"I appreciate GiveDirectly's commitment to conducting follow-ups on the money they send to ensure it's used responsibly and invested wisely. It's commendable how they fulfill their promises of timely payments and maintain a culture of accountability by continuing to monitor how recipients utilize their funds. This approach ensures that the assistance provided is truly impactful and contributes to long-term positive outcomes for the recipients."

"Previously, life was very hard for me. I wasn't employed, and the only work available to me was farming. However, sometimes I lacked the capital to start farming or even the money to rent land for it. After receiving a third transfer, I used $200 to clear the arrears of the farm I had initially bought but hadn't completed payment for. I saw this as a good opportunity to stop renting land for farming and instead have my own farm.After completing the payment for that half hectare, I invested $150 to plant maize on it. Unfortunately, all the maize was swept away by floods, including the house I had built with the second transfer. Currently, we are living in Salabani Primary School, which is located in a raised area safe from floods.I also spent $90 on food. Getting food was very difficult, especially while supporting a family of five. I took up casual jobs like working on other people's farms or doing farming around Lake Baringo to make ends meet.The remaining cash I used to pay my utility bills so that I could save for the future. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for improving my life. I am certain that if it weren't for these floods, I could have harvested around 40 bags of maize, providing food for my family and giving me the means to make other investments."

"I now own six goats and cleared fees for my children on time, which so far has made the biggest difference in my daily life. Before I received the support, I struggled to pay for my two children's college tuition fees. Before they joined college, I relied on menial jobs, such as working in construction, to make a living. Although my brothers helped with the tuition fees, their support was minimal since they also had their own families to support. Currently, I no longer engage in menial jobs and I am only doing subsistence farming in the village. I am at peace now because I managed to clear my children's fee arrears with the recent transfers and they are now comfortably continuing with their college education. My goal as a parent is to ensure that they achieve their educational goals without any interruptions in fees. I am also glad that I was able to purchase six goats, which I could not afford before. Previously, I had some goats, but when it was time to take my children to school, I sold them all to raise their fees. Now, I am keeping these goats and letting them multiply so that in the near future, I can sell them to meet my financial needs."

"I work as a tailor, and before receiving the transfer, I stayed with a friend in her shop, with a goal of starting my own tailoring shop. I was unable to start the shop due to financial constraints. However, after receiving the transfer, I used the money to buy a new sewing machine and opened my own tailoring shop. I am now earning $15 per day, which is much better than when I was using my friend's machine. This income has so far been instrumental in supporting my family of four. In addition, my house collapsed after the heavy rains, and I could not afford to rebuild it immediately. I lacked the funds to buy the necessary building materials such as iron sheets, timber, nails, and building poles. I am glad that I purchased the required materials and built a new iron-roofed house with the money I received. My family and I are now sheltered in our new home, and I am at peace knowing that it is stable and safe, even during heavy rains."

"In the upcoming months, my main focus is on expanding my livelihood through a simple yet strategic plan. I aim to purchase goats, knowing that their numbers will multiply over time. Once they increase, I'll be able to exchange some of them for a pair of oxen, a valuable asset for farm work. With oxen, I can significantly enhance my farming activities, making them more efficient and productive. Moreover, I plan to utilize these oxen not only for my own farming needs but also to offer them for hire to friends and neighbors, generating an additional stream of income for me and my family. This step forward represents more than just a transaction; it's a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of my livelihood. With careful planning and hard work, I'm confident that this venture will pave the way for a brighter future for myself and those around me."

"In the years ahead, after my son graduates from college, my plan is to become a goat owner. Having goats will be a crucial step for me to sustain prosperity even after the GiveDirectly program concludes. It's about securing a future where I'm not solely dependent on external aid. With a herd of goats, I'll have a reliable source of income and sustenance. No longer will I worry about how to provide for my family when I have a flock of goats to rely on. It's a simple yet powerful idea: investing in something tangible that can offer security and stability for years to come. So, as I look forward, my focus is on building this foundation, ensuring that my family's well-being is safeguarded long into the future."

"In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones."

"As the heavy rains approach, my priority is to utilize my upcoming transfers to procure the remaining four pieces of iron sheets required to fully cover the roof of my house. This initiative aims to prevent rainwater leakage into the house during the rainy season. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance received, which has enabled me to fulfill essential obligations such as paying school fees for my children and ensuring the well-being of my family."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to expand my livestock farming. I plan to grow my herd of goats and eventually exchange them for a cow. With one cow being equivalent to eight goats, I aim to carefully manage my herd so that when the time comes for exchange, I'll still have a substantial number of goats for reproduction. This strategy not only increases the value of my livestock but also ensures a sustainable source of income. The high market value of goats will facilitate the smooth funding of my children's education through secondary school without putting excessive strain on our resources. By strategically investing in livestock, I aim to secure a brighter future for my family, where education is not just a dream but a reachable goal."

"My primary objective is to construct a new and secure dwelling for myself. With my forthcoming transfers, I intend to procure additional iron sheets and building poles to kick start the construction process. I'm immensely grateful for the financial assistance, as it has not only provided practical support but also imparted valuable lessons on wise spending and strategic investment. I'm confident that the knowledge gained will play a pivotal role in fostering my financial stability and securing a brighter future for myself and my family."