"After receiving the second transfer, I spent $168 on 20 iron sheets for the construction of a new house. I had inherited my parents' single-family home. I've been living there with my two children for the past three years, and the GiveDirectly assistance was a huge relief because it allowed me to finally build a new, larger home. I paid the $80 labor charges, and I am relieved that the construction is complete and that we have moved in. I also increased the size of my maize business by purchasing additional stock worth $100. Since then, the business has thrived, and we have expanded it even further by collecting and selling fresh milk from local farmers. In addition, I spent the remaining funds on new clothes for my two children as well as food for the entire month."

"On the 14th of December, around 4:00pm, I received a message from GiveDirectly that I did not recognize at first. After reading it, the amount indicated matched what I expected from GiveDirectly. When I noticed this, I was overjoyed because it meant that my plans were about to come true. I added to the excitement by informing the other family members, who were also overjoyed, and collecting the money two days later when I was ready to spend it."

"I jointly operate a retail shop and an MPesa mobile money business in my village. The business has been struggling to stay afloat for a while now due to dwindling stocks and an inadequate float to maintain the Mpesa. With the transfers received, I restocked my retail shop by $340 and added $20 capital to the Mpesa business. I have witnessed steady growth in terms of sales and profits, as my customers can now easily access what they want from my shop."

"On that particular day, at around 4 pm, I received a message from GiveDirectly on my phone. I was attending a neighbor's wedding committee meeting when I got it and could hardly wait to see what it was all about. I was overwhelmed with joy after confirming that I had received the initial $550 from GiveDirectly. The excitement on my face was palpable as I made my way back home hurriedly to give the good news to my family."

"I am happy to report that, when compared to the time before I received my transfers, my life has significantly improved. My family was used to sleeping on an empty stomach two days a week. I didn't make enough money through my business of selling charcoal to provide for my family's needs. Looking at my body, I can say with confidence that I have put on a little weight as a result of my improved diet thanks to the money from the transfers. Because there is food available in plenty, my family members are no longer depressed."

"Before getting the GiveDirectly transfer, my life was not pleasing. Getting daily food was a real struggle and at some point, I had to go without food for at least two days a week. Debts had made me unconfident since it is shameful for a mature person like me to fail to pay some bills after being trusted for some assistance. As of now, I am glad that GiveDirectly empowered me and I cleared all the debts I had besides starting an investment that will aid me in catering to my family's needs."

"The main difference that I can testify of GiveDirectly is that it enabled me to pay full first-term fees on the opening day for my children at once something that I had never done since I started educating my children. Most of the time my children used to be sent back in the first term contrary to what will happen now because of the empowerment from GiveDirectly. In addition to that, my wife is acquiring tailoring knowledge which will be a long-term investment in our family."

"I am grateful to GiveDirectly. Sincerely, I cannot tell where I would be now if the organization did not come to my rescue. I guess I would be dead of hunger. GiveDirectly has given me a new hope of living. According to me, life was over since depending on charcoal burning was not reliable again and hunger was almost cutting my breath short. Through GiveDirectly, life has changed for the better. I have been able to start livestock farming as an investment. Through this investment, I will be able to cater to my family's needs."

"Givedirectly did well in targeting the poor household in society directly with any intermediary. This reduces fraud and loss of money to the wrong persons who do not deserve the help. I feel they should incorporate financial training in their processes. This is for the potential beneficiaries on how to spend the cash aid wisely to better their lives before leaving them to make their individual decision."

"I am a trained hair dresser and for the longest time, I have always wanted to start my own business. This year, I am looking forward to save towards the same. Achieving this means that I will be able to support my husband with family responsibilities which gets overwhelming sometimes."