"My plan for the upcoming year and beyond is to open an MPESA shop in my village by January. Currently, there isn't a single one in the entire area, so I see a big opportunity there. I believe the demand will be high, and I'll likely receive some good offers. This venture will be incredibly beneficial for me, especially since I'm still single. By the time I start a family, I'll have saved up enough to support their needs. I intend to fund the shop using the transfers I receive and the little savings I've accumulated from my driving job. It's an exciting prospect, and I'm eager to see it come to fruition."

"Through the ongoing cash transfers, my dream is to have livestock like goats and cows, as they will increase in number within a short period and I can easily convert them to cash when the need arises. These animals will serve as a reliable source of income, providing financial security and flexibility. In the future, when my children are in high school, I plan to sell some of the livestock to ensure that all their educational expenses are met without delay. This way, I can focus on their studies and well-being without constantly worrying about money. Additionally, the livestock will help sustain our family's needs by providing milk and other resources. I am confident that with this plan, I will be able to build a stable and prosperous future for my family, ensuring that we are always prepared for any financial challenges."

"The goal that I now have in mind is to build a new house, as the current one has a damaged roof and is very old, and I am worried that it might collapse anytime. Through the incoming transfers, I am sure I am going to make this dream come true. I will have a safe place that I call home, and I will not have to worry about the condition of the house for the safety of my children. Another goal is to buy many goats for the sake of my children's education once they join college. When I have the goats, I believe they will learn without any hiccups and make their future as bright as I wish. Achieving these goals will not only provide us with security but also pave the way for my children to have a prosperous future."

"Before receiving the transfer from GiveDirectly, I struggled alone to sustain my children and even pay my daughter's school fees in her final year of high school. The weight of these responsibilities was overwhelming. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, I now have the means to tackle these challenges. I had been struggling on my own to make ends meet, but now, I have a sense of hope that I had not felt in a long time. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has made all the difference in my life."

"My greatest goal for the coming year and beyond is to purchase more livestock and poultry. Currently, I have six hens after losing many to Newcastle disease. Livestock are a valuable asset that increase in value over time. Once my herd grows large enough, I will sell some to meet my needs.To achieve this goal, I joined a savings group with 15 members where I save $10 monthly. Each month, three members of the group receive $50, which they can use to invest as they choose. The money I receive will help me purchase goats and work towards my goal."

"The timing of the transfer was perfect because my little sister was graduating just two days after we received the money. We used $60 to attend her graduation, and seeing the excitement on her face when we arrived was worth every penny. It was a special moment for all of us, and I’m grateful that we could be there to support her on such an important day. With $150 from the transfer, I renovated my house which the mud walls had been deteriorating, especially during the rainy season, and they needed plastering. Using cement, I was able to reinforce the walls, making our home much more secure and comfortable. Additionally, I spent $40 to repair our solar lights. Prior to this, we had to use my phone to light from one room to another, which was incredibly stressful and inconvenient. The cash transfer also allowed me to take care of some immediate financial needs. I used $25 to buy food items for my household, ensuring we had enough to eat. I then paid off $90 of my own debts, which was a huge relief. To help my father, who was under immense pressure from a debtor, I gave him $100 to settle his debt, lifting a huge stress off his shoulders. Lastly, I paid $50 as a tithe in church, feeling grateful for the support we had received. This money has truly transformed our lives, allowing us to address urgent needs and improve our living conditions."

"I took my phone to a nearby shop to charge it in the evening and didn't realize that transfers would be made that day. Later in the evening, a relative stopped by and asked if I had received my transfer because he had received his. When I heard this, I went to the shop to get my phone and check if I had received mine. When I turned on my phone, I saw several messages, including one from Mpesa. I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to withdraw the money, as I was thinking of using it to build an iron-roofed house to replace my current grass-thatched one."

"After completing my training as a hairdresser, I struggled to find a job in the field and had to resort to subsistence farming while taking care of my children at home. During this time, I depended on my husband as the primary breadwinner. My goal, however, has always been to save enough capital to open my own salon since finding employment was difficult. I'm thrilled that my dream is now within reach, thanks to the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly. I used $150 to purchase essential salon equipment, and I'm now preparing to rent a room in our trading centre to set up the salon. This venture not only provides me with self-employment but also promises to be a source of income, which will enable me to support my family alongside my husband. Additionally, I replaced our old and worn-out bedding by spending $250 on buying two mattresses and a bed for my children. Previously, my five children slept on worn-out mats on the dusty ground, but I'm pleased that they now have comfortable bedding to sleep on. I spent the remaining portion on purchasing food and paying school fees for all five children, ensuring that their education continues uninterrupted."

"Receiving the unconditional cash transfer was a life-changing moment for me and my family. The first thing I did was spend $300 to buy two beds and their matresses: one for myself and another for my children. We have seven children, five of whom are in school, while the other two have not yet reached school-going age. Prior to this, we all used to sleep on the floor, which was uncomfortable and unhealthy. I had always wished to buy a bed but could never afford it. Next, I used $150 to buy four goats which are a practical choice because they multiply quickly and are resilient to the frequent droughts we experience in our area. This small herd will help us build a sustainable source of income over time. Additionally, I paid $80 in school fees for my five children who are all in primary school. Lastly, with the remaining $20, I bought food for my household which may not seem like a lot, but this helped us get through some tough days and provided us with the basic sustenance we needed. It really feels empowering to make decisions that positively impact my family’s life and I will forever be grateful to GiveDirectly."

"I am currently in need of a spacious living space for my children. Our current house is very small, with only two rooms. One room is used as a storage area and also doubles up as a small shop. As a result, I have had to move my children to their grandmother's house, but I am determined to provide them with their own comfortable sleeping space. This is why, since joining a merry-go-round group, I have been planning to use the money I receive from the group to buy building materials to fulfill this dream. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling me buy six iron sheets, and I am optimistic that in the coming year and beyond, I will be able to make this dream a reality. The financial support I have received from GiveDirectly has significantly improved our living standards, and for that, I am truly grateful."