"GiveDirectly does well in supporting the poor by providing unconditional cash transfers, which have a transformative impact on individuals and communities. Their officers communicated well during our community meeting, clearly explaining the source and purpose of the funds, which helped build trust and transparency. During enrollment, there was no discrimination, as everyone was included without bias. The follow-up process is also commendable, as it allows the organization to assess the program's impact and ensure that the support is making a real difference. I see no areas for improvement; GiveDirectly should continue with the same approach, as it is effective and fair."

"I started by investing $101 to plough two acres of land and set up ridges, which was essential since it’s the planting season for beans. Following that, I spent $100 on quality bean seeds to ensure a good harvest. I know that beans can provide a quick return on investment, so I’m hopeful for a fruitful season. In addition to farming, I also addressed a pressing need at home. I bought a metal bed for $100 because my wooden one had fallen victim to termites and was infested with bedbugs. This small change will help us sleep better and maintain our health. Moreover, I invested $95 in ten pipes for irrigation on my farm, which will enable me to water my beans more effectively, ensuring a robust crop yield. With the remainder of the cash transfer, I purchased fuel for my generator, which I will use to pump water for irrigation. All these investments are aimed at improving our living situation and ensuring a better future for my family."

"I was pleasantly surprised when, after receiving the funds, I got a call from one of their representatives, just as they promised. The communication has been consistent, and I appreciate how they follow through with their commitments. Each step of the process has been clearly outlined, which reassures me that I am part of something organized and trustworthy. Moreover, the officers who have reached out to me have been nothing but friendly and respectful. There’s no hint of harassment or pressure; they seem genuinely interested in my well-being. This experience has felt empowering rather than burdensome, and I find it refreshing to engage with people who treat me with dignity. I truly believe everything is running smoothly as it is; there’s nothing I would change. GiveDirectly has exceeded my expectations, and I’m grateful for their support."

"I got a C+ after completing my fourth form and I remain hopeful about starting college in the coming years. My plan is to enroll in nursing school since I meet the entry requirements. However, I have been facing financial challenges. To address this, I decided to invest my transfer funds in buying goats. I’m pleased to say that I now own twenty goats, with a goal of reaching fifty. This will allow me to sell some goats to raise money for my college fees. I don't have anyone to rely on, as my parents are unemployed and have my younger siblings to support. I have confidence in myself and believe that one day I will attend college and pursue my chosen course. I am optimistic that going to college will open up new job opportunities for me. This has been my dream for the future."

"I am hoping that by the end of the year, I will have finished paying off the balance for the piece of land. My goal is to make sure that when the next long rains come, we will have already moved out and started building a new house. I plan to use the third transfer to settle the payment for the land. Hopefully, if the tomato harvest goes well, I can sell them and use the money to build our new house in the area we want to move to. This move is important because it will help us stay safe from mosquitoes that bring diseases when it rains."

"I have been thinking a lot about what I hope to achieve in the coming year. My main plan is to keep working on my farm, especially growing maize. Farming is hard work, but it’s something I know well, and it’s my best chance to make the money I need. You see, I have two children in high school, and school fees can be expensive. So, by continuing to farm, I hope I’ll be able to afford their education and make sure they stay in school. Every season, I plant maize, which we sell to Kenya Seed. They pay a good price, and that really helps me. Plus, selling to them is reliable—they offer a steady market, so I know where my maize will go, and I don’t have to worry about finding buyers. If all goes well, I’ll make enough to keep up with the school fees."

"I am a father with one child, and I currently live in a one-room house. As our family expands, I want to increase our living space. My plan is to construct a larger two-room house. The decision on whether to use metal sheets or stone will depend on my available budget. I have joined a merry-go-round to help save enough money for this construction project. As a driver, I am optimistic that my earnings, along with the contributions from the merry-go-round, will enable me to achieve my goal. I have also begun buying metal sheets and currently have fifteen. I am confident that this new home will bring the comfort and happiness my family deserves."

"The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the cash from GiveDirectly is that I've started farming, something I had never done before in my life. Just yesterday, I sold my very first harvest and made $500! I feel like the happiest person alive because, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I held that much money in my hands. Before this, I used to earn just $16 every two weeks from burning charcoal, a difficult and exhausting job. I never realized farming could be this profitable, and now I see a future where I can keep growing, both in my skills and my earnings. GiveDirectly has truly changed my life."

"A strong wind recently destroyed my house, forcing us to seek shelter at my neighbor's homestead. The roof had developed holes, and the walls were significantly weakened due to leaks from the rain. Its condition made it vulnerable to further destruction. Because of this, I am planning to build a spacious two-roomed house that will accommodate my growing family comfortably. Our current situation is challenging since we are temporarily staying with my neighbor. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving $20 from my transfers each month to purchase two iron sheets. I’m pleased to say that I have already bought 10 iron sheets. Once I acquire the remaining 10 pieces, we can begin the construction process. Accomplishing this will bring me great happiness. After that, I intend to save my transfers and start a grocery business that will help me support my children once my dream house is completed."

"When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, it truly felt like a lifeline. The grass we’d planted was ready for harvesting, but the timing was critical — if it dried out before we harvested, all our effort would go to waste. I didn’t have the money to hire the labor I needed, and I was worried about handling it on my own. Then, the transfer came just in time. I immediately hired people to help, and we were able to harvest everything before it dried out. Without that support, I would have struggled to manage the work alone, and I was sure I’d face a big loss. But with the transfer, I was able to bring in the help I needed right away. Now, I not only saved my harvest but also saw how this one financial boost could make such a difference in my livelihood."