"When I received the cash transfer, I decided to start a grocery business with $50. This is because farming had been unreliable due to inconsistent rainfall, so I needed a more stable source of income. The grocery business has been doing well and provides a steady stream of income, which has significantly improved my financial situation. In addition to the grocery business, I used $75 to buy 15 chickens to start poultry farming. Poultry is a fast way to generate money since I can sell eggs and chicken to raise money for emergencies. Lastly, I invested $230 to bring piped water to my compound by purchasing rollers and other necessary materials. I have been dependent on my neighbors for drinking water, which has been challenging due to my hypertension. Installing my own water supply has been a crucial step for my health and convenience. I also sent $40 to my daughter in Mombasa to start a charcoal-selling business and used $100 to pay college fees for my two children. The remainder of the transfer was spent on food items, ensuring my household's immediate needs were met."

"I spent about $240 to buy 22 iron sheets, which was crucial because part of my house was previously roofed with papyrus. The papyrus was easily destroyed by termites, making our living conditions quite difficult. Additionally, I purchased 20 posts and frames for the roof renovation and bought roofing nails, spending around $50.I then turned my attention to my grandchildren by buying them school uniforms to ensure they felt good about going to school. I also paid their school fees, which was a significant relief for our family. We also used some of the money to buy clothes for ourselves, something we had not been able to do in a long time. It felt good to see my family dressed comfortably and proudly. Lastly, I decided to invest in our future by saving $150 to buy goats. Goats are a valuable asset because they multiply quickly and can provide a steady source of income. By planning to buy goats, I am hopeful that this investment will help us become more financially secure in the long run. Overall, the cash transfer has significantly improved our living conditions, supported my grandchildren's education, and allowed me to make a strategic investment for our future."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my main focus is on fulfilling a heartfelt dream: building a decent house for my mother. The current state of her dwelling isn't satisfactory, and I strongly believe it's time for a change, one that reflects my love and gratitude for her sacrifices. I envision this new home not just as a shelter but as a symbol of my appreciation and respect for her. Utilizing the earnings from my teaching job and the monthly cash transfers, I am meticulously planning and saving to materialize this project. Knowing that this endeavor will bring immense joy to my mother and make her proud of me fills me with determination and purpose. The thought of seeing her living in a comfortable and safe environment, one that I helped create, is a source of great motivation. When the project is complete, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment will be unmatched, knowing I've made a significant difference in my mother's life."

"One thing that impressed me about GiveDirectly is how kindly and respectfully you communicate with us. You show us love, give us accurate advice, and educate us about securing our MPesa pins. Please continue with this spirit of helping those in need because now, we are stress-free and living a more comfortable life."

"My main goal for the coming year and beyond is to finally build a new permanent house. The leaks and old roofing in our current home have become unbearable, especially during rainy seasons. Every time it rains, the stress of dealing with the leaks weighs heavily on me, and I can't help but pray for a change. I know that once we have our own sturdy, leak-free house, it will bring immense relief to me and my family. We've endured a lot, particularly during harsh winter seasons, which only strengthens my resolve to see this plan through. To make this dream a reality, I've been diligently saving every penny I can through transfers and cutting back on expenses wherever possible. With each passing day, I'm getting closer to achieving this goal, and I can't wait for the day when we can finally move into our new house and leave our worries behind."

"Over the past few months, the monthly transfers I've been receiving have given me a clear goal: building a new house. The current one has been nothing but a temporary fix, constantly demanding renovations that strain both my finances and patience. It's time for a permanent solution. With the new house, I won't have to worry about frequent repairs and expenses anymore. I'm determined to make this happen, as long as the transfers keep coming in. It's a step towards stability and a brighter future, one that I've been eagerly working towards."

"With five children attending school, I've been thinking a lot about our future. One thing that keeps coming to mind is the idea of buying goats. With the monthly transfers I receive, I hope to invest in these animals, seeing them as valuable assets for emergencies. Moreover, as my children progress in their education, having a herd of goats could provide me with ongoing support, especially considering the uncertainty of my job. I believe that by securing this asset, I'm not just safeguarding our immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a brighter future for my children and the generations to come. It's a small step, but I'm hopeful it will make a big difference in our lives."

"Relying on one person for financial support is quite challenging. Currently, I receive income from GiveDirectly to help provide for our family, but these transfers will soon come to an end. Therefore, I'm considering starting a fish business to generate additional income. In order to achieve this goal, I plan to save half of my monthly transfer to accumulate enough funds to get started. I've discussed this with my spouse, and he has promised to support me in reaching this goal, as it will also ease his own long-standing financial pressures."

"My main focus for the coming year and beyond is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly by acquiring more goats. With the monthly support I receive from GiveDirectly, I aim to gradually increase my goat herd. This plan stems from the realization that relying solely on my charcoal business isn't sustainable; it lacks the stability and security I need. By diversifying my assets with goats, I'll have a fallback in times of financial strain or emergencies. Selling a goat when needed can provide the necessary funds to manage unexpected situations. Ultimately, this venture represents a step towards greater financial resilience and independence, offering peace of mind for myself and my family."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving the transfer is that my heart is now settled from the constant worries of figuring out how I will find money to pay for my son's school fees. I am so glad that the transfer enabled me to pay the full amount for his second-term studies. Previously, I would have had to request a fundraising effort from my community, which always felt embarrassing, especially since I had already done it when he first joined Form One. I knew people might not be willing to contribute again, and even if they did, the amount would likely have been too little, causing my son to be sent home frequently to collect the remaining fees. Thanks to the transfer, the full amount for the term is settled, and my son can concentrate on his studies without interruption."