"With my transfer, I first bought two goats for $50 and $70 each, which will help provide fresh milk for my eight children. Milk has been quite expensive, and having these goats means that my young children will get the nutrition they need. As the goats multiply, I can also sell some of them to help pay for my children's school fees. I have two children in high school, and I paid their cumulative arrears of $150 to avoid them being sent back home. Additionally, our living situation was challenging after floods destroyed many of our household items, including our sofa. To improve our comfort, I purchased a new sofa for $55, which was necessary since we had limited seating. To ensure we have enough food, I bought three bags of maize for $70, 15 kilograms of beans for $21, and spent $14 on other food items, especially after losing our maize crop to the floods. Getting food was a challenge. At the time I received my money, one of my children was unwell, so I spent $15 on his medication. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"For more than ten years, I have been living in a grass-thatched house, which has not been easy. As a small-scale farmer who occasionally takes on casual jobs, my income has always been limited, and I have been the sole provider for my four children. I am planning to use part of my final transfer to build a better house, even if it means starting with just one room. What matters most to me is that it will be made of iron sheets, providing a more secure and durable shelter for my family."

"As a dedicated crop farmer, I have been focusing on my current planting of butternut squash and green grams, which I expect to be ready for harvest in about two months. Witnessing the success of my wife's business has inspired me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I plan to start my own business focused on buying and selling charcoal, which I believe has significant potential. My strategy is to open a store in town where I can purchase charcoal for around $7 and sell it for approximately $10 per bag. especially since charcoal is readily available due to the legalization of harvesting from the prosopis tree, which is known for producing high quality charcoal. This investment not only aims to enhance my financial stability but also to contribute to our family's overall economic growth."

"GiveDirectly excels in delivering unconditional cash transfers, which have significantly improved our lives. The unconditionality of these transfers allows us to plan together, effectively addressing our most pressing needs. For instance, with the funds we received, we were able to build a house, providing our family with a safe and stable place to live. This has also fostered visible improvements in the community. I have no areas of improvement to recommend; continue with the same approach."

"One area where GiveDirectly excels in delivering unconditional cash transfers is in providing education through community meetings (barazas), particularly regarding M-Pesa security. I always keep my pin secret and consistent, which ensures that my funds are safe. I also appreciate that the organization maintains a strict policy against dishonesty; if someone attempts to deceive, they will not receive their transfer. From the organization’s perspective, this integrity is evident in the transfers because we receive the exact amount that was promised, fostering trust within the community. I encourage GiveDirectly to continue this transparent approach, especially regarding the amount given, as receiving funds in installments enhances our ability to plan effectively for our needs. If there is an opportunity for additional support in the future, I kindly ask that we receive it, as this assistance truly uplifts lives. With further support, I believe we can achieve even greater transformations in our community."

"When I received my unconditional cash transfer, I decided to prioritize my children's education and the well-being of my family. My son is currently in junior secondary school, and I enrolled him in boarding, which cost me $105. His school recommended boarding due to the long distance and the dangers of crossing the river, especially after the recent flood incident. Additionally, I have a daughter in high school who had accumulated $200 in unpaid school fees. I had no idea how I would settle her fees, but with this transfer, I was able to clear the arrears, which brought me peace of mind. As a crop farmer, I used $50 for land preparation, intending to plant maize on my one-acre farm. The proceeds from this harvest will help sustain us in the future. To create a lasting memory of the support I received from GiveDirectly, I bought a goat worth $60, which will also help us in the long run. With the remaining funds, I purchased food items like beans and maize to keep us going as we wait for the crops in the field to mature. This cash transfer has truly relieved a great burden and allowed me to plan for our needs with confidence."

"I am a farmer, and this is my main source of income. However, in the past, I planted crops without considering several important factors, like market demand, because I didn't have the necessary irrigation equipment. As a result, I limited myself to short-cycle crops and those that required little water. Now that I have bought a generator, I am planning to expand my farming operations. I used to plant only on 1 to 1.5 acres, despite having a larger tract of land, but with the generator, I plan to increase this to over 3 acres. I also intend to be more strategic in choosing which crops to plant, focusing on marketable and profitable varieties. To achieve this, I will use my final transfer to cover the expansion costs and undergo farmer training to help me acquire new skills and become a more professional farmer, better equipped to succeed in the future."

"During the enrollment process, GiveDirectly's officers treated everyone fairly and with respect. There was no discrimination because it was handled solely by GiveDirectly, with no involvement of external parties. Each household was enrolled independently, ensuring our privacy was respected, and the officers made sure to explain every question clearly. This helped us fully understand what was required, and the entire process was optional, giving us the freedom to choose whether or not to participate. GiveDirectly's approach is highly effective, and I see no areas for improvement. I would encourage them to continue with the same mode of operation as they support more people."

"I am a fisherman and for the longest time I have been using a hand made canoe to fish. Recently, the water levels in the lake have risen making it difficult to manuvour hence a reduction in the quantity. Also, getting raw materials for making a bigger one has been hindered by floods. This has greatly reduced the amount of money I earn hence hindering my plans."