"Before receiving the cash transfer, paying for my daughter's school fees was a major source of stress for me. I struggled to gather enough money, relying on casual jobs and selling groceries, which often wasn’t enough. My daughter was frequently sent home from school for unpaid fees, and it broke my heart to see her miss out on her education. However, after I received the transfer, I was able to pay her school fees in full without any worry. Now, she attends school regularly and can focus on her studies like other children. This change has brought me immense peace of mind, knowing that she is learning and happy at school. I am grateful for this support, as it has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing us to prioritize her education without the constant fear of being sent home."

"Looking ahead, I aim to concentrate on farming by either purchasing or leasing a generator to draw water from the river to my fields, which will enable me to grow beans. This essential investment will guarantee a consistent water supply, vital for the health of my crops. Once I begin generating income from my farming efforts, my intention is to invest in livestock, which I can manage at home to help support my family. With age catching up to me, I believe that caring for animals is a more manageable task than the strenuous work in the fields. I’m confident that combining crop and livestock farming will provide a reliable source of income for us. Ultimately, my goal is to improve our living conditions and ensure we have adequate food and resources for the future."

"In the coming years, I am determined to establish a steady business, selling both clothes and groceries, as I’ve always been passionate about business. Although I tried before and it didn’t succeed, I am more focused now and ready to make it work. Running this business will provide a reliable income for my family, which is especially important as a single mother without a husband to share the responsibilities. I know that supporting my children solely on casual jobs is challenging, so having a stable source of income will bring us security. With this business, I’ll be able to provide for their needs consistently. My goal is to create a brighter future where I can raise my children comfortably and confidently."

"I appreciate how GiveDirectly operates because the officers spoke directly with us and provided clear guidance. The cash transfer arrived directly without going through chiefs or other channels, which made the process simple and secure. I especially value that it’s unconditional, allowing me to make my own decisions on how to use it for my family’s needs. This approach has made me feel respected and trusted. So far, I have not noticed anything negative, and I hope they continue with this same spirit. The support has truly made a difference in my life."

"The officers communicated with us very respectfully and took the time to explain how GiveDirectly's funds are meant to help improve our lives. They educated us well on how to use the money effectively, which was very helpful. I appreciated how they treated us with kindness and respect, making us feel valued. So far, I haven't seen anything negative in my experience with GiveDirectly; everything has been smooth and well-organized. I feel grateful for the support and guidance they’ve provided. Overall, my experience with GiveDirectly has been entirely positive."

"My spouse and I are fortunate to have three children of whom two are in school, while the youngest is still small. To support our family, my spouse takes on casual jobs, while I manage our livestock. Life was quite challenging before we received assistance from GiveDirectly; earning a consistent income was difficult, and the little we had was often insufficient for basic needs like school fees and food. There were times when we went to bed hungry, but now, thanks to GiveDirectly, we can plan better and no longer face those hardships. With my most recent transfer, I spent $102 to purchase three goats. I aim to invest in goat rearing, so once the transfers conclude, I’ll have a reliable source of support for my family. As the goats breed and their numbers increase, I plan to sell some of them to pay for my children's education and purchase food."

"After getting attacked by a crocodile while fishing my life has been difficult because I'm unable to provide for my family because of my injuries."

"I woke up early in the morning to the sound of a notification from my phone. Curious about who might be reaching out at such an hour, I quickly checked the message. To my delight, it was an Mpesa notification! As I read the details, my spirits lifted—I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. A wave of gratitude washed over me as I realized that this money would significantly improve my living situation, especially since I planned to renovate my house, which had seen better days."

"The last time we spoke, I mentioned my plans to buy animals, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve made significant progress toward that goal. I now own 5 goats, 3 sheep, and 15 chickens, which feels like a big step forward. Selling some of the chickens has helped me provide food for my family and support my child's education. I’m motivated to continue expanding by adding more animals with the help of my GiveDirectly transfers, allowing them to keep reproducing and increasing in number. This way, I’ll have a sustainable resource to sell from whenever needed. My long-term vision is to purchase my own piece of land and build a house for myself. Right now, I’m staying with my mother, but I’m diligently saving to turn this dream into reality. I also work in tailoring, though only occasionally, which helps contribute to my overall goals."

"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy three sheep and three goats, spending $180 on each. I didn’t have any livestock before, and I knew they would be a good investment. These animals will multiply over time, giving me a safety net. If any emergencies arise, I can easily sell one to handle the situation without too much stress. I also used $48 to purchase household items, mostly utensils, since what we had were worn out. It felt good to replace the old ones with newer, more durable ones. Now, cooking and serving meals is much easier, and I don’t have to worry about things breaking mid-use. With the remaining amount, I covered the costs of harvesting my maize. It was time to bring in the crop, and I needed money for both labor and transportation to the drying area. The support came just in time because I wasn’t sure how I’d manage the harvest on my own. Now everything is safely stored, and I feel more at ease heading into the next season."