plans are. During the barazas, they took the time to educate us and shared positive news that really lifted my spirits, especially the idea of receiving free money. The way they communicated with us made me feel valued and informed. I didn’t notice anything bad about GiveDirectly; everything was done well. The officers explained things clearly, and we always knew what to expect. I am grateful for their support and how smoothly everything has gone."

"Lack of food quality food is the biggest challenge my family is currently facing.I am a widow with 2 children, I engage in casual jobs such as fetching water and washing clothes for the well-off neighbors.Finding work nowadays is a challenge because schools have closed, children go to fetch water for their families.This has affected my source of income leading me to having huge debt in shops .For the past one month I have been able to earn at most KES 100 twice a week, this money is inadequate to meet my household daily food requirement worth KES 200.I am currently so devastated and in fear that my children and I may find ourselves malnourished and weak due to inadequacy of food intake unlike the past few months."

"Providing food for my family of four has become a real challenge for us. We depend on my husband, Amos, who operates a motorcycle taxi business to provide for us. Unfortunately, his business is not doing well, and on most days, he only earns around KES 300, which is not enough to cover even the basics like food. We do not farm here either, since the weather conditions are not favorable for growing crops. Even though it is tough sometimes, I am grateful that we have never lacked food, thanks to Amos. He works hard, and no matter how little we earn, he always makes sure there is something on the table for us. I am thankful for that, even though things are hard."

"In the past, my main goal was to get a bed and mattress for myself, as I had none and I was sleeping on the floor which was very uncomfortable. With the transfers I received, I was able to buy a bed and mattress, and I am now so grateful to sleep comfortably each night. However, I now realize that my teenage son, who is growing up quickly, also needs his own space. It no longer feels right for us to share the same living area, especially as he becomes more older. Therefore, this year, I plan to use part of my future transfers from GiveDirectly to gradually purchase building materials so I can construct a small house for him. I want both of us to have the privacy and comfort we deserve, each in our own space. I am hopeful that, little by little, I will be able to complete this project and give him this special gift. Just thinking about it fills me with joy. I am deeply grateful for these transfers, as they are making dreams like this feel within reach. I know I will be overjoyed when I can finally hand over a place my son can truly call his own."

"I am currently enrolled in college, pursuing a diploma course in Early Childhood Development Education. I believe that enrolling in this program will open exciting new paths for my career and therefore I am committed to completing this course. I am meant to complete my studies in July next year and I am hopeful for the chance to secure a position with the County Government, which would provide the job security and growth I aspire for, especially compared to my current role within our community school where there is no job security. As I move forward, my primary focus is to continue dedicating all my transfers toward funding my education until I complete my studies. Once I complete my studies, I plan to start investing in livestock, starting with goats. My hope is that these goats will thrive and multiply, growing in both number and value. Thereafter, I plan to trade some of them to purchase cows that I will use to plow my farm. I am optimistic that these goats and cows will become valuable assets for my family and be a reliable source of support especially once this program concludes. I am deeply grateful for the assistance I receive from GiveDirectly. It has been an essential stepping stone toward my dreams, and with each step, I feel my aspirations coming closer to reality."

"My vision for my life is to become a dedicated livestock farmer, one who can truly rely on livestock as a steady source of income and security. For the coming year, I plan to use my transfers from GiveDirectly to expand my herd by purchasing more goats, adding to the ones I already have. My hope is that these goats will multiply, grow in value, and set the foundation for something lasting. Once I have six goats, I can trade them for a cow and I intend to have many goats so that I can trade some of them for several cows. I am working towards this goal with so much anticipation. The bulls will be invaluable for plowing my farm, which will allow me to save on the high costs of hiring tractors each season. Meanwhile, the cows will keep multiplying, providing milk for my family and an additional income stream from milk sales. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it is helping me bring my dreams to life. This opportunity gives me such hope for the future, hoping that I can create a stable and sustainable life for myself and my family."