"The challenge I'm facing currently is associated with my livestock. I'm a goat keeper and recently they have been adversely affected by diseases such as East coast fever. This has led to the death of some of my animals which has come because I don't have money for treatment. This has affected me both financially and psychologically because I depend on Livestock."

"Being an arid area, there is always competition for water and the limited pasture for our livestock. Consequently, this region is prone to cattle rustling and banditry. Early this year while fleeing from an attack, I lost over 20 sheep to diseases due to movement from place to place. Having no other livelihood, my only source of food and income was greatly affected so much such that I have had to sleep hungry several times. My worry is that I will not be able to build enough wealth with the unprecedented threat to security."

"Our village is located in a hot and dry climate, just below the mountains of the highlands. Due to insufficient rain over the years, we cannot do farming but depend mainly on our livestock. Food insecurity is a big challenge, we sell our livestock to buy food. It's also expensive to buy food daily. This has depleted our livestock, henceforth we're always worried about what the future holds."

"First, I used $50 to pay my daughter's Form Four school fees, ensuring she could sit for her final exams without any obstacles. Education is vital, and I wanted her to have this opportunity without fear of being sent home. With another $50, I purchased household food items to make sure my family remained food secure during this time. The largest portion, $240, went toward buying a young heifer. For the first time, I owned a cow, which was a dream come true. Until now, we’ve relied on goat milk, but I hope that when the cow calves, we will have a reliable supply of milk, both for consumption and as a source of income. Additionally, I spent $30 on clothes for my children and myself. It felt good to replace our old, worn clothes and boost our confidence by looking presentable. I used $20 to support my daughter in college with her upkeep, ensuring she had what she needed to focus on her studies. Another $20 went to clear a small debt I owed, giving me peace of mind. The remaining balance I kept aside for any emergencies that might arise. Each decision I made with this money has brought me closer to stability, and I feel hopeful for my family's future."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I knew I had to prioritize the most pressing needs for my family. The first thing I did was use $40 to pay part of my son’s Form 1 school fees, which had been in arrears. While I wasn’t able to clear the balance entirely, reducing the debt gave me some relief and allowed my son to continue his studies without fear of being sent home. I then used $76 to buy food items, including maize flour, beans, and sugar, to ensure my family had enough to eat. Having food security was incredibly important, especially with children at home depending on me. Knowing that my family wouldn’t go to bed hungry was a weight lifted off my shoulders. With the remaining $80, I invested in two goats. This was a long-term decision because goats multiply quickly and serve as a valuable asset. In case of emergencies, I can always sell them or use their offspring to build further wealth. My hope is that these investments will not only provide stability for now but also help me build a better future for my family."

"My main goal is to start buying construction materials to build a bigger, permanent stone house. The house we currently live in is grass-thatched and too small for all of us—it barely fits me and my seven children. During the rainy season, water seeps through, making life even harder, and the space is so cramped that we have no privacy or comfort. A new, solid house will not only give us more space but also protect us from the weather and make us feel more secure. I have already started making plans, and every small step feels like a step closer to a better life for my children. I’m eagerly waiting for the final transfer from GiveDirectly because it will be a game-changer for me. With that money, I plan to buy the essential building materials—stones, cement, iron sheets, and sand. I want this house to last for generations, a home where my children can grow up safely and even call their own one day."

"When I received the money from GiveDirectly, I felt a great sense of relief and hope. After the transfer, the staff came to visit us for follow-up, and this really helped us stay responsible with how we spent the money. Their visit made me think carefully about my decisions and plan better for my family. Honestly, I don’t see anything that needs to be changed; everything about the process was smooth and respectful. GiveDirectly has truly made a big difference in my life."

"I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer because it gave me the means to change my daughters' lives. They used to sleep at our neighbors’ homes, which was both uncomfortable and humiliating for them. I spent $260 on 17 iron sheets, frames, posts, and a sturdy door to build a house for them. It feels wonderful to finally give them a place they can call their own, a safe space to grow and dream. I also used part of the money to settle a lingering debt of $30 that I owed a shopkeeper. I had taken food on credit to sustain us, and it weighed heavily on me. I bought a bag of maize for $30 to ensure my family had enough to eat for some time, bringing much-needed relief and stability to our meals. With $100, I bought two sheep, knowing they are a reliable investment. I can sell them when school fees arise, giving my children the chance at an education. Additionally, I spent $30 on 30 chicks. They will provide eggs for consumption and sales, and I can sell some chickens in emergencies."

"In the coming year and beyond, I am committed to building a new house, as my current house has a leaking roof and weak walls. It is only a one-room structure, and with six children, it is essential to create a better living environment for my family. So far, I have secured twenty iron sheets. I still need two more iron sheets to complete this project. My goal is to finish the house so I can focus my finances on educating my children. I want to ensure they can attend school regularly without having to worry about school fees. Through our savings group, I have been able to save a good amount from the transfers. We have collectively agreed to continue this initiative, especially since there are no job opportunities in the area right now, hence we can invest our savings in income generating activities to enable us support our families with ease. I am very happy with the progress we are making, and I believe that with continued support, we will achieve my goals."

"In the coming years, I have a dream: to purchase a pair of oxen. I have longed to own them for quite some time because I am tired of hiring my neighbours' oxen whenever it’s time to prepare the farm. Hiring them is expensive, with the cost of ploughing an acre set at $20. Often, I cannot afford this, which forces me to rely on manual labour. Preparing the farm by hand has been exhausting and has resulted in low yields, as I cannot till the entire land effectively. To make this dream a reality, I plan to use the savings from my merry-go-round initiative, which I will soon receive, and supplement it with part of the transfers I have obtained. Once I purchase the oxen, it will not only bring me relief but also create an opportunity for additional income. I can hire them out to my friends and neighbours, allowing me to earn a living. By the beginning of next year, I am hopeful that the oxen will be at my homestead, as all my plans are in place. This step will not only improve my farming efficiency but also mark a significant milestone in achieving my goals."