"In the coming years, I plan to focus on farming, which I believe will be a strong foundation for my family's future. By dedicating myself to growing crops, I hope to earn enough income to eventually open a small shop in my village. This business would provide a steady source of income, reducing my dependence on uncertain casual jobs. With a stable shop, I could more reliably support my children’s education and cover household needs. Farming will not only provide us with food but also the extra proceeds needed to invest in this shop. I am determined to make this vision a reality, creating a sustainable future for my family."

"My spouse and I are fortunate to have three children of whom two are in school, while the youngest is still small. To support our family, my spouse takes on casual jobs, while I manage our livestock. Life was quite challenging before we received assistance from GiveDirectly; earning a consistent income was difficult, and the little we had was often insufficient for basic needs like school fees and food. There were times when we went to bed hungry, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, we can plan better and no longer face those hardships. With my most recent transfer, I spent $102 to purchase three goats. I aim to invest in goat rearing, so once the transfers conclude, I’ll have a reliable source of support for my family. As the goats breed and their numbers increase, I plan to sell some of them to pay for my children's education and purchase food."

"After getting attacked by a crocodile while fishing my life has been difficult because I'm unable to provide for my family because of my injuries."

"I spent $200 to install a water tap in my compound, something I had wanted for a very long time. Previously, I had to buy water from a neighbor, which was costly and a long walk from my home. Due to my age, making the trip was often challenging, and I sometimes had to rely on my grandsons to carry the water for me. When they were in school, I struggled on my own. With my first transfer, I was finally able to purchase and lay the pipes for a water system, cover the labor costs, and prepare for the installation of a water meter. Soon, I’ll have a steady water supply right on my compound. In addition to using the water for household needs, I also plan to sell some, which will provide me with extra income. I also used $120 to buy a new bed and mattress, replacing the worn-out ones I’d been using. This upgrade has greatly improved my sleep quality, and I now look forward to a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, I spent $45 to hire a tractor to plough my 1.5 acres of land, allowing me to plant early and hope for a good harvest to support my family. Finally, I used the remaining funds to pay off accumulated debts for foodstuffs I’d previously purchased on credit, and I stocked up on essential food items, including bales of maize flour, to ensure my family has a secure food supply each day."

"An early morning message alert woke me up, and I wondered who could be messaging me at that hour. Since I couldn’t read the messages myself, I waited for daylight and then asked my daughter to check my phone. She looked and shared the news I had been hoping for—I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly! Hearing this filled me with happiness. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for to make a real change in my life, especially by finally installing a water tap in my compound, something I had yearned for years."

"A notification on my phone woke me up early in the morning. Unable to read it myself, I was fortunate to have my daughter with me, as she often helps me check my messages. When she looked at my inbox, she told me it was an Mpesa notification—I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly! Hearing this news filled me with happiness and brightened my entire day. I immediately felt a wave of hope, knowing this transfer would finally allow me to improve our living conditions and bring lasting change to our lives."

"A notification on my phone woke me up early in the morning. Unable to read it myself, I was fortunate to have my daughter with me, as she often helps me check my messages. When she looked at my inbox, she told me it was an Mpesa notification—I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly! Hearing this news filled me with happiness and brightened my entire day. I immediately felt a wave of hope, knowing this transfer would finally allow me to improve our living conditions and bring lasting change to our lives."

"I received a notification on my phone early in the morning, but I couldn't make out any of the details, so I decided not to check it right away. While I was busy with my usual house chores, a friend stopped by and asked if I had gotten a transfer, since she had received hers. I was curious to confirm mine as well and I handed my phone to my helper to look it up for me. I was overjoyed when she let me know that I had also received mine! The thought of finally being able to build my own house after staying at my son's place filled me with a sense of peace, and I expressed my gratitude for all their support."

"I received a notification on my phone early in the morning, but I couldn't make out any of the details, so I decided not to check it right away. While I was busy with my usual house chores, a friend stopped by and asked if I had gotten a transfer, since she had received hers. I was curious to confirm mine as well and I handed my phone to my helper to look it up for me. I was overjoyed when she let me know that I had also received mine! The thought of finally being able to build my own house after staying at my son's place filled me with a sense of peace, and I expressed my gratitude for all their support."

"I woke up early in the morning to the sound of a notification from my phone. Curious about who might be reaching out at such an hour, I quickly checked the message. To my delight, it was an Mpesa notification! As I read the details, my spirits lifted—I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. A wave of gratitude washed over me as I realized that this money would significantly improve my living situation, especially since I planned to renovate my house, which had seen better days."