"I now own six goats and cleared fees for my children on time, which so far has made the biggest difference in my daily life. Before I received the support, I struggled to pay for my two children's college tuition fees. Before they joined college, I relied on menial jobs, such as working in construction, to make a living. Although my brothers helped with the tuition fees, their support was minimal since they also had their own families to support. Currently, I no longer engage in menial jobs and I am only doing subsistence farming in the village. I am at peace now because I managed to clear my children's fee arrears with the recent transfers and they are now comfortably continuing with their college education. My goal as a parent is to ensure that they achieve their educational goals without any interruptions in fees. I am also glad that I was able to purchase six goats, which I could not afford before. Previously, I had some goats, but when it was time to take my children to school, I sold them all to raise their fees. Now, I am keeping these goats and letting them multiply so that in the near future, I can sell them to meet my financial needs."

"In the upcoming months, my main focus is on expanding my livelihood through a simple yet strategic plan. I aim to purchase goats, knowing that their numbers will multiply over time. Once they increase, I'll be able to exchange some of them for a pair of oxen, a valuable asset for farm work. With oxen, I can significantly enhance my farming activities, making them more efficient and productive. Moreover, I plan to utilize these oxen not only for my own farming needs but also to offer them for hire to friends and neighbors, generating an additional stream of income for me and my family. This step forward represents more than just a transaction; it's a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of my livelihood. With careful planning and hard work, I'm confident that this venture will pave the way for a brighter future for myself and those around me."

"In the years ahead, after my son graduates from college, my plan is to become a goat owner. Having goats will be a crucial step for me to sustain prosperity even after the GiveDirectly program concludes. It's about securing a future where I'm not solely dependent on external aid. With a herd of goats, I'll have a reliable source of income and sustenance. No longer will I worry about how to provide for my family when I have a flock of goats to rely on. It's a simple yet powerful idea: investing in something tangible that can offer security and stability for years to come. So, as I look forward, my focus is on building this foundation, ensuring that my family's well-being is safeguarded long into the future."

"In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to expand my livestock farming. I plan to grow my herd of goats and eventually exchange them for a cow. With one cow being equivalent to eight goats, I aim to carefully manage my herd so that when the time comes for exchange, I'll still have a substantial number of goats for reproduction. This strategy not only increases the value of my livestock but also ensures a sustainable source of income. The high market value of goats will facilitate the smooth funding of my children's education through secondary school without putting excessive strain on our resources. By strategically investing in livestock, I aim to secure a brighter future for my family, where education is not just a dream but a reachable goal."

"My house is in dire need of repair, with mud walls exhibiting extensive cracks and erosion, allowing cold air to seep in at night. Additionally, the aging iron sheet roofing is riddled with holes, leading to rainwater leakage. To address these issues, I invested $25 in purchasing a new iron sheet and building poles, laying the groundwork for the construction of a safer dwelling. Enhancing my personal comfort, I acquired a wooden bed for $35, replacing the uncomfortable sisal twine bed. This upgrade has significantly improved my quality of sleep. In anticipation of future financial security, I acquired a young goat for $19, recognizing its potential for multiplying my initial investment through breeding. Amidst personal expenses, I allocated $8 towards my grandson's medical treatment and $6 for family sustenance. Reflecting on my financial journey, I've gained valuable insights into the importance of savings and prudent investment. As a peasant farmer heavily reliant on livestock sales for income, this newfound financial literacy will undoubtedly prove beneficial in the years to come."

"It's been challenging for my family of six since my husband, the primary earner as a palm wine tapper, has faced declining income due to the drought's impact on palm tree productivity. However, with the financial support from the transfers, I seized the opportunity to start a small fish-selling business. Despite its modest returns, it has been instrumental in meeting our family's essential needs, particularly in paying school fees and buying food. Allocating $54 towards school fees ensured that all four of my children, two in secondary and two in primary school, could continue their education without interruption. Additionally, I invested $25 in purchasing a goat, recognizing its potential as a valuable asset due to its reproductive capacity. Finally, I allocated $23 to purchase maize flour to sustain our family's food supply. I'm immensely grateful for the financial assistance from the transfers, as it has profoundly impacted our family's well-being. With my children's education uninterrupted and our essential needs met, I feel empowered to navigate the challenges we face more effectively."

"Given the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease, I've decided to temporarily halt my plans to purchase more hens until it's safe to do so. However, I remain committed to investing further in poultry farming, as I've witnessed the substantial returns it offers, which can greatly contribute to my financial stability. Additionally, I aim to diversify my investments by acquiring livestock such as goats, recognizing them as a strategic investment for the future. I am profoundly grateful for the financial support from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly transformed my life for the better, providing me with opportunities to pursue sustainable income-generating ventures."

"Before receiving support from GiveDirectly, my family of five depended on casual jobs and my husband's income as a security guard. We had been previously displaced, which left us without a home. With the first transfer, I bought goats and food. The second transfer allowed me to make a down payment on an acre of land for $400, with $600 remaining. Upon receiving the final transfer, I used $400 to reduce this debt to $200 outstanding and built a temporary grass-thatched house, which brought us relief and joy. Previously, we didn’t own any land or a house and faced frequent eviction threats due to unpaid rent. Now, despite owning a plot and having a house, recent rains have displaced us again. My husband had to quit his job, and we are currently living in a nearby school. Additionally, using the remaining $50 from the transfer, I bought a mattress and a bed, though these items had to be left behind in our flooded house."

"Receiving $450 from GiveDirectly filled me with happiness and excitement. With that money, I decided to make some smart investments for my family's future. I spent $300 to purchase six goats. My plan is for them to multiply and become a thriving herd. Taking care of them is a joy, knowing that they'll provide security for my family. If any unexpected expenses arise, I can sell one of the goats to cover them. This gives me peace of mind, especially when it comes to paying for my three kids' school fees. Allocating $100 to farm 1.5 acres of land was another wise decision. Despite recent floods, I didn't lose any of the maize I planted. In the past, financial constraints limited me to farming just one acre. Now, I'm hopeful for a bountiful harvest of over 40 bags of maize. My plan is to open a store and sell the maize, using the profits to expand my business further. With the success of my goat and maize ventures, I aim to purchase land in safer areas, away from the flood risks near Lake Baringo. My ultimate goal is to provide a peaceful and secure life for my family, free from worries about floods or finances."