I plan to expand my egg-selling business. Currently, I buy only one crate, which gives me a $5 profit, and I finish selling it every day even though I start at midday. To increase my income, I plan to buy three crates a day. Although I struggle with using a bucket to hawk my boiled eggs, I plan to buy a trolley. Using a bucket is inconvenient because the eggs get cold and it is not presentable. A trolley will help me keep the eggs warm and look more professional. I plan to use my current savings from the business to invest in this improvement.

GiveDirectly's mode of operation is effective. The questions they ask, from enrollment to follow-up, are straightforward and easy to understand. Giving unconditional cash transfers recognizes the diversity of people's needs. GiveDirectly officers are respectful and treated us without discrimination; they were fair to everyone. This approach is good, and I don't recommend any changes or improvements to it. Keep up the excellent work.

Surviving with casual jobs has been tough for my husband and me, especially since he is a motorcycle rider and his income is unreliable. We also take care of my mom, who fractured her leg and cannot move, so all her needs fall on us. Three months ago, I started selling boiled eggs to provide an additional income source, although the profits are minimal. After receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I decided to venture into crop farming, specifically seed maize, under Kenya Seed Company. Our motivation came from other farmers and the availability of a ready market. I rented an acre of land for $50, spent $80 on land preparations, and used my savings for planting. My crops are almost ready for harvest, and I expect to get about 15 bags. Our sleeping has been uncomfortable due to our small bed and old mattress, so I bought a new bed and mattress for $94. We gave the old ones to my mom, who had been sleeping on rags. To ensure she has light, we gave her our solar lamp and bought another for $35 for ourselves. Using a normal button phone has been challenging, so I bought a smartphone with a $50 deposit and paid the rest in $1 daily installments. This helps me stay updated on social media, as I don’t have a TV and often rely on others for information. To avoid boredom while at home alone, I bought a woofer for $38. I also bought second-hand clothes for us and my sister’s children, costing around $40. The remainder I spent on food items. Thank you, GiveDirectly.

My husband was using my phone at his workplace that evening. I had also gone to work on other people's farms for a living. When I was done with the job and feeling exhausted, I went back home. On meeting him, he couldn't hide his joy as we exchanged greetings. When I asked him what was making him happy, he showed me the message indicating that the first transfer had been sent. I felt happy to receive the transfer at such a moment when getting food was a challenge for us.

I used to go without food for days because I couldn't afford to buy enough foodstuffs. I work on other people's farms as a casual labourer, but the work is sometimes unreliable. My husband provides taxi services with his motorcycle, but it's also not enough to support our family. Since receiving financial assistance, we no longer have to worry about food shortages. We were able to buy enough food to last us for several weeks. Now, I can save some of the money I earn from my farm work for the future. We also didn't have any livestock, but now we have two sheep and two chickens, which we hope will multiply and provide extra income.

Our area is ideal for keeping livestock, and not having any animals of my own left me feeling unsettled. I've always seen owning livestock as a way to build wealth, especially since I mainly earn a living as a casual laborer on other people's farms. When I received my first payment, I spent $106 on two sheep and two chickens, which I am now raising. I see them as valuable assets that I can sell for money in case of financial needs because they can multiply. I also needed some nice seating for my home, so I bought two plastic chairs for $6, which has made a big difference in my household. Now, my family and visitors have comfortable chairs. I bought food and new clothes for my family with the remaining money. Despite my financial challenges, I am grateful that my family has enough food to eat. We are now able to have three meals a day without much difficulty. If I had to rely solely on my income to provide for my family, we would likely be skipping meals. I am thankful that the payment has lifted this burden, and even if I fail to find work, my family will not go hungry.