"My spouse and I agreed to purchase a motorbike on loan. Although it was second-hand, we bought it for $500. My spouse operates the motorbike, and the earnings he makes, combined with a portion of my transfer, go toward repaying the loan. This business also helps cover our family's basic needs. We also have a hotel business that has become more stable thanks to these transfers, so while I’m still caring for our newborn, my spouse is running it. Our top priority for the coming year is to fully repay this loan. Once my child is old enough for me to bring to the hotel, I plan to focus on expanding the business by adding more stock. I intend to use my transfers to make this possible so that when the transfers eventually end, the business will be able to sustain itself through its profits, supporting both my family’s needs and my own."

"I haven’t fully recovered from my chest pain, which started years ago. As a casual laborer supporting my family, it’s difficult to avoid heavy work, especially since that’s mostly what’s available here in the village. To help solve this challenge, I’ve decided to invest in livestock. My goal is to raise goats at home, which I plan to eventually trade for a dairy cow. The cow will provide a steady income, helping me become more self-reliant. Thanks to these transfers, I’ve started buying goats and already have four. To achieve my dream of owning a cow, I’ll keep buying goats and, as they multiply, trade them for a cow. Cows are expensive, so purchasing one all at once is not easy. Additionally, once I have my cow, I’ll sell some of its offspring when it multiplies and use the earnings to start a small shop. I’m confident that if I can bring these plans to life, I’ll achieve financial stability and be able to support my family with ease."

"What I appreciate most about the current GiveDirectly program is their dedication to follow-up. They don’t just give us cash and walk away; they consistently check in, especially to ensure we received the funds and to understand how we are managing. This follow-up shows genuine care and commitment to our well-being, making us feel supported beyond just the financial assistance. If I were to make a recommendation, it would be for GiveDirectly to continue with this approach. Their model is working well, and the follow-up makes a real difference. It gives recipients the confidence that someone is there to help if any issues arise, creating a sense of partnership in the journey toward improving our lives."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, one of my children was close to finishing secondary school, but I struggled to clear the outstanding fees. I used $150 of the transfer to pay the remaining school fees. With that burden lifted, I felt a huge relief, and I am thrilled to see my child continue their education without any more obstacles. After handling the school fees, I wanted to invest in something sustainable that could provide ongoing income even after this support ends. So, I used $210 to purchase four goats. I didn’t own any livestock before this, and I am hopeful that raising goats will give me a source of income and a safety net in times of need. With the remaining $90, I leased a piece of land plan to use for crop farming. This venture will not only help generate income but will also contribute to our food security in the future. I am deeply grateful for this support. It has allowed me to secure my child’s education, start building a small livestock herd, and prepare for future farming opportunities."

"GiveDirectly does exceptionally well in supporting the needy through unconditional cash transfers, which have had a transformative impact on our home. The money we received enabled us to build a better house, something we could not have achieved otherwise. During the enrollment process, the officers were patient and respectful, ensuring that we understood everything clearly without feeling rushed. Additionally, during community meetings, we were educated on the importance of spending the money wisely, including avoiding illegal activities such as purchasing firearms. The unconditional nature of the cash allowed me to prioritize my family's needs, giving us the freedom to invest in what was most important to us. Honestly, I do not see any areas of improvement in GiveDirectly's approach, and I would encourage them to continue with the same."

"The money came early in the morning at 5am. When I checked my phone at 5:30, I saw an M-Pesa message confirming the transfer had arrived. My husband was still asleep, but I woke him up immediately to share the news. We were overjoyed, especially because we had been struggling to find school fees for our children. They’d been sent home to collect fees, and with the term almost ending, the teachers needed the payments cleared. Without this transfer, we had no other options, and seeing the money brought us such relief and hope."

"Housing is the challenge I am currently facing in life. I am a mother of one baby boy, and all live in a one-roomed house that has a grass-thatched roof. The roof leaks during the rainy season, and imagine this has been the kind of life for the past four years. When people rejoice in having rain, I spend sleepless nights all through the season. I can not even be visited by relatives since I cannot accommodate them. My husband works in the motor vehicle industry as driver though he does not have a permanent vehicle. Sometimes he takes even two months without any job. This makes it hard for him to build a spacious house for the family."

"I aim to open a shop in the coming year and beyond to fully support my family through the income generated from selling goods. This idea arose from noticing a market gap in our village, where residents often travel long distances to find shops that may not stock what they need. I intend to use the upcoming monthly transfer along with my job savings to establish a large shop that will offer most essential items. I've received guidance from friends in business, and I have a strong passion for managing a shop, which tends to succeed despite challenges. Our area has very few shops, and those that exist have limited selections. As I have three younger siblings and my parents are unemployed and dealing with health issues, all responsibilities rest on my shoulders. Generating extra income from the shop will help alleviate my financial burdens, allowing me to marry and start my own family."

"Receiving support from GiveDirectly has been a true blessing in my life. What I appreciate most is the freedom they gave me to decide how to use the money, allowing me to address my family's specific needs. They understand that everyone’s priorities are different, so they leave the choices to us, which is something rare and incredibly empowering. The funds are sent directly to us, without any intermediaries, so there’s no worry about delays or mismanagement along the way. Honestly, I have no complaints or suggestions for improvement; everything has been done exactly right, and I’m truly grateful."

"My initial goal was to invest in building my house. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I have successfully constructed a comfortable home for my family through these transfers. Looking ahead, my primary objective is to invest in stocking my new shop. I am in the process of building a small kiosk to avoid the challenges of renting a business space. Before these transfers come to an end, I plan to establish a shop. Having this business will provide me with a daily income, allowing me to support my family with greater ease. Our home is conveniently located next to the market, which I believe makes this a smart decision. Moving forward, having a consistent income is essential. To make this happen, I intend to use my monthly transfers to stock the shop, ensuring financial security even after the transfers conclude. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for empowering us financially. Currently, I rely on less stable casual jobs, so making the most of these transfers will significantly transform our lives."