"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main goal is to focus on the education of my two children. I know that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in our family. I want to ensure they have everything they need to succeed in school, from uniforms to books. I plan to set aside part of my monthly income to cover their school fees and other expenses. I know it won’t be easy, but I am determined to give them the best. As they grow and move to higher levels of education, I will continue to support them, knowing that their success will not only benefit them but also uplift our entire family. This is my priority, and I am ready to work hard to make it happen."

"I am so grateful for the cash transfer because it has helped me in many ways. With the $200 I received, I bought two sheep for $100, which will be a great long-term investment. They can multiply, and I hope to sell some in the future for extra income. I also leased a piece of land for $50 to plant vegetables, as maize hasn't been doing well lately due to disease. Vegetables seem like a better option for now, and I’m hopeful that this harvest will support my family.For food, I used $35 to make sure my children had enough to eat, and I spent $15 on school uniforms for them. It’s been tough managing as a single mother since my husband and I separated six years ago. I have five children, and the responsibility of raising them falls entirely on me. Casual jobs are what I rely on to put food on the table, but they are inconsistent, so having this support has really lifted a burden off my shoulders."

"Upon receiving my $200 cash transfer, I decided to invest it all in planting watermelons. It came at the perfect time, especially after the devastating loss of two acres of maize during the recent floods. I am incredibly thankful to GiveDirectly for the support, as it gave me the chance to rebuild and start afresh. Watermelon farming promises good returns, and I am hopeful this crop will yield around $700 in the coming months. It feels good to have something to look forward to after such a challenging period.With the little savings we had, I managed to buy a plot in town. Once I receive the expected income from my watermelon harvest, I plan to relocate and build a permanent home there. The area where we currently live floods frequently when it rains, and it’s been tough managing the household with such unpredictable weather conditions. Moving to town will provide us with more stability and a safer environment for my family, away from the constant threat of flooding.In terms of food and daily necessities, we’re managing well enough. I only have two young children, and my husband is a teacher, earning $4,500 per month, which is enough to cover our basic needs. His steady income helps keep us afloat, and I feel fortunate that together we’re able to manage, especially now that we have a brighter future ahead with the potential income from the watermelon farm."

"The most significant change since I started receiving the transfers has been the improvement in my health. I used a portion of the transfers to pay for hospital bills and purchase medicines, which has led to a noticeable improvement in my condition. I am truly grateful for the support, as it has made a big difference in helping me take better care of my health."

"The biggest difference in our lives right now is that our children are happier than before. With food available in the house, they get to eat meals that are enough, and they sleep with their tummies full. This has given them the energy to go to school daily with bright faces because they have been eating well. I used to worry about whether they'd have the strength to concentrate in class, but now I see them excited about their studies, which is such a relief. I cannot be thankful enough to GiveDirectly because they have brought us happiness and hope in our lives, something we lost during the floods. When the floods came, we lost so much—our home, our crops, and our sense of security. But now, with the unconditional cash we received, we’ve been able to rebuild our lives."

"When I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the first thing I did was use $100 to pay off the school fees arrears for my son, who is in Form Four. That debt had been weighing heavily on me because I had no idea where I would find the money. After that, I took on various casual jobs to clear the remaining arrears, making sure I could fully settle the school fees. With $50 of the money, I cleared a piece of land that a friend in the village had given me; it was overgrown with bushes, and I knew that clearing it would make ploughing and planting easier later on. The rest of the money went towards buying essential household items—cooking pots, cups, plates, and water containers—since the ones I had before had been swept away by the floods."

"When I received $200 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and excited. It was the first time I had such a significant amount of money. As a single young man with a fiancée, I am focused on acquiring household assets for our future together. I allocated $110 to buy a new cupboard, which I needed for organizing my house and storing utensils and other items. I also spent $34 on household items like utensils, as I want to be prepared for when I get married, ensuring that my fiancée will find everything she needs. Additionally, I used $20 to repair my roof, which was leaking during the rain and causing discomfort. With this improvement, I no longer worry about rain affecting my home. Lastly, I spent $40 as a deposit for a new smartphone. I want to stay updated with local and international news, and having a reliable phone is important for this. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support, which has helped me make these important improvements."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving $180 from GiveDirectly is the profound improvement in my overall well-being. At 82 years old, I was struggling with illness and lacked basic comforts. The money allowed me to get necessary medical care, buy a new bed and mattress for the first time, and secure enough food for the next two months. Most importantly, it enabled me to move in with my elder son, where I can receive the close care I need. This support from GiveDirectly has significantly transformed my quality of life, bringing me comfort, health, and peace of mind."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I no longer sleep on the floor. After the floods damaged my bed and mattress, I had no choice but to sleep on the floor. It was cold and uncomfortable, and I would wake up feeling tired and sick from the chill. Now, with the new bed and mattress, I was able to buy, I sleep comfortably and look forward to bedtime. It has become an enjoyable and restful experience, and it has made a significant improvement in my overall well-being."

"I was at home one evening when my son came to me with the wonderful news that GiveDirectly had sent $180. I was so happy and grateful, and the mood in my household immediately changed. I couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that the money had arrived at just the right time. My son had been selected to join a university in Nairobi, but we didn’t have enough money to send him. This had been weighing heavily on my mind, as I didn’t want his future delayed because of financial problems. Now, with the money from GiveDirectly, I knew he could finally join without further delay. The relief and joy I felt in that moment were overwhelming, and I’m so thankful for the support that made this possible."