"Even before receiving support from GiveDirectly, my dream was to venture into farming and expand my agricultural activities. Though I had a small piece of land, it proved sufficient for producing enough food and surplus to sell. With the last transfer, I decided to invest in hybrid tomato seedlings from a well-known farm in Naivasha, which cost $380. Transportation back home added an additional $50. Many farmers have confidence in this farm, and the convenient sleeve-like containers that the seedlings come in make transplanting simple. These tomatoes have a short growth period, and I was delighted to harvest a good profit of over $500 after covering planting and maintenance costs. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the support, as it has established a sustainable farming foundation for me and my family. Our goal is to expand our farming activities to more pieces of land to increase harvests and income. The remaining $20 was used to buy food for my family of five."

"I now have joy in my life, I have never expected to receive such help in my life. God is good."

"Upon receiving the first transfer, I had carefully planned how to improve our living conditions after relocating from our original home with my family of 8, including my mother, due to community conflicts caused by cattle rustling. We had been cramped in a single temporary flat-roofed room, which was too small for us and provided no privacy. Out of the most recent transfer, I spent $276 on purchasing all the necessary construction materials. I was relieved to later spend $50 on labor to construct a new house with two spacious rooms that we are currently living in. This improvement brought us much-needed comfort after enduring a long and devastating struggle in a small room. To further enhance our living situation, I invested $40 in buying a large bed to supplement the small one we were using. Now, we sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed for our daily routine. Additionally, I used $60 to buy food from the nearby shopping center, with a $2 motorcycle taxi fare to transport it home. Furthermore, I spent $30 on acquiring a goat to add to the 8 we already had, as we had previously lost a herd of over 50 cows due to theft and more than 100 goats, which was a painful experience that took me time to recover from. However, with the support from GiveDirectly, my hope has been restored, and I feel it has saved me from the brink of depression."

"Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly was a heartwarming moment for me as I sat at home with my spouse. I couldn't contain my excitement and immediately shared the good news with her. She was immensely grateful and thrilled, as we had been carefully planning how to utilize the transfer as soon as we received it. The following day, we went to the shopping center, collected the full amount as planned, and started making the initial purchases that we had set to make."

"After enrolling in GiveDirectly's program, my family and I eagerly awaited the first transfer, and I was excited to confirm its arrival one afternoon while working on my farm. With our plans carefully set, we decided to focus on two essential priorities, given that the initial transfer was the smallest of the three. We used the money to address the food crisis in our household and clear the school fee arrears for my two children in secondary school. Upon collecting the money the following day, I spent $150 to pay off the school fees, which provided my children with ample study time, ensuring they haven't been sent home since. The remaining $30 went to purchasing food in bulk, supplementing the smaller quantities we were able to afford with the earnings from our daily errands. My husband crafts and sells hand farm tools from home, while I collect and sell firewood to community members and restaurant owners in the nearby shopping center."

"My primary goal as the year comes to a close and beyond is to make a wise investment in purchasing goats. This step is crucial in my journey towards achieving financial stability, as it will provide a reliable source of income. As the goat herd multiplies over time, I plan to sell some of them to meet my pressing needs, which are currently a challenge for me to fulfill. This endeavor marks a significant accomplishment in my quest for a more secure and prosperous future."

"By the end of this year, my primary goal is to acquire a minimum of three goats, which I consider a prudent investment for my future. These goats will eventually multiply, allowing me to sell some of them for profit. The proceeds from the sales will be utilized to construct a new house, as my current residence is in a deteriorating condition and might collapse at any moment. This approach serves a dual purpose: establishing a sustainable income stream through livestock sales and addressing my housing needs using the earnings generated from the goat sales."

"I was sleeping, and at midnight, the message popped up. I felt so good, and I had the best night ever, and I began a new day in a mighty way.the first thought was to buy land since I survived to be washed by landslides."

"Currently, my primary focus is directed towards the construction of a new house. The distressing condition of my current dwelling is a matter of concern, and it keeps me awake at night as I contemplate how swiftly I can gather the necessary resources for the new project. The fear of the house collapsing on me at any moment makes it difficult to feel safe while sleeping inside it. However, I find hope in the monthly stipends I receive, and I am optimistic that they will enable me to have a new and spacious home in the near future."

"For some time now, I've been sleeping on a sisal twine bed, which has been causing discomfort and resulting in back pains. To improve my overall comfort and sleep quality, my objective is to invest in a new mattress and a wooden bed. Additionally, my current house is showing signs of wear and tear, with a few indications that it might collapse in the near future. Therefore, I am determined to save up and purchase building materials to construct a new house before the current one becomes uninhabitable."