"My husband is living with disability since he is blind. Since we are the only two people who stay full-time at home, It has forced me to stay indoors all through the day as I take care of him. This situation has hindered me from taking tasks outside home and it means, we fully depend on my son who works in Mombasa to send us some cash. Although he has been supportive, sometimes he fails to send us money because he has his family to support. Hence, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge."

"The feeling of being jobless despite having dressmaking skills has never given me peace of mind ever since I got married, 7 years ago. Since our area's main economic activity is farming, this is what I have actively been engaged in. However, this is also not reliable because sometimes, our area experiences prolonged drought, which hinders us from doing farming. Under this situation, my household is food insecure and I always feel pain as a mother. Hence, the lack of a reliable source of income becomes my biggest challenge."

"Being a widow means raising my children single-handedly, a responsibility that has become so challenging to me. Although I managed to take my elder son to secondary school, he has never joined college. At home, my young son had to drop out of school when he was in standard seven due to financial instability. This has hindered us from living a decent life since I spent everything I had saved. As a mother, I feel so painful to desperately watch my children hanging around without any formal job. This situation has devoured my joy since I have a fear of them being involved in some vices that can ruin them. Hence, I consider financial constraints as what has made my life harder."

"I am genuinely impressed by GiveDirectly and everything they've done for me. From the beginning, they've followed up with me so well, ensuring that I received the support I needed. Their dedication and attention to detail have made a real difference in my life. I don't have any recommendations because I believe they've done everything right. I am grateful for their assistance and for the positive impact they've had on me and my family."

"This year, I have a goal: to finish cementing the ground of my house. It's an important step in completing the construction process. As I imagine the smooth, solid surface underfoot, I feel a sense of anticipation and determination. Cementing the ground not only adds durability to the structure but also enhances its overall appearance. It's a step towards creating a safe and comfortable living space for myself and my family. With each layer of cement laid down, I am one step closer to achieving this goal and making our house feel like a true home."

"I have no recommendations to offer because I am truly impressed by GiveDirectly and all their programs. Their efforts have been outstanding, and I appreciate everything they do. From their various initiatives to their overall approach, GiveDirectly has made a positive impact in my life and in the lives of many others. I admire their dedication and commitment to helping those in need, and I am grateful for the support they provide."

"Lack of reliable source of income is the current challenge I am facing in life. I do subsistence farming and my husband does casual jobs earning very little income which caters for food and school fees. I have three children schooling at primary level but due to lack of school fees they have been out of school for four days now. This has affected to their performances.The community is dry and the family depends on food from shop and due to the little income the family has been going without food."

"Living in an old, one-room house with my family of five has been challenging, especially as our children grow older. My eldest child is about to turn 12 years old, and the need for privacy grows, particularly for my husband and me. Our home, with its muddy walls, is helpless during the rainy season. The walls often weaken and leak, making repair strenuous. Additionally, the limited space makes hosting visitors nearly impossible. For the past few years, my husband and I have engaged in small-scale farming to support our family. Unfortunately, changes in rainfall patterns have led to three consecutive years of failed harvests. Renting land near the river for irrigation, to address this farming issue, was beyond our financial reach. Furthermore, building a new home seemed like a dream we couldn't afford. Receiving support from GiveDirectly was a relief. With the $450 transfer we received, we prioritized improving our living conditions. We invested the money in purchasing building materials, including iron sheets and timber, and we are waiting for the last transfer to buy the remaining materials needed and start the construction of our new 2-roomed house. We are thankful for the support from GiveDirectly. It has offered us a path toward a more secure and comfortable living situation for our family."

"For over two years, my daughter has battled a chronic wound on her left leg, suspected to be caused by a tumorous growth. Despite numerous attempts by local doctors, her condition has only worsened over time, leaving her in excruciating pain and with limited mobility. As her primary caregiver, I have devoted much of the support I received from GiveDirectly towards her medical expenses, including transportation costs averaging $30 per trip to the hospital. With the final transfer, I prioritized essential needs for my family, allocating $40 for food to sustain us. Recognizing my daughter's need for comfort during her illness, I invested $60 in purchasing a bed and mattress, hoping to alleviate her suffering. Additionally, I purchased two goats for $70, intending to breed them for future financial security in my old age. Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful for my daughter's recovery, especially as she undergoes a recommended leg amputation procedure at a hospital in Kabarnet. As we journeyed to the hospital, I covered the transportation expenses and set aside the remaining funds to cover the costs of the procedure and ongoing medication. I am profoundly grateful to GiveDirectly for their invaluable support during this challenging time, and I pray for my daughter's swift recovery and improved health."

"Livestock farming has long been the backbone of our community's economy, offering stability even in the face of harsh droughts. With the recent transfer, I saw an opportunity to invest in three goats, allocating $200 to purchase them. These goats hold promise for the future, as I plan to breed them and eventually sell their offspring for additional income. Recognizing the importance of improving our living conditions, I allocated $140 towards household essentials, including a bed, mattress, and blankets to ensure a more comfortable rest. Additionally, I invested in new clothing, including a pair of shoes, to upgrade my wardrobe. I spent $30 to acquire equipment for collecting and storing rainwater as a way of addressing the challenge of water storage. To sustain my family of three, I spent $60 on food, comprising maize and beans. I wisely saved the remaining $20, which serves as a buffer for replenishing household goods and purchasing additional food items. I am immensely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has reignited hope and contributed to our improved livelihood, aligning with the aspirations of our community members."