"I was in the middle of folding laundry when I received a notification on my phone. I quickly checked it and saw that GiveDirectly had deposited the first transfer into my bank account, just as they had promised. A rush of happiness washed over me because I knew that this money was my ticket to a better future. With this capital, I could finally start the small business I had always dreamed of, and I could see a path toward financial stability for my family. It felt like a ray of hope breaking through the clouds of uncertainty, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the opportunities that lay ahead."

"I was in my small kitchen, just finished preparing a late lunch after a long day of working on the farm. As I wanted to start serving the food, I heard a message tone coming from my phone on the table. I couldn't read, so I called my son over and asked him to check what kind of message it was. His eyes widened as he looked at the screen and said, "Mama, you received the first transfer." My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't contain my joy. I let out a loud ululation, tears of happiness streaming down my face. It was a moment of sheer relief and gratitude, knowing that this support from GiveDirectly would bring a brighter future for my family."

"I used to burn charcoal to make ends meet and pay for my child's school fees. It was tough, the work was both physically demanding and unreliable. But then, things took a turn for the better when I became a recipient of GiveDirectly. With the cash transfer, I was able to invest in a small business. Now, I no longer have to endure the backbreaking work of making charcoal. My business generates income, allowing me to provide for my family and ensure my child gets a good education without constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. Thanks to GiveDirectly, life has become so much more manageable and less strenuous for us."

"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy 16 pieces of iron sheets for $228 and roofing timbers for $100. My old house used to leak so badly when it rained, and it made my family's life miserable. But now, thanks to GiveDirectly, I have a cozy and dry home. I can sleep peacefully even when it pours outside. After that, I purchased three drums for $90 to store the maize I had harvested. This means I don't have to worry about my cereals spoiling, and I can feed my family for a while. The best part is that I had some money left after taking care of these essentials. I used that remaining amount to treat my ailing husband. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to get him the medical care he needed, and now he's on the road to recovery. GiveDirectly has truly transformed our lives, and I'm filled with gratitude for the support we received."

"Life was incredibly tough for me. I used to make a living by burning charcoal and selling it just to survive. It was back-breaking work, and I could barely make ends meet. But everything changed when I became a recipient of GiveDirectly's cash transfer. With that money, I was able to start a small cafeteria business. It was a dream come true. Now, I can provide for my family with dignity and hope for a brighter future. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I've turned my life around, and I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity they gave me."

"When I look back, it's hard to believe how different life used to be. I was stuck in a cycle of struggling to make ends meet, relying on odd jobs that barely put food on the table. There were times when my family had to skip meals just to get by. My life was tough, and I couldn't provide for my family as I wished. But everything changed when I received a cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With that money, I was able to buy a motorbike, and it has transformed our lives. I now earn a living from the income I get from it, ensuring my family never goes without food. I can't thank GiveDirectly enough for allowing me to improve our lives."

"My biggest dream is to provide a better home for my daughters. Right now, we're all cramped into our small, run-down house, and it's not a healthy or comfortable place for them to grow up. So, I've been working these odd jobs and saving every penny aiming to increase the amount I set aside from GiveDireclty for the same purpose. One day soon, I hope to see the joy in their eyes when we step into our new home, a place where they can thrive and be safe. That's what keeps me going, knowing that with a little bit of money and a lot of determination, I can give my daughters the bright future they deserve."

"I reside at my place of employment, my plan is to build a bigger and better house back at home where my family is. The current house doesn't provide the necessary space and privacy for my family, especially for my daughters. In addition to constructing a comfortable home, I will venture into poultry farming as a means of generating income. This will not only address our household needs but also lay the foundation for future financial security. As I move forward, I am determined to continue with more achievements."

"I had wanted to pursue a medical related course for my diploma and worked hard and obtained good results to allow me join school. I cleared my KCSE in 2018 but I haven't had a chance to join college since of my financial incapacitation. My mother is my only living parent and she makes charcoal to try support us, however this is not sufficient as to start school I need about $800 upfront before admissions. My mother makes about $20 monthly with presents a huge gap. So I have embarked on animal farming in order to raise the necessary cash for this venture. I hope to have more goats since they procreate fast enough and I can sell them and save towards going to school."

"My goal is to become self sufficient i terms of finances. My grocery stall sells things needed but I can only attract more customers by expanding the business further. I hope to use some part of my transfers to reinvest in the business as well as earnings from it to ensure it grows steadily providing enough capital to grow itself and also pay school fees as well feed the home."