"While washing my children’s clothes at around 9am, my phone rang in the house. I told my son to go for it and confirm what message had been received. My son came out running and I was astonished what the matter was only to say, “You have received some money from GiveDirectly.” Even though I don’t know how to read but the happiness I felt made me to tell him to show me the message so that I can see the money though I clearly knew there was nothing I could understand."

"By the time I received the money, my wife was very sick. This transfer did me good and I took her to hospital where I spent around KES 20000.00 for her medication. Thereafter I took KES 16000.00 and paid her dowry balance so that I am at peace with my in-laws. KES 8000.00 out of the remaining amount, I bought some households items and kept the rest for food and water."

"The money came at the very time of need when my son was out of school due to school fees. I settled the fee balance of KES 9000.00 and he went back to school. I also bought a sewing machine for my daughter who is completing her tailoring course so that she can start a tailoring job. The sewing machine cost KES 10500.00. Looking at the house I am living in, it portrays a high level of poverty due to the condition it is; thus I decided to buy 20 pieces of iron sheets for KES 18000.00 so that I start building a good house. Currently the foundation is already complete thou I know the remaining amount won’t be enough to complete the whole house. My aim is at the point where I will stack due to lack of funds; I will pause and wait for the second transfer."

"The business I currently run is not enough to cater to all the needs. I mostly struggle to get food since my business is also struggling. I have few clients and some days I am forced to sleep on an empty stomach."

"I recently fractured my ankle as I was running after my goat which had lost its way. I was basking under a tree when I saw my goat go into a neighbors' farm. I quickly stood up and run after it, forgetting that my grandson was nearby and could run after it. I fall into a hole and the injury was quite painful. Thankfully my grandson came in time and took me to the hospital. I am scheduled for a second visit in December. I intend to use the transfer to cater to transportation of which is 1000 KES to and fro. I will be saving the other transfers, using them when I have an emergency and need medical help."

"Education has always been a priority for me, I consider it as an investment. Back in the day, our parents never valued education especially when it came to women. Women were to be married off and bear children. I am married as a second wife and I have seven children. Four girls and three boys, three of the girls are in primary school and I want to see to it that they get the best education I can afford. I do not want them to go through the same life I have had to endure and be married off at an early age. My cowife also has eight children, two of whom are still in school. We are both not working and we both depend on our husband who works as a Matatu driver in Mombasa. His income is not sufficient, and as a result, my children are constantly sent back home for school fees. It has become a norm and it does not please my heart."

"Ten years ago while I was out fetching water 30 kilometers away, on my way back home my the jerry can I was carrying on my head fell and hit my right shoulder. For a moment I lost consciousness but I got back up and made my trip back home. I did not pay much attention to the injury till this year when the pain came back again. I keep having chest pains and it is hard to move my right shoulder. Recently, I sought medical assistance but I have to go back for a second visit for them to take a scan and make diagnosis. I am helpless, I can not lift heavy objects or perform any duties. If only I had paid more attention to the injury back then, things could be different now."

"Obtaining food has been a major concern. Farming has been my main source of income, but I have not been able to harvest anything this year. We were expecting rains this last two months only to be disappointed. I now depend on my son who works in Mombasa to provide for us. I live with my grandchildren and it is always saddening whenever they have to sleep on an empty stomach or have to prepare porridge as their dinner and go to bed."

"Getting enough water for domestic use is the major challenge that we are currently facing. With the prolonged drought all the water point in my location has dried up and I usually go to look for water as far as 30 kilometres from home. This means also opening my business late because I always find long queues at the water point."

"I don't have a house and I have been staying with my brother who has a two rooms house. My biggest worry has been him getting married soon because I won't have somewhere to spend my nights at. Probably I will be forced to move in to my grandmothers house which is not specious enough to accommodate both of us. My biggest desire has been building my own house but financial instability has been a challenge because as a casual worker, I have not been able to save enough due to meagre wages that I earn. I am planning to commit the first two years to saving towards building a better house and thereafter I will be able to marry and build a family."