"First and foremost, I plan to increase my herd of livestock. By doing so, I will achieve not only financial stability but also provide a secure and comfortable living space for my family. In addition, achieving these goals will also significantly alleviate my parents' financial burden and contribute to their overall well-being."

"The prolonged droughts experienced in our village have led to a lack of productivity in our farms which has greatly affected us. This has been made worse by the increased cost of living which has made it impossible for us to meet our basic needs. This is challenging for us particularly because we have young children who need to eat."

"Receiving that second unconditional cash transfer was a true blessing for me. First and foremost, I used a significant portion, around $180, to purchase iron sheets and nails and cover the labor charges. My aim was to complete the construction of my house, a project I had started but was forced to halt due to financial constraints. I had big plans. I wanted to add another room to my home, as the current single room was far too small to comfortably house my family of four. This extra space would not only provide us with a more comfortable living arrangement but also a sense of privacy that we had longed for. After that, I used a portion of the funds to pay a school fee of $30 for my daughter, who is in the lower classes. The relief on her face and the happiness she now carries into her classroom, free from the distractions of unpaid fees, are priceless gifts. It warms my heart to know that she's focusing on her studies, hoping for better grades and a brighter future. Also, the cash transfers came to the rescue when my main source of income, my motorcycle, broke down a few weeks ago. With nearly $100, I managed to purchase the necessary spare parts to get it running again. My husband operates it, and thanks to this repair, our income is back on track. The feeling of self-reliance and security it brought is beyond words. I finally bought some much-needed food with the rest of the money, ensuring that we had enough to sustain us in the coming months."

"In recent times, the unconditional cash transfer that came my way brought a wave of transformation to my life and my family's well-being. One of the most significant changes was investing in my sleep quality. For years, my nights were spent on a traditional bed that left me waking up in pain, often too tired to perform my daily household chores. The purchase of a new wooden bed and a comfortable mattress, totaling $150, was a game-changer. It might seem like a simple thing, but for me, it was a transformation. Finally, I could sleep soundly, waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Additionally, I allocated $230 of the transfer to pay the school fees for my two children, one in Form 4 and the other in Form 3. Having them at home due to unpaid fees has been a significant source of stress for me. Education is vital, and I was determined to ensure they continued their studies. I also purchased a new wooden door to enhance the security of my home. In uncertain times, having a secure living space is paramount. With the remaining funds, I bought food to feed my family of eight. As a jobless individual with my spouse working as a casual laborer, managing our household's needs has been challenging. This cash transfer has provided significant relief, allowing us to make essential improvements in our living conditions and support our children's education while ensuring no one in our family goes to bed hungry."

"In the coming year, I've set goals for myself and my family. Firstly, I plan to revive my poultry business, which I know has great returns. To make this happen, I will need to investment $150 and I've already started a saving plan. My other goal for the upcoming year is to open a cyber cafe in our village. We only have one, and their services are quite limited. This venture not only fulfills a personal dream but also has the potential to provide valuable services to our community while supporting my family financially. I'm excited about the journey ahead and am determined to turn these plans into reality."

"I was in the garden when I saw the message, I had given up hope of receiving the money since it had been long. I thanked Gid and give directly for fulfilling their promise. I thought about clearing my debts and paying my children's school fees."

"In my opinion, everything went remarkably well because of GiveDirectly's unconditional support. Thanks to their assistance, I was able to invest in livestock, a decision that has brought a significant positive change to my life. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity this support has provided, as it not only offers a source of income and sustenance but also a sense of security and hope for a brighter future. GiveDirectly's approach has truly made a difference, and I am immensely grateful for their contribution to my life and well-being."

"I was overjoyed when I received the unconditional cash transfer, as it arrived just in time. I immediately put $35 to good use by paying the school fees for my daughter, who is in sixth grade and transitioning to junior secondary. She was on the brink of sitting for her exams, and there was this looming balance that I simply couldn't cover. The cash transfer was a godsend, ensuring that she could join her classmates in taking her exams without any worries. Seeing her determination and the smile on her face as she prepared for the test was a priceless moment for me. With the remaining amount, I decided to invest in the future of our family. I purchased iron sheets, building poles, threads, nails, timber, and a door. This was the start of a dream I'd held onto for years: building a two-bedroom house. Our previous home consisted of just two small rooms, hardly enough to accommodate my thirteen family members. Some of my children had to rely on the kindness of friends for shelter, which was not only stressful but also affected their sense of security. My husband and I both relied on odd jobs that came our way, and the thought of providing a more stable and spacious home for our family was a beacon of hope. It's a slow and challenging journey, but it's a journey worth taking for the betterment of our family's future."

"At precisely 3:14 p.m., while I was diligently working at the bustling salon, a message notification lit up my phone screen. With eager anticipation, I unlocked my device to discover a life-altering Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Overwhelmed with joy, I realized that my long-standing financial struggles were about to find respite. The weight of overdue bills and the anguish of my daughter's temporary expulsion from school due to unpaid fees would soon be lifted. As I looked at that message, a glimmer of hope emerged, and I couldn't help but smile, for I knew that, thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfer, my daughter would soon be on her way back to school, and a brighter future beckoned."

"My foremost ambition is to construct a new, sturdy house to replace the precarious temporary shelter I currently call home. This makeshift structure provides little security, especially during adverse weather conditions where it feels like it could be swept away by the wind at any moment. With careful planning and hard work, my goal is to initiate the construction project next year. This new home will not only offer safety and stability but also provide a sense of permanence and comfort that my family and I have longed for. The dream of a solid roof over our heads drives my determination, and I am committed to turning it into a reality."