"I have been living with my family, which includes my elderly spouse, my co-wife, and our six children, at my brother-in-law's compound. My desire has always been to buy my land and build a home for my family since the daily conflicts with my brother made us feel like a burden to him. However, due to the financial hardships I face as the sole breadwinner, relying on any job that comes my way, I lacked the resources to buy my land. When I received my transfer, I prioritized this goal and was able to acquire the land. This has made the biggest difference in my daily life because now my children will have a place of their own to build their homes, and it’s also a valuable asset for us. In addition, we will now avoid the ongoing family conflict, bringing peace of mind to my family."

"In the coming months, I plan to use the remaining transfers to pay the required labor fees to finalize the construction of the house. Once the house is fully completed, my next goal is to start a kiosk business. Establishing this business will diversify my income sources and provide me with additional financial stability to support my family. I am already a member of a savings group and intend to save more once the house is complete, so I can accumulate enough capital to launch the business next year. I am deeply appreciative of the support from GiveDirectly, which has empowered me to make significant strides towards my goals, especially rebuilding my home and planning for a more secure financial future."

"Before I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I had never slept on a mattress. I didn't realize how comfortable it could be until I finally bought one with the money I received. Now, when I wake up, I feel good and full of energy. I no longer have body aches that made me feel like I was aging too fast. At night, I get into bed and sleep so deeply. It feels amazing to be so comfortable, and I can't believe how happy I am. Every morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and over the moon, ready to take on the day. This simple change has made a huge difference in my life."

"Financial constraints stands out to be my biggest challenge. This is because, I am currently a housewife despite having the desire to enroll in a technical college to learn beauty and therapy course. Being jobless has made me feel as a burden to my husband. The only job that we majorly depend on is his motorbike taxi which earns him very little, usually $5.4 per day. This income goes to food and we lack even a coin to save for our future. The feeling of jobless and the lack of money to venture into what I inspire to do in life is what has robbed away my happiness."

"Paying school fees had become hard for me because usually I depend on farm produce because I had 3 acres of maize on the farm that was swept by the floods. My children had arrears and they were about to be sent home to collect fees. After I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, my life changed a lot. Paying school fees had become hard for me because I usually depend on my farm produce. But this year was tough because my 3 acres of maize were swept away by the floods. I was worried because my children had school fees arrears, and they were about to be sent home to collect fees. Thanks to the transfers from GiveDirectly, I managed to pay all the arrears. I no longer have any fees to worry about, and my children could stay in school without the fear of being sent home. It feels so good to see them studying without that stress. I am grateful for the help I received."

"My main challenge had been paying school fees for my children, as I had struggled so much to make ends meet. I depended on my hotel business, where I earned $3 a day, but this was barely enough to cover all our needs and pay school fees on time. I was worried that my children might miss the opportunity to continue their studies. My other son had finished secondary school, but since we had no money, he was forced to stay home instead of proceeding to college. Now, I’m happy because he is back in school. Thanks to the cash transfers, I was able to pay his fees, and he is now on the right track. As a family, we are incredibly grateful and happy because if it weren’t for these cash transfers, my son wouldn’t have joined college, and my other children in primary school might have dropped out a long time ago. I can’t thank this organization enough, and I’m confident that my children will have a brighter future, which I believe will break the cycle of poverty that has affected us for so long."

"I remember very well that particular day as I was preparing lunch when I discovered that I had a new message on my phone. I was curious to know the content, as I was not expecting to hear from anyone. Upon opening it, I realized that I had finally received the cash transfers that I was promised due to the enrollment period. I was so happy, as I was sure I would finally be able to pay the fees for my three children, who are in college, secondary school, and primary school, respectively."

"When the floods came, they completely wiped out 1.5 acres of maize and an entire acre of tomatoes that I had been counting on to sell for school fees and food security at home. It was a devastating blow, and I honestly didn't know how I was going to recover. I had also accumulated so much debt, not knowing where the money would come from to pay it off. But thanks to the unconditional cash I received from GiveDirectly, I was able to cover food costs and pay the school fees for my children. Most importantly, I’ve managed to clear all my debts, and now, for the first time in a long while, I don’t owe anyone anything. It’s a huge relief, and it truly makes my soul rejoice, and feels great to have this weight lifted off me."

"Before I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I was in a tough spot. I didn't know how I was going to pay my daughter's school fees. She had been sent home several times to collect the money, but each time she returned with nothing, which meant she would just be sent back again. It was heartbreaking because I knew how much she wanted to be in school, but I couldn't afford it. When the transfer came through, I was finally able to pay her fees. Now, she can stay in school without worrying about being sent home, and she can focus on her schoolwork like any child should. It's been the biggest relief for both of us."

"I depend most on subsistence farming, a venture that is currently not reliable due to the bad weather patterns. For two consecutive seasons, we have failed to harvest from our farms. This has made life so harder because my household mostly forfeit or survive on one meal per day. What a harsh life! Failing in farming has forced me to depend on my son who is a casual labourer in Kilifi town. Since he has his family to support, he sometimes find it hard to send me some cash. The most he can sends me is usually $7.7 per month, an amount that goes to offsetting bills. Hence, I consider food insecurity to be my biggest challenge."