"After receiving $200 from GiveDirectly, I had already planned how to use the money. One of my biggest priorities was to transform my home from the old manyatta to a more modern one. I used $78 to buy iron sheets and am now waiting for the subsequent transfers to purchase more construction materials. This will allow me to build a bigger house that will be enough for me and my four kids. Another challenge I faced was paying school fees, especially with the balance for my school-going children. I spent $15 to clear the fees and buy learning materials to ensure that my kids' education continues uninterrupted. As a farmer, the floods had disrupted our normal life, so I wanted to get back to farming. I spent $50 to lease 0.5 acres of land, where I plan to plant maize. This will ensure that we have enough food at home, and I plan to sell the surplus to start a small business that will help sustain my family even after GiveDirectly's support ends. I used the rest of the money to buy food for my family because, during this time, it was hard to find any casual job opportunities to earn money for food. This has really helped me, as I no longer have to overwork myself, and I’ve been able to take a few rest days knowing that we have enough food at home."

"Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was very thankful and took time to plan how to use the money and prioritize my needs. At that time, it was just after the recent floods that hit our village, which swept away my bedding. I had been sleeping on the floor with makeshift bedding, which was cold and made the nights feel even longer. I decided to use $90 to buy a bed and a comfortable mattress. Now, I can’t wait for nighttime because of how comfortable my bed is. I also spent $82 on iron sheets because I plan to build a small, separate kitchen. This way, even when it rains, I can continue with my household chores without being affected. I am so happy and grateful for GiveDirectly’s support, which has enabled me to have basic items like a bed and mattress, making my nights much more comfortable."

"While I was at home with two of my kids, since the other three were in school, I received a message notification. At first, I wasn't sure if it was from GiveDirectly, but after scrolling further, I confirmed that it indeed was. I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and filled with hope because I knew exactly how I would use the money to improve my life. My immediate thought was to clear the school fees balance for my kids, ensuring their education could continue without any interruptions."

"Every mother strives to work hard and provide the best life possible for their family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for me. I am currently struggling to put food on the table and buy my family other basic needs such as bedding and clothes. This is embarrassing and it is slowly killing my ambition as a father. I was optimistic about having a bumper harvest last season on my one acre of land. My crops were not spared by the April flash floods. I managed to harvest one bag of maize and this was the biggest loss that I had experienced."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy a bed and a mattress for my children. With $100, I was able to give them a proper place to sleep. Before this, they had to sleep on a mat on the floor, which became unbearable especially when the floods came. On that night, water flowed right into the house, and they were the first to suffer. Now, they have a bed that keeps them safe and dry, and I feel much more at ease knowing they can sleep comfortably. Next, I used $20 to buy cushions for our seats. The ones we had were very old and had become so uncomfortable that sitting down for even a short while was painful. With the new cushions, our living space feels much more welcoming, and we can sit together as a family without discomfort. I also bought a curtain and a utensil rack for $10. These small additions have made our home feel more organized. Lastly, I spent $30 on clothes for my children since most of what they had was ruined during the floods. I used another $10 to buy household food items, ensuring that we had enough to eat for the coming days. The remaining $5 went to a mason who helped us partition the house, giving us a bit more space and privacy. Every dollar was spent with care, and each purchase has made a significant difference in our lives."

"It was around 3 pm, and I was out in the field watering my maize when I heard my phone beep with a message notification. Curious, I pulled it out to check, and to my surprise, I saw that the transfers from GiveDirectly had come through. The joy I felt at that moment was indescribable—I immediately rushed to tell my wife, and she was just as thrilled as I was. I knew then that I could finally repair my motorbike, which would make it so much easier to transport our maize to the designated drying area while we waited for the Kenya Seed Company to come and collect it."

"My goal is to have cows in the coming year. I have bought 3 goats so far, 4 ducks and 6 chicken which I have all gotten thanks to the transfers. My plan is to build this number to be able to exchange them for cows. I cow can be bought for the price of six goats. I believe animals are a good place to start with investments that will ensure I educate my children and feed them"

"In the coming year and beyond, my major goal is to establish a goat farming investment. I have realized that raising goats is a smart way to secure my family's future. I plan to start small and gradually build a herd that will grow over time. As the herd increases, I can begin selling the male goats, which will provide a steady income to support my family's needs, from food to education. This investment will give me the stability I've been searching for, allowing me to take care of my loved ones and ensure we have a better, brighter future."

"In the coming year, my biggest hope is to finally get a better bed and a new mattress. Right now, the bed I have is broken, and my mattress is so tattered that it's hard to get a good night's sleep. I want to save little by little so that I can afford a sturdy bed and a comfortable mattress. With each month, I’ll set aside what I can until I have enough to make this happen. I believe that with better rest, I’ll have more energy and peace of mind to face each day and take care of my family."

"In the upcoming year, my main goal is to start a small shop that will provide a reliable source of income for my family. I have been carefully saving what I can and plan to continue setting aside some money each month to achieve this dream. With each bit I save, I am one step closer to opening the doors of my shop. This shop will not only provide for my family's daily needs but also give us financial stability. This business will be the foundation on which I build a better future for my family."