"Financial constraints are the biggest challenge because we depend on casual jobs to earn a living. It is difficult to save money to use in future since what we get is hand to mouth. If I had a stable source of income life would have been better as I would meet my family's basic needs comfortably."

"My greatest challenge currently is the lack of money. Because of my old age I'm unable to take part in many money generating activities and therefore I've been left to depend on casual labour such as washing clothes, fetching water and sometimes burning charcoal. The money I get is not enough to meet my household needs. This has been made even more difficult since I provide for my granddaughter Mercy who is in University."

"I have been thinking a lot about my future in fish trading. Fishing around Lake Baringo is not just my livelihood; it is a part of who I am. Each day, when I catch fresh fish, I dream of selling it directly, instead of handing it off to traders. Selling to them has its downsides as I sometimes face losses and miss out on potential profits. I truly believe that if I could start my own business, I could thrive. I have the knowledge of the market and a passion for what I do. However, the lack of capital holds me back. I want to create a business that not only supports me but also contributes to my community."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest my transfers in goat rearing. I love goats because they are resistant to diseases, multiply quickly, and are highly marketable. I'm happy to say that I have already purchased six goats using my transfers, and one of them was pregnant and recently gave birth to twins. In the long run, I plan to barter these goats to acquire a dairy cow. I prefer dairy cows because they also reproduce, and if I ever need to sell one, they can bring in a good amount of money. This initiative will serve as my future financial investment, and in case I face any financial crisis, I can sell some goats or the dairy cow to support myself and pay for my children's school fees. With the ongoing food crisis and the need to pay school fees, I will continue to use my GiveDirectly transfers to support these efforts and secure a stable future for my family."

"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to expand my omena business. In addition to the income I receive from GiveDirectly, this business provides financial support, allowing me to earn a daily income. This ensures that my family never goes to bed hungry, as I am able to buy food every day. I am optimistic that by boosting this business, it will not only improve our financial situation but also offer stability and security. To achieve this, I plan to invest part of my transfer into growing the business. Additionally, I have a plan to invest part of my transfer in livestock, specifically goat rearing and poultry. I considered this because I have two children in upper primary school who will soon transition to secondary school. These animals will serve as my future financial security. In case I face financial difficulties, I can sell them to pay for my children's school fees or buy food when needed for family consumption."

"I embarked on a journey to the Middle East as a domestic worker, fueled by the dream of crafting a brighter future for myself and my family. With each transfer I receive and my hard-earned salary, I’m determined to save a substantial portion of my income. My vision is to save enough amount of money that will allow me to return to my homeland and launch my very own business. I dream of opening a vibrant boutique, a place where creativity meets commerce. I can already picture it: shelves filled with beautiful items, a warm atmosphere, and customers who leave with smiles on their faces. I’m committed to pouring my heart and soul into making this venture flourish, turning it into a reliable source of income that will support my family and ensure my children receive the education they deserve. Every day, I hold onto the hope that these dreams will come true, paving the way for financial stability and a life filled with opportunities for my loved ones. The journey may be challenging, but I believe that with determination and hard work, I can turn my aspirations into reality."

"With my house on the verge of collapsing, my goal for the coming year is to build a new home. I am pleased to share that I have already purchased all the roofing materials needed for this housing project. Now, my next step is to buy building poles and cement. To achieve this, I plan to use a portion of my transfers to gradually acquire the building poles necessary for constructing the two-room house I have always dreamed of and start building. Once my house is complete, I intend to redirect my transfers toward buying goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in both number and value, providing me with a reliable source of income to support my family and educate my children. They will serve as a valuable asset, especially when this program comes to an end. I am truly grateful for the support I have received from GiveDirectly, and I remain hopeful for a brighter future ahead."

"I have a goal of opening a cosmetic shop in the coming years. I believe this is one of the most profitable businesses in my area, and I am committed to seizing this opportunity. Since I currently do not have the necessary capital to start, I plan to save from my salon business and set aside some profits to fund this venture. I believe that once I achieve this goal, it will provide me with additional income, relieving some financial pressure. I plan to use this income to ensure my children have an easier time at school, as this has been one of my constant challenges."

"After receiving the cash transfers from GiveDirectly, I used around $290 to buy an ox and a dairy cow. These have been well-thought-out assets for years, but I couldn't afford to purchase them myself due to the financial difficulties I faced, especially after my husband’s death some years ago. I bought the ox because I felt it would be a relief for my farming activities, which I have been doing by hand for years, and it was tiring. This resulted in my inability to fully utilize my farm, leading to low and poor yields. As for the dairy cow, I decided to get one because I will soon start receiving milk, which will be beneficial for my family's consumption. I also plan to sell any excess milk to those who might want it. This presents a great business opportunity for me; currently, I only rely on selling tap water from my home and occasionally charcoal, so the sale of milk will provide additional income. With the remaining $260, I purchased building materials to construct two houses for my two sons. We have been sleeping under one roof, and I believe it’s time for them to have their privacy since they are teenagers. I feel I have been denying them this, considering that my house is quite small, which limits their freedom. Although the houses are not yet complete, I hope they will be ready soon for them to move in."

"I began building a new house when I received the first cash transfer from GiveDirectly. However, the money ran out along the way, and I had to stop. Upon receiving the second transfer, I used around $300 to buy a few pieces of iron sheets and cover labor charges for the completion of this house. I intended to build a better house because the previous one was just a temporary shelter. Aside from being small, the roof was in poor condition, and we could be rained on terribly, which was heartbreaking to witness as my four children trembled in the cold. Now, I feel much relieved; I no longer worry about my privacy or my children's well-being. Additionally, I bought some bedding at $160, which included two mattresses and a bed for my children and me. Initially, we used to sleep on the floor on mats, and you can imagine the cold nights; it was so tough. Now we all sleep comfortably without pain, as we did before. I also bought a goat for $50, bringing my total to three goats. I believe this will serve as a reminder of this organization, and I see them as assets that will multiply over time. This way, I won't struggle in case of any emergencies that might occur. The remaining $20 went directly to food, which lasted us for a while, allowing us to enjoy good meals."