"Prior to receiving the GiveDirectly transfers, I was burning wood and selling the resulting charcoal for $4 per sack, barely enough to meet our family's basic needs. GiveDirectly enabled me to build a house and relocate my three children from my mother's kitchen. GiveDirectly excels at connecting its recipients' problems and their solutions. GiveDirectly restored my dignity, faith in humanity, and desire to keep striving for the best for my children. I hope they continue to bless others in this way for many years to come."

"GiveDirectly is exceptional at changing people's lives. We were struggling with expenses, and the funds from GiveDirectly allowed us to go from sinking to floating in an instant. I can only hope that they continue to be of similar salvation to others who are in the same situation as I was."

"prior to the arrival of GiveDirectly. My house was in the slums. It was a two-bedroom house, but  in poor shape. The initial transfers enabled me to improve  the house. As previously stated, the second one was used. GiveDirectly excels at being a blessing, and that is exactly what they have been to my family and me."

"I would love to have local breed chickens to rear for eggs and meat. The extra income would allow us to live a better life now and in the future, ensuring my children finish school and have a better future."

"I was behind in school payments, had no idea how to get capital to grow my business, needed kids' uniforms, and so on, and GiveDirectly sending those funds truly transformed our lives. GiveDirectly gave me the opportunity to prioritize my money without judgment or criticism, and for that I applaud them. All I ask is that they continue their fantastic work. GiveDirectly excels at collaborating with its recipients and assisting them in realizing their dreams."

"I would like to expand my alcohol business and supply to more pubs which means I need more capital. I plan to save and hopefully in 2023 I would be able to visit the pubs and have an agreement with the management."

"My husband and I are, sadly, separated. He is a mason, and I sell omena and burn wood to make charcoal. I earn $0.2 per packet of omena and make charcoal from burning wood. meaning that I couldn't have done much with the income I was receiving were it not for GiveDirectly sending me the transfers. I was able to stock up on food and pay school fees for my three children, all of whom are in Grade 1, at Mariani School in Mombasa. They all demand $35 in tuition fees, which the transfers allowed me to cover. GiveDirectly has allowed me, as a single mother, to not only care for my children but also to do so with dignity and how I felt best. We are forever grateful as a family."

"The funds came to me at a critical juncture in my life. I had been thinking about starting a business at Bamba Centre, specifically a barbershop. I spent every waking moment contemplating how I could make this vision a reality. Fortunately, GiveDirectly came to my aid. The transfers enabled me to open a barbershop, where both my brother and I now work. With my wife staying at home and tending to our 10-acre farm, it's up to me to ensure our financial stability through the barbershop. I also purchased three cows, two males and one female, with the intention of eventually having enough for dairy and beef farming. I also increased my goat flock by three females and two males. I want to be able to provide for my family and provide a better future for my child in PP1. We currently pay $10 per school term at Kenyatta Primary, and thanks to the transfers, I was able to get ahead on some of these payments. We will be eternally grateful to Give Directly for everything they have done for our family."

"I own a restaurant making $7 a day. I have been saving some money to build a restaurant. In 2023 I vision myself with my new restaurant which is a dream come true."

"My long-term goal is to get a job that can take care of my family, preferably in the big city of Mombasa. My friend works as a cleaner in the city and he promised to find a job for me."