"I am currently building a new house for my family, as the one we live in now is so rundown and unsafe that I feel as if I am practically sleeping outside. It is even on the verge of collapsing. To make this new home a reality, I have been using a portion of my previous transfers to buy building materials. My goal for the coming year and beyond is to keep investing part of my transfers from GiveDirectly toward buying more materials until the house is fully completed. Once we are able to move in, I will feel a huge sense of relief, no longer worrying about the house falling down on us. Afterward, I plan to use another portion of the transfers to buy goats and chicken, hoping they will multiply over time, creating a sustainable resource that I can rely on to support my family in the future. I am incredibly grateful for this support and looking forward to better days ahead."

"Prolonged period of drought is making our life harder. I have four livestock which is taken care of by my grandfather who lives far away from the village. They cannot survive here as there is no grass to graze them due to drought. On average, we get rainfall at least 3 times a year which is extremely low and literally nothing can grow here apart from cactus. We are therefore, forced to buy milk for domestic use which is expensive. Buying a litre of milk at KES 50 saddens me keeping in mind of other domestic recurrent expenditures yet I could have taken care of my cattle here."

"GiveDirectly support enabled me to enroll at Mnazi Mwenga Secondary School, a long-held dream of mine. The school fees are manageable, and the teachers are exceptionally understanding. I discussed my situation with our school bazaar and informed him that I would be paying in installments. He agreed, which has allowed me to continue my education. Although life has been challenging at times and I’ve felt hopeless, GiveDirectly has restored my optimism. My aim in the coming year and beyond is to complete my studies and become the first person in my family to finish Secondary school. I pray to God for the chance to advance to college, graduate, secure a good job, and improve my family's living conditions, while also dreaming of building a spacious house for us all, despite currently living in a two small roomed house with my eight siblings."

"I depend on keeping livestock to sustain my family of 6. Last year at the height of a prolonged drought, I lost about ten of my sheep before I sold the remaining fifteen for a throw away price. Without a firm footing to further support my family, we have slept hungry some of the days while my children have not had all the necessary requirements in school due to this lack of finances."

"In the upcoming year, I initially planned to buy a motorbike. However, I've encountered some difficulties saving enough money, especially since I need to pay my school fees as a third-form secondary school student. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus. Instead, I’m looking into starting a grocery business and will hire someone at a small fee to manage it while I’m at school. I believe that the earnings from this venture will eventually help me purchase that motorbike in the future. Since I’m still studying and almost finished with my secondary education, having someone oversee the business seems like the wisest choice for now. I’m truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, which has made it easier for me to attend school and pursue my future plans."

"Shop business has been our main source of income for some years. Currently, the business is not performing well. Our sales per day have diminished a lot leading to low profits. This has affected our ability to provide food or even other necessities for our children. The economy has become really difficult and most customers no longer have their initial purchasing power."

"When I received my third transfer, I decided to invest it in farming by planting beans. I chose beans because they require less water, making them a practical option for my situation. Farming has always been my passion, and I know it will help me immediately by providing food for my family. Furthermore, I can sell some of the produce to generate income, which will allow me to pay for my children's school fees. This plan not only ensures we have enough food at home but also supports my children's education. I truly believe that focusing on farming will create a better future for us all."

"In the coming years, my plan is to focus on farming, as I have always been a farmer at heart. Although I was affected by floods in the past, I believe that planting maize can bring significant profits that will help improve my life. I want to invest in better farming techniques and tools to ensure a successful harvest. By doing this, I can provide for my family and create a more stable future for us. Farming has always been my passion, and I am determined to make it work again. My ultimate goal is to build a better life for myself and my children through hard work and dedication to agriculture."

"Before receiving the cash transfer, I faced a lot of stress trying to find money to pay the rent for my son. He had been chased away by the landlord because we couldn't afford to pay. My heart ached as I worried about his situation and how he would manage without a place to stay. However, after getting the transfer, everything changed. I was able to pay the rent, and my son could move back into his room and focus on his studies. Now, my family is happy, and I no longer feel that heavy burden on my shoulders. The biggest difference is the peace of mind I have knowing my son can study peacefully without the threat of eviction hanging over him."

"Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my daughter's school fees was a major source of stress for me. I struggled to gather enough money, relying on casual jobs and selling groceries, which often wasn’t enough. My daughter was frequently sent home from school for unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see her miss out on her education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay her school fees in full without any worry. Now, she attends school regularly and can focus on her studies like other children. This change has brought me immense peace of mind, knowing that she is learning and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, as it has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing us to prioritize her education without the constant fear of being sent home."