"I lost my job after the outbreak of Covid-19 and because of this, I had not been able to have some investments since the money I usually earn from doing some casual jobs around the village was not even enough to meet our basic needs. When I received my transfer, we decided as a family to buy a dairy cow and three goats worth KES 24000 and KES 15000 respectively. We will be using the money from milk sales to pay school fees for my children. Since the goats increase in number faster as they have a short gestation period, I will be selling one when faced with a financial crisis. Using the remaining amount, I used KES 8000 to buy one sack of maize for our consumption, some decent clothes for my children and saved KES 7000 in our merry-go-round group."

"I have three children who school in our neighboring secondary schools and I depend on dairy farming and doing some menial jobs in the neighborhood. Because of this, I was given a tender in one of the schools where I supply milk to them, and in turn, they deduct my daughter's school fees from the amount I am supposed to be paid until all her school fees as been cleared. Upon receiving my transfer, I spent KES 31000 to buy a dairy cow, KES 17000 to pay school fees for my daughter who was joining college and used the remaining amount to buy her a smartphone after topping up some amount. I decided to buy this dairy cow so that I would increase the amount of milk that I will be supplying to the school so that I can clear my daughter's school fees on time."

"There are many changes we are facing now, like feeding our home, playing school fees and buying uniforms for my children."

"I invested KES 34,700 to boost my husband's shop business by purchasing more stock. This is because he was running the shop with fewer stocks and some customers would walk to other shops. In some instances, he would take stock from the suppliers on loan where he is required to pay back the cost goods with a profit. Currently, his sales have increased from KES 8,000 to KES 12,000 per day. In addition, I spent KES 20,000 to start goats rearing by purchasing 4 goats. I had desired to start livestock rearing like others in the village so that I was have something to depend on whenever I encounter any financial challenge but I lack the capital to initiate it. This is a long-term investment for the children when they start going to school I will be able to sell them to pay for their school fees."

"My shop business closed down after I used all my savings to pay school fees for my children. For the past five years, I have always wanted to revive it but lack of capital is a challenge. As a motorcycle taxi operator, I cannot provide for a family of fifteen and save at the same time. These transfers will see me reopen my retail shop in the village. Running it will generate a stable source of income for my family."

"I recently joined college to pursue a welding course with the hope of getting employment after completion. However, my biggest worry was around school fees because I have four siblings who are still schooling. With my parent's earnings, I had already figured a scenario whereby I'll be out of school more frequently than I can imagine. These transfers are a perfect match for my college fees because it requires 3000 KES every month, to undertake the one-year course. Receiving this money means a smooth college life for me."

"Receiving the message notification from GiveDirectly hit me when I least expected. I was running my daily chores at around 10 am when my helper came in asking whether I had received anything from GiveDirecly. At that moment, I had no idea since I had not been able to read any message on my phone due to my advanced age and illiteracy. I had to pass my phone to him, and indeed I had received KES 55000. I was so excited and thanked God so much for the support from GiveDirectly as the thought of finally initiating my projects was here with me. I had plans to obtain an additional cow, pay school fees for my grandchildren, and also add some foodstuff to my food baskets. It was a great feeling, and I am still thankful that GiveDirectly is still following up on us even after giving us the support."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I completed to pay school fees for my daughter who is now in form four at Jila Secondary. Before receiving the cash I had a debt of KES 40,000.00 which had accumulated over her schooling period. Initially I used to pay the school fees as well as sustain my family’s basic needs from my small business of selling liquor but due to sickness I had to leave the business. Being jobless, Give Directly has sustained my family as far as food is concerned. The amount that remained after clearing the fee balance I decided to use it food. We are so grateful for the support because Give Directly has enabled me to have a peace of mind in terms of my daughter’s education and basic needs for the family."

"Having a reliable source of income has always been my dream in life. This is because I am a housewife and I feel it is my responsibility to assist my husband in bring up our family of 6 members. I had the desire to start livestock rearing to support him. I spent KES 28,000 to purchase a local dairy cow together with its calf. At the moment, I have a steady milk supply for my family. Also, this is a future investment that will help me in educating the children. I also used KES 2000 to complete the payment of term one school fees for my children. The remaining amount assisted me in constructing a decent separate house for my two boys because I had been sleeping under the same roof where I missed the privacy with my spouse."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am living a happy life. Currently, I am able to meet the needs of my family without much sweating. The motorbike business I started with the help the transfer a daily income that helps me to feed and educate my children. Previously, my children were always sent home due to school fees because I lacked a reliable source of income to support their educational needs."