"At precisely 3 p.m., I found myself tending to my livestock on the farm when the unexpected chime of my phone echoed in the rural stillness. Illiterate but hopeful, I sought the assistance of a friend to decipher the message's origin. A surge of euphoria overcame me as she revealed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, indicating the deposit of my first unconditional cash transfer. Gratitude and dreams intertwined as I envisioned a tangible change in my life. The persistent torment of nightly rains penetrating the grass-thatched roof of my previous dwelling was now set to become a distant memory. With the newfound financial support, the prospect of building a sturdy, rain-resistant home transformed from a distant hope to an imminent reality."

"My objective is to persist in saving within our group for the upcoming year and beyond. The intention is to utilize these savings to acquire building materials, including iron sheets and building poles, to construct an extension for my house, addressing its limited space. Additionally, I aim to invest in livestock, particularly goats, as a reliable financial resource. Currently, I own three goats, but my goal is to expand my livestock, rear them, and eventually sell them to meet my financial requirements."

"Since I began receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the most profound shift in my life has been nothing short of a renaissance. A recent eye surgery left me incapacitated, preventing me from undertaking the strenuous jobs I used to do alongside my spouse in the charcoal industry. This marked a stressful period for my family, as our livelihood depended on our joint efforts in the past. The loss of income made me feel hopeless, but GiveDirectly changed the trajectory of our lives. The pivotal moment came when I used the funds to acquire goats. These creatures, I believe, will be a beacon of support for my family. Not only do they multiply faster, offering a potential solution to any future financial constraints, but they also signify the possibility of new beginnings. As they grow into a herd, I envision settling immediate matters and even embarking on new projects that were once beyond our reach. I am profoundly grateful to GiveDirectly for not only restoring joy and hope to my life but also for empowering me to envision a future filled with possibilities."

"My objective is to guarantee the successful education of my five children by consistently paying their fees on time. Unfortunately, I lack a steady source of income that could help with this educational responsibility. The monthly transfers have proven instrumental in maintaining their uninterrupted schooling. Despite grappling with financial challenges, witnessing my children achieve their educational aspirations remains my utmost priority."

"As a single parent with three school-going children and no external support, the majority of the transfers will be allocated to cover their educational expenses. Additionally, I am contemplating initiating a poultry project as my current endeavor doesn't yield substantial income. The poultry project will be a reliable source of income through the sale of poultry and generate some money. I am confident that this project will not only contribute to our financial stability but also ensure the continuity of my children's education."

"I have a strong desire to pivot towards farming, particularly focusing on cultivating perishable vegetables such as tomatoes. I plan to rent land near the river, recognizing its fertile soil and proximity to a water source—crucial for successful farming. To ensure consistent irrigation, I intend to hire a generator, a vital resource for this endeavor. The appeal of cultivating tomatoes lies in their high demand and ready market availability. I believe that by strategically positioning myself to produce these perishable vegetables, I can generate a sustainable income to support my family. This shift towards farming offers an exciting opportunity. My vision is not just about farming tomatoes; it's about fostering a sustainable livelihood for my family."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my focus is on elevating my business endeavors to alleviate the burdens on my husband and create a more comfortable life for our four kids. With life already posing challenges, my goal is to generate increased profits through my businesses, aiming to ease the strain of pressing needs on my husband.My determination is rooted in providing a better life for my children, ensuring they have the comfort and resources needed to pursue their dreams. Education holds a key role in this vision, and my aim is to secure a smooth educational journey for them, preventing any interruptions that may hinder their aspirations. Through dedicated efforts in my business, I hope to pave the way for a brighter and more stable future for my family."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my strategic plan revolves around sustainable income and the well-being of my family. I will persist in chicken farming, anticipating future financial relief as they multiply, enabling me to sell them to cover my kids' education expenses. Simultaneously, I intend to engage in small-scale farming, cultivating vegetables in my garden to stay productive. My primary goal is to ensure my children lead comfortable lives and experience a seamless educational journey. By combining poultry and farming activities, I aim to create a stable and fruitful foundation for their future."

"With a secure place for my children and me to sleep, I plan to focus and direct the income I earn through occasional work in households, farms, and charcoal production towards supporting my family's needs and covering school fees. Providing education for my children will secure them a good life in future."

"The impact of the transfers from GiveDirectly rippled through my life, ushering in a positive transformation. With the burden of immediate food concerns lifted, I redirected my focus and resources towards my vegetable business. The newfound financial stability allowed me not only to sustain the business but also to accumulate savings. These savings, once elusive, now serve as a safety net for unforeseen emergencies and, significantly, contribute to my long-term goals. Education, a vital aspect of my aspirations, is now within reach as I earmark funds for school fees. The shifts in my life are not just about surviving day to day; they represent a trajectory towards resilience, growth, and the fulfillment of dreams that were once distant but are now becoming tangible realities."