n the future, I aspire to acquire a car, a goal impeded by the limited income I currently earn from my business. I aim to use the car for my entrepreneurial endeavors. To realize this aspiration, I plan to save money in the bank from the income generated by my current job. I firmly believe that obtaining a car would serve as a crucial investment, enabling me to conduct business in remote or inaccessible locations. This, in turn, would contribute to increased earnings and ultimately lead to an enhanced quality of life.

I am deeply thankful to GiveDirectly for the support provided through the cash transfer. This assistance has allowed me own a motorbike that is really helping me perform my duties as a sale agent in any place that I might be sent with no fear of transport issues. I am thrilled and genuinely excited about this opportunity, and I find your services commendable. I believe that the quality of your service is excellent, and I feel nothing should be changed.

As a solar agent primarily compensated through commissions, I serve as the financial provider for my wife and younger siblings who are still attending school. In a favorable month, my earnings amount to $240. However, a significant portion, $80, is allocated to transportation costs as I often sell solar lamps and panels in locations distant from my residence. Consequently, I am left with only $160, which proves insufficient to sustain my family for an entire month. Fortunately, GiveDirectly played a focal role in realizing my aspiration of owning a motorcycle. Upon receiving the second transfer, I utilized $530 from the funds, along with some cash I had saved from the initial transfer, to acquire my own red motorbike. I believe this investment will enable me to save a considerable portion of my business income, alleviating the financial strain on my family. I am pleased to no longer bear the burden of covering transportation expenses for my family, allowing me to redirect the saved funds towards addressing other essential needs within the household.

One sunny afternoon, after a day of relentless hustling, I found a moment to catch my breath and relax. As I lounged, a message notification chimed on my phone, and to my surprise, it was an Mpesa message notifying me of an unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A rush of emotions swept over me—gratitude, disbelief, and a profound sense of relief. I realized that this unexpected financial boost meant more than just money; it was the key to starting my own charcoal-selling business in town. The prospect of a new venture not only promised economic stability but also offered me a chance to rest and rejuvenate, breaking the cycle of relentless toil. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement for the future, as the unconditional cash transfer opened a door to a brighter and more sustainable path ahead.

The most profound change in my life, courtesy of the unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, revolves around the stability brought by my flourishing charcoal business. In the not-so-distant past, I found myself in the precarious position of relying on sporadic, temporary jobs for survival. This struggle was exacerbated by the fact that my wife was expectant, rendering even the acquisition of our daily bread a formidable challenge on certain days. However, with the financial boost from GiveDirectly, I transitioned into the world of charcoal business, and the impact has been transformative. The steady income from this venture not only ensures our daily sustenance but also provides a sense of security for the future, particularly with the imminent arrival of our child. I now find solace and joy in knowing that I can generate a daily profit of around 8000, allowing us not only to meet our immediate needs but also to save and plan for the well-being and education of our future children. It's not just about the money; it's about the newfound ability to plan, dream, and look forward to a future that was once uncertain and fraught with challenges. I am now a content and optimistic soul, grateful for the positive turn that these cash transfers have brought to my life.

Receiving my first unconditional cash transfer marked a turning point in my life. Instead of continuing to rely on temporary jobs for survival, I decided to invest in a venture that would offer long-term stability for my growing family. I used around $250 to kickstart a charcoal-selling business in the neighboring town. The initial days were challenging, navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship, but as the business gained momentum, I found a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. This venture not only provides for my wife and me but also positions me as the breadwinner for our young family, which we recently started. The joy of expecting our first child added a layer of excitement and responsibility to our lives. I later allocated $50 to buy food, especially considering the well-being of my expectant wife. Ensuring her strength and health during this crucial time has become a top priority. With the remaining funds, I am strategically planning to invest in a motorcycle. This addition to our assets will not only serve as a personal mode of transportation but also open up opportunities for additional income. I harbor dreams of saving for the education of our upcoming children, an aspiration I was unable to fulfill for myself due to a lack of access to quality education. This new chapter in my life, fueled by the unconditional cash transfer, is not just about immediate gains but lays the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for my growing family.