"The $450 transfer that I received from GiveDirectly proved to be a significant turning point in my life. With this money, I was able to purchase a secondhand motorcycle from a friend for $480 after topping up with the savings I had, which I intended to use as a means of transportation for my upcoming chicken buying and selling business. The motorcycle was in excellent condition, and I knew that it would serve me well in my new venture. However, before starting the business, I decided to use the motorcycle as a taxi to generate some income to sustain myself. I have consistently earned a daily profit of at least $3, which is sufficient for my personal expenses since I am still living alone. The motorcycle proved to be a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing me to make more trips in less time and earn more money. The purchase of this motorcycle was a wise investment, and I hope will open up new opportunities for me in the future."

"I had a lot to do with my family when I received the first transfer because we had been constantly planning since we enrolled in in the program. I set out to buy a sack of maize, among additional supplies and basic needs, with the $110 transfer I received from GiveDirectly. As I carefully selected the items, I couldn't help but be appreciative of the timely support that would change a lot of things in my family of three. I also spent $115 of the remaining funds to pay someone to till my property and buy maize seeds and fertilizer. I am relieved that the entire plot of land has finally been planted, and we anticipate a good harvest in the future. Because my family relies largely on farming for a living, I was confident that this investment would provide a good harvest that would last us for months. With fresh hope and purpose, I planted the maize and tended to it on a daily basis, eagerly anticipating the day it would be ready for harvest."

"I bought a big land of 175k and I am planning to plant beans and cassave in that land."

"I live alone and I don't have a husband or a child but when I received money from Givedirectly it gave me a sense of courage and hope to my life . I was able to buy my own cow and I bought food and clothes for myself."

"My husband, co-wife, and I live under the same roof. The house is in a dilapidated condition and is almost collapsing. The “Makuti” thatched roof is seriously leaking and has contributed to the destruction of my property whenever it rains. The mud walls have developed huge cracks, jeopardizing the safety of all of us. I plan on purchasing iron sheets, bags of cement, nails, and timber to build a new house. I will be relieved to have a new house where I will feel safe living under it."

"My dream is to spend a sizable sum of money purchasing and raising livestock. The raising of livestock gives an opportunity where I might make a lot of money now that I cannot operate on the fertile farms owing to the severe weather and climatic circumstances. I'll be able to easily take care of my wants if I sell the livestock on the market once they are there in sufficient numbers and for a great profit."

"At the end of this year, I would hope to have completed one important goal. My home is in such bad shape that it's on the verge of collapse. The mud walls have developed large gaps that allow cool nighttime air to enter. The house is tilted to one side due to the flimsy building pillars supporting it. Every time it rains, the grass-thatched roof leaks severely, causing damage to my possessions and keeping me awake at night. Prior to the year's end, I intend to construct a new home."

"I'm planning to begin constructing a new home before the end of this year. My current home is in a terrible state. I am really concerned that my house would collapse as the rainy season approaches, leaving my family homeless. I want to set aside a sizable sum from my upcoming monthly transfers, which I will use to buy necessary building supplies like cement, sheets, and building stones, all of which are important for constructing a sturdy home that will last for a very long time."

"My goal is to purchase additional goats using my monthly payment before the end of the year. This will increase the number of goats that I own, which would be a valuable addition. I am also aiming to acquire dairy cows, which would significantly enhance my source of income through the sale of milk in the village. By doing so, I will be able to achieve financial stability and provide for my family's needs."

"The retrenchment from work at Kenya Port Authority (KPA) in 2021 marked the beginning of challenges in my life. Since I lost my job, my marriage was also at stake. This caused the separation between my wife and me because I could no longer provide for our needs as usual. The separation pushed me to come home to take care of my children since my mother was also sick. It was so stressful taking care of them single-handedly. I decided to look for jobs within our area and fortunate enough, I managed to find one. I am currently a security guard at our nearby health center. The income from this job is usually $80 per month, which is also not consistent. As I speak, I have not received payments for the whole of last year. What a life! This has forced me to engage in other casual jobs like outreaches conducted by the hospital to earn some cash. It has always been so tough to provide for my family's basic needs. This situation has robbed away my joy as a father and hence, the financial crisis stands out as the main challenge."