"My son, who is my helper, had my phone when I received the first transfer confirmation message from GiveDirectly via Mpesa. It was an incredible feeling since I had been looking forward to this opportunity to carry out my plans. He informed me at 4:00 PM, and the excitement was evident, driving me to share the news with my other family members who were there at the time. Their excitement matched mine since our approach to spending the money was a collaborative endeavor in which we discussed ideas and prioritized. We picked up the money the next day at a neighboring shopping center."

"Over the course of a decade, my livelihood has relied heavily on farming. However, due to inadequate rainfall, the income derived from farming has been steadily decreasing. As I approach the end of this year, my objective is to expand my herd by purchasing more goats. This endeavor will provide me with an alternative source of income in case my farming activities yield no financial returns."

"While I await the maturation of the maize crops for harvesting, my intention is to utilize the funds from my transfer to purchase food. Due to the difficulties my mother and I face in finding sporadic employment, there are occasions when we lack the necessary funds to buy food. Once we have successfully harvested the maize and acquired an abundance of food, my plan is to invest in livestock. This strategy will provide a reliable fallback option for me in the future."

"Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly around 4:00 p.m. brought me immense joy. I had my phone with me as I worked on my farm, preparing the land. A few minutes later, my son called and confirmed that it was indeed from GiveDirectly. Since I lived alone with my grandchildren, I couldn't immediately share the news with anyone, but I made sure to inform my grandsons later in the evening when I returned home."

"At approximately 2:00 pm, I received a message from the Mpesa service provider confirming the receipt of the first transfer. Reading the message made it evident, and I felt a sense of gratitude. However, since I was still in school, where I worked as a teacher at the time, I couldn't collect the money right away. Instead, I waited until the weekend when I had time off from my duties, and that's when I made a visit to the nearby shopping center."

"The expansion of my husband's clothing business proved to be a game-changer. The injection of capital allowed us to increase our stock, attracting a larger customer base and generating higher revenues. Our daily income soared from a mere $20 to a promising $100. One of our priorities was upgrading our kitchen utensils. We invested in good quality utensils that not only enhanced our cooking experience but also allowed us to cater to visitors with pride. Sharing a meal with loved ones became a delightful affair, as we served them with grace and sophistication. Furthermore, We had previously relied on manual labor to plow our fields, a time-consuming and physically demanding task. However, with the increased income, we now had the means to invest in a plowing machine. This not only saved us time and effort but also increased the productivity of our farming endeavors. Our fields were tilled with precision and speed, resulting in better yields and improved profits. As our income grew, we found ourselves in a position of greater financial security. The burden of living paycheck to paycheck was lifted, and we could envision a brighter future."

"The financial assistance I received without the burden of debt has provided me with a unique opportunity to allocate the funds according to my priorities. This flexibility has brought a sense of relief and empowerment, allowing me to make decisions that align with my long-term goals and aspirations. Moreover, this assistance has opened up avenues for personal and professional development. I have the means to invest in my own growth and unlock my full potential. The fact that this support comes without the burden of debt brings a sense of gratitude and responsibility. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, utilizing the funds wisely and making choices that align with my long-term goals."

"Recognizing the immediate need for sustenance, we allocated $100 towards purchasing food that would nourish our bodies and fill our bellies. In addition to addressing our nutritional requirements, we sought to invest in assets that would provide long-term benefits. With this in mind, we decided to allocate $900 towards acquiring two sheep. These animals not only represented a source of sustenance but also held the potential for future income generation through breeding and the sale of offspring. It was a step towards greater self-sufficiency and a means to secure a more stable financial future. Education remained a top priority for us, and we dedicated $10 towards school remedial programs. By investing in their education, we aimed to equip them with the tools they needed to thrive and succeed. Every decision we made was driven by a deep commitment to optimizing the use of the funds we had received. As we moved forward, we remained grateful for the assistance we had received. The GiveDirectly transfers had provided us with a lifeline, empowering us to make choices that would lead to a more secure and prosperous life. We embraced the responsibility that came with this opportunity, striving to maximize its impact and create a better future for ourselves and our children."

"The affordability of maize flour, despite its steep price, brought a sense of relief and comfort to our household. The staple food, which had become increasingly expensive, was no longer beyond our reach. Also, one of our primary concerns had been the burden of school fees debts. However, with the support of the GiveDirectly transfers, we were able to fully pay off these outstanding debts. The weight that had plagued us for so long was lifted, and a profound sense of liberation washed over us. The worry and stress that had accompanied the accumulated debts were replaced with a newfound freedom and peace of mind."

"Around 2 PM, our neighbor hurriedly came to our house, brimming with excitement. They asked if we had received the transfers from GiveDirectly. Without wasting a second, my wife and I immediately called our helper to confirm the news. We were thrilled beyond measure. The reason for our excitement was that we had borrowed a cow from a neighbor, and we needed to repay the debt as soon as possible. The loan had been pending for a long time, and it weighed heavily on our minds. Clearing this debt became our top priority. The cow had been a valuable asset, providing us with sustenance and the opportunity to generate income from its milk and offspring. However, we understood the importance of honoring our commitments and maintaining trust within our community. Repaying the debt was an essential step in upholding our integrity."