"For about five years, we owned goats but didn’t have a proper place for them, so we had to keep them at my mother-in-law’s house. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, my top priority was to build a shelter for the goats, as I had always wanted to bring them to our home. Before that, my husband and I couldn’t afford it because we relied on charcoal production, which provided very little income. My mother-in-law had a hard time looking after the goats, especially as she grew older. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we finally built a proper shelter, and now I am happy to see the goats at our own home, giving my mother-in-law a break she deserves."

"When I first heard I’d be receiving money from GiveDirectly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but their team made everything so clear and empowering. Before the money arrived, the staff took the time to educate us on planning for its use, helping us think ahead about how best to spend it. That guidance was invaluable—it made me confident and focused, ensuring I made decisions that truly benefited my family. What stood out even more was the follow-up visits. They didn’t just hand over the money and disappear; they came back to check how we used it, and that accountability made me even more responsible in managing it wisely. Honestly, I’ve thought about it, and I can’t see anything that needs to change. They’ve done everything so well—it’s not just financial help; it feels like they genuinely care about our progress."

"First, I spent $240 to buy iron sheets, wooden posts, and to pay a mason to build a small house. Before this, my family and I were living in a very small mud house that barely provided shelter. Now, with the iron-roof house, we have a much better and safer place to call home. Next, I bought two sheep for $60. This was important to me because I wanted to have an asset I could rely on in case of emergencies in the future. Having livestock provides security, as I can sell them whenever there is an urgent need for money. Alongside this, I used $87 to buy food for my household. It gave me peace of mind knowing that my family would have enough to eat and wouldn’t have to worry about going hungry. With the remaining money, I used $13 to plough half an acre of land where I plan to plant maize this season. Farming is a significant part of our livelihood, and this will help us secure food for the coming months. Lastly, I used $50 to pay off a loan I had taken earlier to cover school fees for my children. This relieved a lot of pressure, allowing me to focus on other family needs. The cash transfer has truly been a lifeline, helping me take critical steps toward a more stable future."

"The first priority was paying school fees for my son who was clearing high school. I used $250 to ensure he could sit for his final exams without any financial worries. Education is incredibly important to me, and I didn’t want him to miss this crucial step in his journey. I also used $70 to pay school fees for another of my sons who is currently in Form 3. With two children in secondary school, the pressure to manage fees is always high, but this transfer gave me the breathing room to handle these responsibilities without having to take loans or make sacrifices elsewhere. The remaining $130 went toward solving another pressing issue. I have two grown sons who had been sleeping in an old, leaking house. They needed their own space for privacy and dignity, so I used the money to build them a one-roomed house. It’s not big, but it’s decent, and it means they no longer have to endure uncomfortable and unsafe living conditions. This cash transfer has not only lightened my financial burden but has also allowed me to improve my family’s quality of life in meaningful ways."

"This coming year, my biggest goal is to finally settle my family on the piece of land we bought. It's been a dream of mine to move there, and I’m determined to make it happen by year-end. Right now, we’re planting maize using high-quality Kenya Seed, and I’m hopeful for a bountiful harvest. Once I sell the maize, the proceeds will go straight into funding the construction of our new house. With that money and the third transfer we’re set to receive, I’ll have just enough to build a modest but sturdy home for my family. I’m especially driven because I want to leave behind the constant worry of flooding where we live now. Every rainy season brings anxiety and loss, and I don’t want my children growing up with that stress. Moving to the new land will mean peace of mind and a fresh start."

"I used $400 to start a small restaurant business. Before this, I depended on casual labor—anything I could find, like tilling land, burning charcoal, or harvesting tomatoes. Starting the restaurant was a leap of faith, but I wanted something sustainable. Now, I cook and sell meals, and although it's still growing, I feel proud knowing I’m building something stable for our future. I set aside $30 to buy food for the house. That gave me breathing space to focus on establishing my business. With basic household needs covered, I could concentrate on buying the necessary cooking supplies and ingredients. Finally, I used the remaining money to buy clothes for my daughter. As a single parent, seeing her happy and confident matters to me. She looks beautiful in her new outfits, and it warms my heart to know she doesn’t have to feel different from other children. Every day, I remind myself that this effort is all for her, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward."

"When I received the money from GiveDirectly, I felt very grateful because it was sent directly to us without using intermediaries, which made the process smooth and transparent. I liked that we were allowed to plan how to use the money ourselves since we best understand our own needs, and there was no pressure or interference. Participation in the program was voluntary, which made it fair and gave people the freedom to join if they wanted. The staff were also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even better. Overall, it was a great program, and I do not see anything that needs to be changed because everything was done well."

"This coming year, I want to ensure that my family has enough food by farming an acre of maize. Buying food is expensive, and that’s why I want to invest in our future by making sure we can grow our own food. When we have enough maize for the year, it means we won’t have to worry about where the next meal will come from. It’s not just about food—it’s about peace of mind and security for my family. Farming this acre will be a step toward freedom from these constant worries. I plan to use the remainder of the third transfer I received to make this happen. With that money, I will plough the land and buy good-quality seeds to plant. These are the first steps toward a successful harvest. I know it won’t be easy—farming takes a lot of hard work and patience—but I am determined to see it through. If I can accomplish this, I know we’ll be food secure next year, and that will mean better life for all of us."

"This year, I am determined to make a fresh start for my children and me. After losing our home to floods, we’ve been living in a rented house, but it’s not sustainable. I bought a small plot recently, and my biggest goal is to build a house there so we can have a permanent place to call home. The first two transfers helped me buy the land and make plans for construction, and I’m eagerly awaiting the third transfer to start building. Beyond the house, I want to secure a better future for my family. Part of the money will go toward buying a few goats. I see them as a safety net, assets we can depend on in times of need. Goats are a good investment; they multiply and can be sold quickly if an emergency arises. These plans are my way of building stability and independence for my family, ensuring that my children grow up in a secure and self-sufficient environment."

"In the coming year and beyond, I intend to invest in livestock particularly goats. I had some goats and chickens, and I sold a few when my child was admitted to Mariakani, which allowed me to settle the bill. My greatest aspiration is to expand my livestock holdings, particularly focusing on goats. I sincerely believe that livestock farming will provide significant advantages, especially for my children, who are in primary school now and will soon move on to higher education. To make this happen, I plan to allocate part of my future earnings to purchase additional goats, with the hope that they will reproduce, increasing both in number and value. This strategy will enable me to sell some goats to financially support my family, particularly as my children advance in their education. By establishing a strong herd of goats, I foresee not only a steady income but also a valuable asset that can help seamlessly cover their school fees. Every goat I acquire symbolizes not just an animal but also a significant step toward ensuring a brighter future for my children."