"Due to lack of capital to invest in agriculture, we have not utilized our land. Irrigation is labour intensive and we don't have the money for it. This had been the biggest hindrance to our development as a family. The lack of funds means we depend on loans or farm on small portions. Access to loans is a challenge due to the strict requirements. Even if one is successful the risk of losses is high and the interest rates are not fair."

"My biggest challenge has been a farming problem. The drought has been persistent for the past three years, which led to consistent farm losses. We loan from seed companies and eventually our crops dry leading to low productivity. It leaves us with loan burden. The seed companies continue adding interest when you delay in payment. I currently owe some about $300. This has been my biggest challenge especially with the drought. I am although hopeful for the future since it has started raining recently."

"My objective is to establish a posho mill business as part of an effort to enhance our income. I intend to utilize the initial funds generated from the goat business. As the goats multiply, I plan to sell some of them and use the resulting profits to kickstart the posho mill venture. This strategic approach aims to leverage the success of the goat business for the development of the new enterprise."

"As the primary provider for my family, consisting of my wife and six children, my livelihood revolves around buying and selling charcoal. However, the costs of transporting charcoal from the village to the nearest town center, Mariakani, have been increasing due to rising fuel prices, consequently impacting my profits. Looking ahead, my goal for the coming year and beyond is to transition to selling my produce directly from home. To achieve this, I plan to establish a wide customer base that will travel from town to my home for the purchases. However, substantial initial capital is required for this venture. I am optimistic that the continued support from cash transfers will play a vital role in making this transition a reality."

"Looking ahead, my primary objective is to construct a new house for my family. The deteriorating condition of my current house, exacerbated by heavy rains, forced me to move in with relatives recently. The leaking grass-thatched roof made the space swampy and cold, rendering it unsuitable for habitation. Over the past year, I've been saving some of the cash transfers through a self-help group. When the group dissolves next year, I plan to utilize the savings to purchase building materials such as iron sheets and building poles, initiating the construction of a new two-room house for my family."

"Reflecting on the progress made, I'm pleased that the previous cash transfers have enabled me to acquire six goats, with two of them already giving birth to offspring. Looking ahead, my goal remains centered on building a sustainable source of wealth. As the cash transfers will one day end, I aspire to further diversify my livestock holdings by owning cattle, recognizing their potential for generating more income compared to goats."

"One commendable aspect of GiveDirectly's efforts was their provision of valuable insights that significantly enriched our understanding of Mpesa security. The organization went beyond the financial support and took a proactive approach in empowering us with knowledge, particularly in ensuring the security of our Mpesa transactions. This added layer of information proved to be invaluable, enhancing not only our financial literacy but also contributing to a heightened sense of security in our financial dealings. It reflects the organization's commitment to comprehensive support, going beyond the immediate financial assistance to empower recipients with knowledge that has long-lasting benefits."

"My husband and I depend on farming as our primary source of income, and we are fortunate to have five children. Upon receiving our transfer, our first priority was settling a long-overdue debt, spending $60 for this purpose. Subsequently, we invested $50 in essential food items like maize and beans, and I also purchased a bed for $28. The remainder of the amount was wisely saved, with the intention of using it to sustain our family and combining it with our forthcoming third transfer to embark on the construction of a decent house. The utilization of funds represents a significant shift from our past circumstances, where the limited money we received was primarily directed towards acquiring essential food items. The transformation in our lives is substantial, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the organization for bringing about such positive changes."

"Upon receiving our transfer, my husband and I made a deliberate decision to invest the funds in purchasing a dairy cow. This strategic move serves dual purposes - ensuring a daily supply of milk for our consumption and providing an opportunity to sell surplus milk, thereby enhancing our income. A sum of $200 was spent for this purpose. Additionally, as a hairdresser engaged in charcoal vending as a side hustle, I recognize the importance of boosting my business. Consequently, I dedicated $39 to enhance my hairdressing and charcoal vending enterprises. Recognizing the significance of food security, $88 was utilized to procure essential foodstuffs for our family. The positive impact on our living standards within a short period brings immense happiness, marking a stark contrast to the financial constraints we faced in the past. The transformative effect of this support has created newfound opportunities for us that were previously unattainable."

"Am glad that Give Directly supports us with cash transfers so that we decide on how we improve our lives. I also feel that they are doing well and there is nothing they should change."