"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to grow my business. In the past, I relied heavily on farming, but due to the harsh climate, it is no longer a dependable source of income. By expanding my business, I will be able to earn a steady income and take care of my needs. This will give me financial independence, so I won’t have to rely on my children for support as I did before."

"In the coming year, my main priority is to focus on my four children who are still in school. Their education is my responsibility, and I want to ensure they complete their studies without struggles. Each month, I will set aside money from the transfers to pay their school fees, buy learning materials, and support their needs. Once they finish school, I will shift my full attention to livestock farming, specifically sheep rearing. Through experience, I have discovered that sheep have a higher value than goats, making them a better investment for the future. By gradually building my flock, I hope to create a steady source of income that will sustain my family in the long run. This plan gives me hope because once my children are educated and independent, I will focus on expanding my farm and securing a better future for us."

"GiveDirectly’s cash transfers have helped us, especially paying our children’s school fees. It’s been so much easier than before when it was a real struggle for families in our community. The living standards of everyone here have improved, and I feel so thankful for the opportunity. I also have to say that GiveDirectly was professional throughout the whole enrollment process. They handled everything in such a way that I honestly could not think of any area they could improve. It was just smooth and well-organized."

"For a long time, I struggled without livestock after losing all my cows due to severe drought. I love keeping livestock because they provide security and a source of income, especially when they multiply. So, when I received my last transfer, I used $450 to purchase two cows, knowing they would help me in the future. My plan is to take good care of them so that when they reproduce, I can sell some and use the money to pay school fees for my five children. Before this, life was very difficult because I relied only on casual labor and farming to support my children. The income was unstable, and sometimes I couldn't meet all our basic needs. However, with the cows, I now have hope that things will improve. Farming alone was not enough, especially when drought or floods destroyed my crops. With livestock, I now have a long-term investment that will support my family in times of need. Being a widow, I have had to take full responsibility for my children's well-being since my husband passed away a long time ago. The burden has been heavy, but I am grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my life. I believe that with hard work and determination, I will be able to provide a better future for my children. My dream is to see them complete their education without struggling as much as I did."

"Giving out unconditional cash transfers to people living in poverty is one of the best thing you do well. It directly helps those who are vulnerable, and without that support , many would continue to suffer in poverty because they don't have the power or means to make decision that could change theirt circumstances. You could involve other stakeholders focusiong on community education to empower individuals on budgeting and resource manangement skills, because this would provide peoeple with the tools they need to improve their lives in sustainable way, not just with short-term assistance."

"I have always wanted to own a cow so that I can have a steady supply of milk without having to buy it from the shops. With $100, I finally purchased one, which will help me save money in the long run and provide milk for my children. In addition, I used another $100 to rent a piece of land for farming since I needed capital to start growing crops. Farming will ensure that I have plenty of food at home, reducing the burden of buying food and making life more sustainable for my family. Furthermore, I spent $100 on household furniture, specifically sofa sets, because I had only plastic chairs, and I wanted my home to be more comfortable. I also used $50 to pay school fees for my five children, as their education is important to me. With my husband being a casual laborer and a charcoal burner, our income is often unstable, so I had to prioritize their school fees to keep them in class. Finally, I used the remaining amount to buy food since we relied heavily on casual jobs to afford meals. Before, life was tough because we struggled to provide for our children, but now, things have improved. The cash transfer has given me hope and a way to build a better future for my family. I am grateful that we can now live with less stress, knowing that we have food, milk, and a plan for a better life ahead."

"I appreciate the way GiveDirectly officers conducted themselves; they were very obedient and understanding. They treated us with respect and ensured that everything was done in an organized and fair manner. I did not see anything bad from GiveDirectly because everything was smooth and well-coordinated. Their support has made a big difference in our lives, and I am truly grateful for the assistance. I have no complaints, but I wish them all the best as they continue helping others in need. Their work is truly impactful, and I hope they keep up the good efforts."

"I run a small kiosk, but my income is not much, with daily sales of around $30. I have always wanted to upgrade my shop from iron sheets to blocks because of the insecurity in the area, but using the shop’s earnings for that would have completely depleted my stock. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I bought some of the building materials, and I plan to buy the rest with my second transfer so I can finally start construction. I am hopeful that soon my shop will be made of blocks, which will ease my constant fears about theft, especially after my neighbor's shop was recently broken into. Though I still have some worries, I now feel hopeful, and for that, I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly."

"When i received my most recent transfers, i knew exactly how i wanted to use the money. For years, i had been carrying the responsibility of proving for my family, especially with my husband being blind and unable to contribe to many of the daily tasks. Our house had always been cramped, and we had never been able to build a proper home due to finacial struggles. This time, though, i decide it was finally time to make change. I used the money to begin building the house we had always dreamed of, creating a space where we could all live comforatbly. Along with the house, i built a pit latrine, something i had wanted for years but never had the funds to peovide. It felt good to finally take care of something so essential for my family's well-being. Looking back, i am proud of how i spent that money, knowing that each decision i made would improve our lives and give us a fresh start."

"My house is a little old, made of mud, and I have always dreamed of having a better house made of bricks. This year, I have made a plan to join a SACCO and start saving a portion of my transfers from GiveDirectly there. My goal is to accumulate enough shares so that I can access a substantial loan. With this loan, I will be able to purchase the building materials I need to construct the house I have always wanted. As a mason, I will be able to use my expertise to cut down on the labor costs, which will significantly help in managing the expenses of building. I truly hope that by the end of this journey, I will have a beautiful, solid house for my family and me. This will bring me so much happiness and peace of mind. I am deeply grateful for the support I have been receiving from GiveDirectly—it has been a great help, and I feel encouraged and motivated to keep moving forward with my plans."