"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."

"I have been thinking a lot about the future and am excited about starting my own business. I want to operate something where I am in control, allowing me to maximize profits. The idea of owning my own business excites me because it will provide the financial stability I have been working hard to achieve. However, it is not just about the money, it is about creating a life for myself and my children where we don’t have to worry about basic needs. I aspire to build my own house where we can feel settled rather than relying on temporary solutions, and I believe that with my hard work and determination, I can turn this dream into reality."

"When the officers came, they spoke to me nicely and with respect, which made me feel valued. They asked us questions in a respectful manner and took time to understand our plans for the money. I appreciated that they first asked for permission before speaking to us, showing their professionalism and kindness. Their approach made the entire process smooth and comfortable for everyone in the village. I did not see anything bad from GiveDirectly, and everything was handled well. I hope they continue with the same spirit of helping people and treating them with dignity."

"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."

"Life has been very challenging, especially after the floods destroyed my farm, leaving me without any harvest. I used $300 from my transfer to buy one cow and two goats because I did not own any livestock before. Milk has been very expensive, costing $1 per liter, which is not even enough for drinking and making tea. By having my own cow, I will no longer have to buy milk, and in the future, I can sell some to earn extra income. The goats will also multiply and provide me with financial security in the long run. This investment gives me hope for a better future. I also spent $50 on school fees because I used to depend on my children who are employed, as well as county bursaries to support the payments. However, after the floods destroyed my farm, I lost my main source of income, making it difficult to afford school fees. Furthermore, I used $60 to buy food since we had nothing left to eat after the floods. Farming was my primary source of food, but with everything destroyed, I had to rely on this transfer to feed my family. Buying food gave me peace of mind because hunger had become a daily struggle. Now, my children and I can eat without worrying about where the next meal will come from. I also purchased a small water tank for $33 because when it rains, all the water goes to waste since I had no way to store it. Walking long distances to fetch water has always been exhausting, so having a tank will make my life much easier. Lastly, I bought bedsheets because, although I have a good mattress, I had no proper sheets to cover it. These small but essential things have improved my life in many ways. I have three children still at home, while the others are married, and I am a widow who depends solely on farming. Despite the challenges, I feel grateful for the support that has helped me regain stability."

"When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I knew what my priority was. I have a small kiosk made of iron sheets, which always made me worry about theft and security. My dream has been to build a proper block structure to keep my shop and items safe. With the transfer, I spent $120 on blocks and another $120 on sand, taking the first step toward making this dream a reality. I am now waiting for my second transfer to buy the remaining materials and begin construction. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for helping me secure my business."

"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."

"I am happy that I managed to construct a one-room mud-wall house through the previous months’ transfers, giving me a place to call my own. Now, my next goal is to buy a modern standard bed and a mattress so that I can sleep well. Currently, I sleep on a small traditional bed that is uncomfortable, and every morning, I wake up feeling exhausted. A good bed will improve my sleep, giving me the energy to work harder and take better care of myself. To achieve this, I plan to save $10 a month until I have enough to buy the bed and the mattress. Step by step, I am building a better life for myself, and this next goal will bring me comfort and rest, allowing me to focus on bigger dreams in the future."