"Upon receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with joy and carefully planned how to use the money to address the things I was lacking. I decided to spend $100 to buy two sheep, aiming to create a sustainable source of income. As the sheep multiply, I’ll be able to use them to pay school fees in the future and have something to rely on in emergencies. After that, I spent $15 on food to ensure that my family had enough to eat as we went about our daily activities. Additionally, I used $15 to improve our home by purchasing a door, finally securing the house, and protecting our belongings. I used the remaining amount to fuel my motorcycle so we could attend my child’s prayer day, and I also bought household essentials like utensils and other non-food items that we were missing. This support from GiveDirectly has allowed me to make meaningful improvements in my life and has given me a sense of security and hope for the future."

"My goal for this year and beyond is to develop my plot in the nearby center. I plan to use the income from my farm and the next transfer from GiveDirectly to make this happen. By building on this plot, I’ll be able to rent out spaces for people to open businesses, which will significantly increase the income flow in my household. The idea of becoming a landlord fills me with hope and happiness, as it promises a more secure future for my family and brings me closer to financial independence."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, I was overjoyed and decided to invest in essentials I previously couldn’t afford. First, I focused on improving my farm. I used $100 to prepare two acres of land where I plan to plant maize. This crop will help us address food security at home, and with any surplus, I can earn income to meet other household needs. Additionally, I used $200 to buy a generator. In our area, dry spells are common, but we have permanent rivers, so irrigation is possible. Now, with my generator, I no longer need to borrow one and can keep my crops healthy year-round, securing a larger and more reliable harvest. To meet immediate needs, I spent $60 on grains and beans, staple foods that will sustain my family with regular meals for up to three months. Lastly, I used $50 to construct a latrine and bathroom, ensuring we meet basic health standards while also providing privacy and dignity for my family. This support from GiveDirectly has allowed me to make long-term improvements and secure a better future for us all."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly, it came at the perfect time. My youngest daughter had been accepted to join Maseno University, which filled us with joy. However, even though she was government-sponsored, I still had to cover part of her tuition, and I didn’t have the money. With $350 of the transfer, I paid her fees, allowing her to start her studies. Seeing her happiness and dedication to education meant everything to me, as I know this is an investment not only in her future but in our entire family. To support her education continuously, I decided to start farming. I spent $120 to buy two sheep, which I plan to raise and allow to multiply over time. As they grow, they’ll serve as a source of income and security for emergencies. This is a new income-generating venture that I am optimistic about. With the remaining funds, I bought food to ensure my family had enough. As a single mother, providing for my children’s basic needs, especially during challenging times, is always a priority. GiveDirectly’s support has truly helped me provide for my family and allow my daughter to follow her dreams."

"With the current drought and hunger affecting our region, I plan to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy food and water to keep my family from going hungry until this dry spell is over. Water has become very scarce, and we have to pay motorcycle transporters to travel long distances to bring us water, which is quite costly. Once the rains return and we have enough water and food from our farms, my focus will then shift toward investing in goats, as well as more ducks and chicken. I hope that these animals will multiply over time, increasing both in number and value. These will be a valuable asset and will provide me with a reliable resource to support my family, especially once this program ends."

"For a long time, my children and I have been sleeping on uncomfortable beds made of ropes, without proper bedding. I’ve always wanted to change our sleeping situation. Thanks to my previous transfers, I was able to buy a bed and mattress for myself. Now, my goal is to get another bed and mattress for my children so they can sleep comfortably too. To achieve this, I plan to save a portion of my future transfers to eventually buy them their bed and mattress. Additionally, I have been repairing my house, and I am just a small amount away from completing those repairs. I intend to use another portion of my future transfers to finish up the work. Once the house is complete and my children have their new beds, I will feel incredibly happy. I never thought I would be able to achieve these things, but thanks to the transfers, it is becoming a reality. After that, I plan to invest a portion of my transfers into goats, hoping they will multiply in number and value so that in future I will have something to rely on when this program comes to an end."

"My children and I currently do not have a proper home to sleep in. Right now, I sleep in a very small kitchen, where I take my bedding outside in the morning to make space for cooking and bring it back in the evening when it is time for bed. Also, my children have to borrow places to sleep from relatives, and this has been incredibly frustrating for me. To change this, I started a journey to build a three-room house for my family using the transfers that I received from GiveDirectly. My plan for this year and beyond is to continue using a portion of my transfers to buy building materials, ensuring that my house reaches completion. I feel so excited and happy to see the progress on my house and to imagine living there with my children. Additionally, with my kids in school, I am committed to using another portion of my transfers to pay their school fees so they can continue their education. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that GiveDirectly has provided for me and my family."

"My focus for the coming year and beyond is to acquire a set of male cows that I can use to plow my farm. I even plan to hire them out to earn some extra income. I already have an oxen-driven disc plow, so the only thing I need now is the cows. To achieve this goal, I have been buying goats and intend to keep investing a portion of my transfers into buying more goats. I hope that they will multiply, increasing both their number and value. This way, I can eventually trade them for the cows I need. Once I reach that milestone, I plan to redirect my transfers to save up enough to start a grocery kiosk. This kiosk will allow me to sell household commodities, providing my family with a daily income stream that will help sustain us. I’m optimistic that these plans will lead to greater financial stability for my family and create a brighter future for us all."

"Currently, my children and I live in an area with unresolved conflicts, which makes me feel uneasy about our future here. My dream for the coming year and beyond is to buy a piece of land of our own, where we can build a safe, peaceful home. Since buying land is expensive and beyond my current means, I plan to start small. I intend to use a portion of my transfers to buy goats, with the hope that they will multiply over time. As their numbers grow, I can eventually trade them for male cows, which I’ll train to plow my farm. Once these cows mature into strong bulls, my goal is to sell them and use the proceeds to purchase that piece of land I’ve longed for. I am incredibly grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has given me, and I hold onto hope and prayer that one day I’ll be able to provide my children and myself with the security and peace we deserve."

"As I mentioned before, my current home is too small to comfortably accommodate my family, so I am still working toward my dream of building a new, larger, two-roomed house. With the ongoing support from GiveDirectly, my plan this year and beyond is to keep gradually purchasing building materials. I intend to use income from my side hustles, such as cooking and selling food, to bring this dream closer to reality. Also, with my children in school, I am committed to using part of my transfers to cover their school fees, ensuring they can continue their education without disruption. Additionally, I plan to save a portion of each transfer to eventually buy more goats, hoping they will multiply over time and become a valuable resource for us that we can rely on especially when this program ends. I am truly grateful for the support and opportunities GiveDirectly has provided for my family and me."