"It was Thursday evening, and I was busy working on my farm when I received the notification message. I went home and requested that my son read it to me because I couldn't read. He confirmed to me that it was a Mpesa message from Segovia Technologies, in which GiveDirectly officers mentioned that we would receive the money from there. This reaffirmed to me, with a smile on my face, that we are beginning a new chapter in our lives. For the longest time, my two children have not slept at our house because they are all grown up now, one in the fourth grade and the other in the eighth grade. They have been going to the neighborhood while schools are closed because a one-room house would not be a suitable place for all of us."

"I was just going about usual duties in the farm when I received a messaging confirming that I had received money from Givedirectly.I was filled with joy upon confirming and I was glad that they kept their promise of sending the transfers within the time that that had promised to do so."

"Of the transfer, I spent about $80 on food for my family. Almost all of the crops we planted died due to the terrible drought, so we now have to buy food. In addition to the few goats I already have as savings for the future, I also spent $50 on an additional goat for rearing. I spent the remaining money on clothing and transportation to and from the cashing out place after giving my husband and daughters a token of $10 each."

"I was so happy when my daughter confirmed that the message that I had received was a notification that money from Givedirectly had been sent to me!"

"I received a notification message that I had received $200 from Givedirectly as we had been promised when I was on my way back back to my home from the school where I volunteer as a teacher. I praised God silently for Givedirectly and prayed for his blessing to Givedirectly as I was overcome with joy."

"My children had been sent home from school that day, and I was contemplating how I would have raised his fees. I had no idea where to begin; they are in high school, and I was concerned because I had not been receiving any support; this had put a halt to their studies. I received a message on my phone, and upon checking, it was an MPESA message informing me that I had received my first transfer. This immediately made me and my children happy."

"The most pressing need in my household was a comfortable place for my children to sleep. My beddings were old and worn out because I was sleeping on old traditional beds and mats that were not very comfortable. My children were sleeping on the dusty rough floor because I could not afford to buy them nice bedding. When the transfer arrived, I was able to purchase three beds and three mattresses to address the bedding issue. My entire family now sleeps on new beds and mattresses; otherwise, we would have been sleeping on worn-out bedding and risky dusty ground."

"I was unwinding at home when my phone notified me of a message. There wasn't much I could do because I am not a proficient reader. I requested my standard-eighth-grade daughter to assist me check my phone when she got home from school. It was at this time that I found out that GiveDirectly had actually sent the anticipated transfer. My heart filled with joy as I joyfully sang while praising the omnipotent God."

"My long-term goal has been to build a new house, one that is spacious and has an iron roof. This did not happen because of my poor financial situation. However, once enrolled in the program, I was able to purchase building materials such as iron sheets and building poles, as well as pay for labor. This was made possible by the transfer, as it would have taken me years to save enough money and gather enough resources to build the new house. In addition, I was living with my three grandsons, who had nowhere to sleep. As a result, I had to squeeze my items for more space. When my large house is finished, I will happily relocate there and leave my small house to my grandsons. They will no longer be concerned about where to lay their heads."

"My goal is to invest more in livestock rearing and poultry farming as a means of livelihood to reduce the financial burdens in my household. I am incredibly grateful for the previous cash transfers, as they have allowed me to acquire two goats. By owning this livestock, I will accumulate enough wealth that will help my family's living conditions. I decided to take this lane of investment because crop farming has been disappointing for the last three years."