"I used to walk for about four kilometers daily to my farm, little did I know that this will cost me. It was in October 2023 when I felt a sharp pain on my heel, I thought it was just an ordinary pain and took some rest for a week. The situation worsened and I could not walk from my main house to kitchen and prepare food for my family. My husband Essien Parsusumet was concerned about the pain and took me to Marigat district hospital for medication, an x-ray was done and it was found that I had developed calcaneal spur on my two feet. This has totally changed my life and the life of my family. I feel bad that I am now unable to work and support my husband to provide for the family. My husband is now the only sole breadwinner and this is making us struggle to put food on the table. My children would come back from school and spend their evening on their homework and revision, things are not the same again. They are now helping me fetch water since I was advised to take rest and avoid heavy duties. We are also struggling with the high cost of medication, I have to visit my doctor monthly which costs me about KES 5000."

"My goal has been to buy livestock with my monthly transfers because they are assets that I can rely on in case of financial need. Since I rely on subsistence farming, owning livestock was the best venture that I could think of, and so far I have acquired five goats. Unfortunately, my plan of buying the livestock every month was thwarted after I recently suffered chronic hypertension, which eventually led to a stroke. It was an awful moment for me, but through the transfers, I was able to be treated. It left me paralyzed; my leg and my hand on one side went numb. Since I currently do not have any other support for medication, my goal is to use the transfers for the medical checkups to monitor my health condition and also to cover the medical expenses, while also ensuring that I take a balanced diet to regain my health since I am also weak due to old age."

"I'm grateful to GiveDirectly support because it transformed by life"

"In my opinion, the organization has truly excelled. Thanks to their support, I've been able to start my own business, providing me with a steady source of income and newfound independence. My family now sleeps comfortably with good-quality bedding, ensuring restful nights and improved well-being. Additionally, the financial empowerment I've gained from GiveDirectly has enabled me to provide my son with a home of his own, a safe and stable environment where he can thrive. GiveDirectly's unconditional money transfer has brought tangible and life-changing improvements to our lives, for which I am immensely grateful."

"Procuring three goats from a renowned breed, recognized for their capacity to deliver twins twice a year, symbolizes an investment poised to grow into a substantial flock. This investment holds the promise of generating a reliable income stream to contribute towards supporting my children's education and fulfilling other family needs. Furthermore, I plan to establish a small grocery kiosk alongside my charcoal business, ensuring a consistent source of income to meet our daily expenses. With these plans in motion, I am confident that my children's education is secured, paving the way for a brighter future for our family making me a happy and proud parent"

"For the first time, GiveDirectly introduced a unique approach in Baringo by empowering us to decide how best to utilize the support provided to improve our living standards. This cash assistance, unlike previous aid from other organizations, has been transformative, enabling us to address various needs such as acquiring sufficient food supplies and upgrading our housing structures. GiveDirectly's staff actively engage with us through visits and calls to ensure the safe and effective utilization of the funds. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's generosity, and like many others in our village, I am diligently working to make the most of this support. I believe GiveDirectly's approach has been effective, and I have not considered any alternative method or changes that could surpass the positive impact it has had on our community."

"GiveDirectly's support changed our lives, and what stood out the most was how they did it. They gave us the money with no strings attached, allowing us to decide how best to use it for our family. Their officers are humble and respectful. They asked for my consent to join the program, which I did at will, and felt respected and valued. And perhaps most impressively, there was no corruption, rare in today's world. The enrollment process was free and fair. There was no involvement with community leaders, I hope GiveDirectly continues with this incredible work and maintains its spirit of respect, fairness, and generosity as it supports more families."

"We are just happy because GD delivers"

"With the onset of the rainy season, precipitation has begun, prompting me to focus on preparing my one-acre farm for planting maize. A successful harvest would alleviate the strain on my husband, whose earnings from selling charcoal are meager, by providing an ample food supply for our family. I am deeply appreciative of the financial support provided by the transfers, which has significantly contributed to ensuring the well-being of my family, particularly in enabling my children to continue attending school."

"The year 2022 left me with a lot of memories and a big scar of perennial poverty. My dream was to start a hairdressing business and I had managed to save about KES 200000. It all started as an abdominal pain and I thought it was a just a normal ailments. Little did I know that I was suffering from ulcers, the pain worsened and I was rushed to Marigat district hospital for medication. To my shock, I was diagnosed with chronic ulcers which required advanced treatment. Being a single paren and the breadwinner of my family, I was left with nothing but to spend my savings to pay for medical bill. This was not enough, I found myself selling my family assets and even borrowing money from my friends and relatives. I am currently struggling financially to put food on the table as well as meet my family needs."