"Before receiving the cash transfer, my wife and I mostly depended on our children for everything. They would help us with food and other needs since we are old and unable to work. Although they never complained, I often felt like a burden, especially when it came to daily expenses like food. We lived comfortably, but I always wished I could contribute more to ease their load.After receiving the transfer, everything changed. I was able to purchase two goats, which are now my form of savings. Having these goats has given me a sense of financial security that I didn’t have before. I know that when they multiply, I can sell them for any unexpected expenses, instead of always asking my children for help. The extra money allowed me to buy enough food to last us for a while, lifting that burden off my children for the time being.Now, I feel more independent and capable of helping my family. Even though my children continue to support me, I’m happy that I could do something to take care of my wife and myself. The goats are an investment for our future, and the food has brought us comfort. Thanks to this transfer, I feel like I’m contributing to my family's well-being, and it has brought a sense of pride and relief into my life."

"Before receiving the money from GiveDirectly, life was extremely stressful for me. My son, who has been disabled for the past six years, needed regular hospital checkups, but I often didn’t have the money to take him. The stress of seeing him suffer at home without the care he needed was overwhelming. I depended on fundraising to pay for his medical expenses, but it was never guaranteed that I would have enough. This uncertainty made life very difficult for my family and me. After receiving the transfer, I was able to immediately take my son to Kijabe Hospital with the $100 I set aside for his checkups. It brought me so much relief to finally afford his treatment without worrying about finding the money. Additionally, the transfer allowed me to harvest 10 bags of maize from my farm, which gave us food and some financial security. Now, I am planning to focus more on farming to ensure I can continue paying for his hospital bills without relying on others. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has changed significantly, and I feel hopeful that I can better support my family moving forward."

"When I received my unconditional cash transfer, it was a great relief for me and my family. I used $15,000 to pay laborers and hire a tractor for transportation, which helped me harvest 33 bags of maize. As a father of nine children, with some in university and others in secondary school, I felt the pressure to provide for their education. My wife is not working because she is taking care of my elderly mother, so I am the sole breadwinner. Life was tough, but this transfer changed everything for us.With the remaining money, I spent $3,000 on clothing and $2,000 on food. Before, we struggled to afford good clothes, but now we can finally buy what we need to look presentable. It was important for us to feel good and shine, especially since my children are in school and need to look their best. Having enough food to eat has also brought joy to our household.Thanks to this support, our lives have improved significantly. I no longer have to rely solely on charcoal burning for income, and I can focus more on my family's needs. We are very happy now, and I am grateful for the help that allowed us to thrive. This transfer has truly made a difference in our lives."

"When I received my unconditional cash transfer, it felt like a new beginning for my family. With the funds in hand, I carefully planned how to use the money to make the biggest impact. I decided to invest in livestock by purchasing four sheep for $205, which would help provide for my children, especially when it came to covering school fees. I also allocated $80 to my maize harvest, ensuring we had enough food to sustain us. When I harvested the maize, I was able to collect 25 bags, which was enough to feed our family and also helped pay for my children's school fees. Before this transfer, I often had to borrow money to harvest maize. Additionally, I went to town to buy five chickens for $20. These chickens will supply us with fresh eggs, but I can also sell them to get additional income when necessary. I also used part of the funds to buy a new sofa set for $50, replacing our old, worn-out furniture. My children had been eagerly waiting for new clothes since I had promised them that when I received the second transfer, I would buy them new clothes. I set aside another $50 for that. Seeing their excitement brought me immense joy and fulfillment.Finally, I purchased cement for $10 to repair the cracks in our house. With the remaining money, I stocked up on food for our family. I used to rely on charcoal burning and selling vegetables to get by. Now, I feel a sense of stability and hope for the future, knowing that these investments will support my family and provide a better life for us all."

"Receiving my unconditional cash transfer of $450 was a turning point for my family. I decided to invest in livestock because they provide not only food but also a source of income. I purchased a cow for $250 that is almost ready to give birth, and I bought four goats for $180. To my joy, two of the sheep have already given birth, and one even had twins! These animals will help secure our future, as I love livestock and see them as a way to build stability for my family, especially since sheep multiply easily. I also allocated $10 for my children’s school uniforms and another $10 for food. With seven children to support, it has been challenging to keep up with their needs, especially since they had been going without uniforms for too long. My husband, who works as a bodaboda rider, and I depend on charcoal burning and casual jobs to make ends meet, but it often isn’t enough. I want my children to have a better life, and ensuring they can attend school is a vital step toward that goal. Looking ahead, I see great potential for growth with the livestock. They will provide milk for my children and can be sold for school fees when needed. After losing all my previous animals to drought, I am filled with hope as I watch my new livestock multiply. This investment not only gives us food security but also a sense of pride and stability. I am determined to create a better future for my family, and with each passing day, I feel that dream becoming more attainable."

"In the coming years, my main goal is to continue farming and ensure that I can pay for my children’s school fees. Farming is essential for our livelihood, and I want to grow enough crops to support my family and provide for their education. I believe that investing in their education will open up better opportunities for them in the future. I also plan to expand my farming practices to include more diverse crops, which will help increase our income and food security.Another important plan is to build a permanent home made of bricks. Currently, we live in a house made of iron sheets, which is not very durable or comfortable. A solid brick house will provide my family with a safe and secure place to live, protecting us from the weather and giving us stability. I am determined to work towards this goal, as having a proper home is vital for our well-being and future. With hard work and dedication, I believe I can achieve these dreams for my family."

"Looking ahead, I am excited about the future and my plans to start a poultry business. I used to have some chickens, but now I want to focus on raising improved kienyeji chickens more seriously. My goal is to purchase 300 chickens. The income from selling the chickens, along with the earnings from my kitchen garden, will help me build a house. We plan to construct a permanent home made of bricks, which will give my family a safe and comfortable place to live."

"When the floods destroyed our home, we lost almost everything, but not our hope. With my second transfer, I made a decision that would change our future—I bought a plot of land in a safer, higher area, away from the danger of flooding. So, when I received my latest transfer, I used $380 to start building a new house with two rooms, made from iron sheets for the roof and walls. We haven’t moved in yet because I’m waiting for my children to finish school, but once they do, we’ll finally move into our secure home. Having a stable place to live will help us focus on better opportunities and a brighter future.With the remaining $70, I bought food and utensils—things we lost in the floods and badly needed. My four children rely on me, and being able to provide for them gives me peace of mind. My husband now looks after our cows, while I focus on my growing grocery business, where I earn $5 a day. This extra income has been a blessing, allowing us to leave behind the difficult and unreliable work of burning charcoal and working on other people’s farms, which we once depended on just to survive.Building this new home has changed our lives. We are no longer at risk from floods, and I feel relieved knowing my family is safe. Life is more stable now, and we’ve moved on to better, more secure jobs. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for the future, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, which made all of this possible."

"In life, having essential skills is crucial for survival. I know that once I successfully complete driving classes and obtain my license, I will be able to secure a job, preferably driving trucks to transport goods. Currently, I am diligently saving $20 each month in our merry-go-round to enroll in a driving school, with the goal of gaining the expertise needed to operate large trucks. As a motorcycle rider and livestock keeper, I have five goats and chicken that I raise for future financial security. My plan is to let these animals breed, eventually selling them to fund the purchase of bulls and dairy cows. The bulls will help with land preparation, while the dairy cows will provide milk for both sale and personal use, such as making tea. The income generated will significantly improve my family's living standards. I also aspire to build a four-room house, as our current one-room home will soon be insufficient for my growing family. However, this project will come later, after I have successfully completed the initiatives I mentioned earlier."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to return to college to further my education. As a teacher by profession, I've already completed my Level One certification and now aim to pursue a Diploma, which offers greater benefits and will enhance my employment prospects in the education sector.Teaching has been my passion since primary school, which motivated me to enroll in a teaching college and earn my first certificate. To work toward my goal of returning to school, I’m saving a portion of my monthly income. While I haven't established a specific amount, these savings will help cover my college admission costs. I also hope to receive financial support from my spouse and parents. I am confident that once I complete the Diploma, I will secure stable employment with a reliable income, enabling me to support both my needs and those of my family. This will make it easier for me to pay for my children's education and provide for their basic needs. Currently, I teach part-time at a nearby school, earning a modest income to support my family."