"GiveDirectly excels by providing a significant amount of money that enables you to take a meaningful step forward, allowing you to accomplish much more compared to other support, where you're given only $20-$30. This support has had a substantial impact on the community, especially in areas like livestock production, crop production, housing, and education. Before enrollment, officers held a community meeting where they informed us on various topics, including security measures for handling the cash, which minimized theft, and wise spending, which helped people manage their money effectively. This approach also promoted peace within our families, as we were able to mutually agree on who would receive the money without disagreements. I can't see any areas where this organization needs improvement. I love how it operates without discrimination and would recommend continuing with the same approach."

"Our greatest challenge currently is a lack of money. We only depend on casual work which is very difficult to get. Because of this we have a lack of money for basic needs and also to pay for our children's school fees. It saddens me so much whenever we have to ask our neighbors for support."

"Culturally, only a last born son is allowed to build a house within the parents homestead. My father's land is now smaller due to expansion of Lake Baringo. We've only been left with a small space which our parents now reside. I was not allowed to build a better house due to culture. I reside with my wife here temporarily as I seek funds to purchase a place of my own. Lack of land to build, has affected my ability to give my family a better place to call home. We're also worried, since the rains have caused the Lake to move closer to our current home. I don't know where we'll go if it submerged our house."

"This year and beyond, my goal is to venture back into farming, despite the recent floods that swept my farm away. I am determined to farm on safer ground, away from the risk of floods. I am considering either maize or watermelon farming because they are less costly than tomatoes. The thought of successfully farming and getting a good harvest fills me with happiness because it will help me keep my kids in school, provide food for my family, and make this farming endeavor sustainabl"

"Two years ago, I started constructing a three-room block house. It's still in the early stages, but unfortunately, I couldn’t continue due to a lack of finances. I am now waiting for my children to gather the funds to help me complete the house. I am looking forward to having this house because ants are very destructive in our area. The house I currently live in has been damaged by ants to the point where it leaks when it rains. With the block house, I wouldn’t have to worry about termites anymore."

"I was at work as a school cook, and it was around 11 a.m. when I heard a message notification on my phone. Curious, I checked it and saw the GiveDirectly transfers had come through. I couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness—it felt like a blessing. I continued with my day, and later, I called my wife to share the news. When I got home, we started planning how we were going to build a house with the money."

"I was at work as a school cook, and it was around 11 a.m. when I heard a message notification on my phone. Curious, I checked it and saw the GiveDirectly transfers had come through. I couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness—it felt like a blessing. I continued with my day, and later, I called my wife to share the news. When I got home, we started planning how we were going to build a house with the money."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was prioritize our home’s safety. Our house was in terrible condition; the wooden frames had been devoured by termites, and with every gust of wind, the whole structure would tremble dangerously. I used $250 to buy 11 iron sheets, frames, and roofing nails, and I hired a mason to repair the roof. It was a necessary expense to ensure that my family would be safe and secure in our own home. Being a fisherman, my livelihood depends on my fishing nets and equipment, which had become worn out over time. I decided to invest in new fishing nets and other essential gear to keep my business running smoothly and this took $80 of the money. Additionally, I bought a mountain bike for $120, which has been a game changer. Before, I would walk for about 1.5 hours to get to my fishing spot, but now, with the bike, I can cover the same distance in just 25 minutes. Lastly, I thought about the future and my children's comfort. I bought a goat for $40 as a future investment; it can multiply, and I can sell the offspring in case of emergencies. I also purchased bedsheets using $20 for my children, as they didn’t have any, ensuring they sleep comfortably. The remaining funds were used to buy essential household food items. This cash transfer has truly transformed our lives, and we cannot be grateful enough."

"The biggest difference in my life right now is that I own a bicycle, something I never thought I'd be able to afford. Before, I wasted so much time walking to work, but now I can get there quickly and easily. The cash also allowed me to repair our house; we used to fear the wind because the roof was in such bad shape, but now it's solid and secure. I even managed to extend another room for my children, so we no longer all sleep in the same room, which has given us all a bit more comfort and privacy."

"The biggest difference I've seen in my life since receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly is that I was able to buy enough utensils and even a flask. Now, our tea stays hot all the time, which is something we never had before. I remember how I used to feel embarrassed whenever visitors came over because I had to borrow utensils from my neighbor just to accommodate everyone. But now, I don't have to worry about that anymore, and it feels so good to be self-sufficient."