"To provide for our four children, my husband takes on casual tasks in house construction and I make charcoal for money. Given the scarcity of trees and the physical demands of charcoal burning, the most I can raise in a month is $15, which is hardly enough for food. What my spouse makes can neither take us through the month, without running out of household supplies, majorly food. Most of the cash I received in the recent three transfers went towards food to alleviate the problem in the household and livestock. I spent $32 on maize flour; at least we have never run out of food again. I used $32 to buy a goat and saved $14 that I plan to buy three chickens. My goal is to rear these animals, let them breed, and increase the herd so that I can raise money for my children's school fees in the future. Also, to support their education, I saved $14 through a merry-go-round club in my community. If all goes well, I wish to be saving the same monthly amount with future transfers. Lastly, since the school opened today, I paid their fees for the ongoing academic term in advance and as a precaution against having them sent home. I am relieved that they will study without interruption throughout the term."

"I would like to stop the charcoal production business because it has always made me sick, I get chest pain due to the smoke. I would like to replace it with rearing chicken for commercial purposes. My neighbor does the business and it gives her profits."

"In the coming year, I hope to expand my poultry farming by purchasing additional layers. At the moment, I own 20 chickens which are producing 10 to 15 eggs every day earning me an income of $2 per day. I intend to increase the number of chickens to 50. Once I accomplish this wish, I will be able to earn more income from the sale of eggs that would comfortably cater for the family's needs like food without much struggle."

"I am grateful to GiveDirectly for sending the transfer because, besides the transfer helping me to take care of my basic needs like daily food, I am owning livestock which includes 2 goats and chickens. I'm planning to join a college to learn some driving skills later this year and I am expecting to sell this livestock to raise the fees I need. I am also planning to save Ksh. 1000 in our local merry-go-round so as to raise the required tuition of Ksh. 10000. I believe I will be able to secure employment once I become a qualified driver because currently I am surviving on casual jobs and looking after animals."

"I intend to start a project of rearing chicken both layers and broiler. With this, I will be able to sell them and settle the most pressing need in the family as a supplement to the other income-generating jobs that my wife and I undertake."

"I am a father of eight children (four girls and four boys) all of whom are still in school. Paying their school fees has been an uphill task since I do not have a stable job, same to my wife. They have been sent home a couple of times and this breaks my heart to see their studies being cut short often. Also, the situation at home is terrible since we had been living in a very small house together with my children. I had been sleeping out in the cold so as to allow my wife and kids to have room for themselves. Upon receiving the second transfer, my first priority was to build a two-roomed house that would accommodate us all. I bought all the building materials and got a mason to do the work. The total cost was $300 and I was glad to see the project complete. I replaced the ripped mattress and bed with new ones costing $70. I also managed to do some minor repairs to the latrine which was almost falling down, for this, I spend $30. I bought eight chickens for each of my children so that they could rear them at home and maybe sell them if need be to cater to a basic need at home. With the remaining money, I bought school uniforms for my children and foodstuff for the family."

"I am currently operating a food kiosk in my village which has been my only source of livelihood. I have been able to restock it every month I receive a transfer which has greatly improved my profits. I am able to effectively take care of my family's basic needs like buying food daily through this business. My dream is to expand this business to a bigger one that can serve a bigger clientele. I will be able to save more as profits increase. I am also planning to buy goats and chickens to add to my livestock. I currently have three goats in my compound, and I am hoping to add more through the money. My expectation is to have as assets that I can readily rely on in case of a financial need such as boosting my food kiosk business."

"During Christmas, my husband normally buys new clothes for our three children to celebrate. However, last Christmas, his savings were only enough to acquire new attire for one child. Gladly, the transfer’s timing was ideal, as it presented a chance for the other two to get new apparel as well. Besides enjoying a healthy festive meal, wearing new clothes makes the festivities merrier. My two daughters were so happy when I bought them dresses worth $20. After that, I used $10 to buy maize flour because the household had run out of food the previous two days, which forced us to take a meal per day. Lastly, I spent the remainder on two chickens. I plan to keep rearing them, let them breed, and grow the flock, as I could sell them in the future to generate quick funds for my needs. "

"My three children and I solely rely on my husband, a casual worker at a tent production company, for provision. He makes at most $60 bi-weekly, which cannot cover anything beyond the basics, such as food. This is is due to the high cost of living. By the time I received the cash transfer, Christmas was first approaching and his employer had delayed paying him. I deducted $22 from the transfer to shop for food ahead of the celebrations. Thanks to the transfers, my family enjoyed a change of diet on Christmas. Finally, I spent the remaining amount on four chickens, which increased my flock to ten. I aim to trade some of the chickens, when they mature, for a goat. Having a herd with a blend of livestock would grant me more financial security during needy times. "

"Once I get this money I will be able to put up farm of chickens worthy $543 and also be able to acquire the necessary feeds, feeders the chicken. Then I have always desired to have my own goats. So this an opportunity for me to purchase 23 worthy $54.39. And I believe this will bring about great improvement in my life and family."