"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I prioritized paying off the school fees arrears for my three children in secondary school, which cost me $200. Education is very important to me, and I didn’t want them to miss any more classes due to unpaid fees. Clearing their balances brought me a huge sense of relief, knowing they could now focus fully on their studies without the worry of being sent home. I also spent $100 to replace my bed and mattress, which were destroyed by floods. For months, I’d been sleeping on sacks and mats, and finally having a proper bed again felt like a return to dignity and comfort. It was a long-awaited change, and I’m grateful to have a place to sleep that provides me with proper rest. With the remaining money, I bought household essentials, including two bags of maize to ensure my family had enough food. Food security has been a constant concern, so securing this supply was a top priority. I also set aside a small amount for emergencies or additional food needs that may arise. This support has truly helped me stabilize my household and provide a better environment for my family."

"When I first heard about the GiveDirectly program, I was skeptical, but as soon as the money was sent directly to me, that skepticism turned into relief. For once, I felt like I had control over my own life and choices, knowing that they trusted me with this support. They didn’t try to tell me what to do or restrict me; instead, they left the decision entirely up to me. What stood out to me was how clear and transparent GiveDirectly was from the beginning. They explained everything well, making sure I understood how the program worked and what to expect. There was no confusion or worry because they communicated everything in a way that made sense to us. It’s hard to think of anything that should be changed, as they’ve approached this perfectly—letting us be in charge of our choices, believing in us, and providing us with resources we need. I am grateful that, for once, an organization trusted us enough to empower us, without conditions or interference."

"I had long yearned to own livestock at my homestead, but I didn’t have the funds to buy any. As soon as I received some money, I spent $140 to purchase two goats, which are now at my home. I’m confident that these goats will soon multiply, allowing me to achieve several goals through them, including the possibility of exchanging them for dairy cows in the future. This will help me sustain myself in the long term. My son has been taking care of me all this time, even though I am still able to work. Additionally, I bought a large cooking pot for $100 specifically for business purposes; I plan to rent it to neighbours whenever they have events, generating income from that. My house was only halfway built, and I didn’t have enough money to complete it. I used $100 to buy the remaining materials to finish it properly. Previously, some areas, including closets and other parts of the room, were exposed to the rain, but now I feel at ease since my house is fully secure, and I no longer worry about rain getting inside. Finally, I spent $210 on food, as this has been a major concern that could negatively affect our health if not addressed."

"When I received money from GiveDirectly, it felt like a fresh start. They explained everything clearly from the beginning, making it easy to understand how the program worked and what to expect. I appreciated how they followed up to see how I spent the money—it made me more mindful of my decisions. Knowing that someone would check in encouraged me to use the money wisely, focusing on things that could improve my life long-term. Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about the program. The whole process, from receiving the money to the follow-ups, was smooth and respectful. It felt like they trusted me to make the best choices for myself while also supporting me through their follow-ups. I felt empowered, not pressured, and that’s something not every organization achieves."

"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was use $80 to pay my daughter’s school fees. She’s in Form 3, and I had to clear the arrears so she could stay in school without disruptions. After that, I spent $30 to plough an acre of land and another $80 to buy beans seeds. It’s the right season for beans, and since they sell well in the market, I saw it as both an investment and a way to make some income later. Thinking ahead, I leased an additional acre for $120. I plan to use it to plant maize next year since it’s a crop that provides both food and profit. In the meantime, I made sure we have enough food by buying a bag of maize for $28. At least now I don’t have to worry about hunger in the house for a while. Food security is a priority, especially when you have children depending on you. Lastly, I bought a goat for $85, as it’s a good long-term asset. It can provide milk and can be sold or bred in the future if needed. With the little money left, I treated myself to a pair of trousers and a shirt. It felt good to buy something for myself after taking care of so many responsibilities. I believe looking good is important too—it lifts your spirits."

"I want to buy half an acre of land elsewhere, somewhere it doesn’t flood. Where I stay currently is prone to floods whenever it rains, and I need a place that’s more secure. The constant worry isn’t something I want to live with forever. To achieve this, I’ll keep going with maize farming. It’s steady, but I also plan to try watermelon farming this time. They fetch a good price, and if things go well, I should make a decent amount from both crops. The plan is to sell the melons and maize, then use that money to buy the piece of land. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m determined. It’s time to move to a place where rain doesn’t bring fear with it."

"I am currently facing a challenge in providing for my family of seven. I work as a house manager for a neighbor, earning KES 4000 a month. While I use this money to buy food, it is often not enough. Sometimes, I have to take goods on credit from shops, hoping my husband can repay them through his driving job. With schools closing soon, I am worried because I will have to pause my job since my employer will be home full-time. This adds even more stress to an already difficult situation because there will be no salary for those days. For this period , I will reinvest in my tailoring business so as to earn an income from repairing clothes."

"Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I returned to my previous plan for using the funds wisely. I allocated $60 to pay school fees for my child in form four, who is currently sitting for national examinations. It was crucial to ensure that their studies would not be interrupted, providing them with comfort during this important time. Next, I spent $40 to address our immediate food needs, ensuring that my family had enough to eat as we went about our daily activities. Finally, I used $60 to buy a goat, which symbolizes sustainability and remembrance. This goat will multiply, eventually growing into a larger herd that can provide additional income and resources for my family."

"I was at home alone when I received a message from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received $200. I was overjoyed, knowing that many of my needs would soon be met. My first thought was to address the food situation in my household, as it had been a concern for us. I eagerly waited for my husband and children to come home so I could share the good news with them."

"The biggest difference in my life since receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly is that I now have a sense of comfort and stability in my home. I used to feel overwhelmed by financial stress, especially when it came to paying school fees for my children. With the funds I received, I was able to create a cozy living space for my family and ensure that their education remains uninterrupted. I no longer have to rely on casual labor, which used to take a toll on my time and energy. Instead, I can focus on providing for my family’s needs while also feeling secure about their future. This support has truly changed my life, giving me hope and peace of mind."