"It was around 3pm while coming back from my veterinary work in the village, when I heard an SMS notification on my phone. On checking, it was KES55000 from GiveDirectly and I was very happy because I knew my dreams of owning a motorcycle had come true."

"This January one of the farmers wanted help on transporting his livestock from Kaloleni to Ikanga. I was so excited when he called to ask if I would assist him on the same and that he would pay 1000 KES for the day. I quickly rushed to board a motorcycle to Kaloleni since I could not remember the last time someone paid me 1000 KES at once."

"Unemployment has made my life miserable. I used to work in Mombasa as a waiter in a hotel. I undoubtedly felt the impact of Covid 19 because I lost the job. I had to come back home. I tried my luck as a motorcycle taxi driver but it was a struggle due to fewer passengers in the community. I was approximately making 200 KES a day. The situation worsened when the owner repossessed the motorcycle due to the low income. Since then, I have been struggling to find any form of employment."

"With the harsh economic times facing the motorcycle taxi industry, being self-employed is my compelling ambition. I have been working as a motorcycle taxi driver for 5 years now. Over the last 2 years, I have been struggling to keep up with this occupation. The motorcycle is not mine, which means I have to remit an amount ( 400 KES ) to the owner by the end of the day. It even became worse when the fuel prices were increased. Just picture working for a whole day and you only manage to get the 400 KES for the motorcycle owner. It becomes stressful when your parents expect you to come home with even a packet of maize flour, only to show up with nothing. I am planning to use the transfers to invest in poultry production. I currently have 5 birds, I will then buy another 15 to make it 20. This will cost me 4,500 KES. With so many hotels in Mariakani, the market for my chicken will not be a problem. A fully grown bird will be retailing at 800 KES. Supporting my parents with food will no longer be a bother."

"Givedirectly has provided me the opportunity to accomplish my goal my dream has been to build my own house. and start a business. I couldn't do thi due to lack of money. Upon receiving the transfer, I was able to purchase two bundles of zinc and start my business." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I was overwhelmed when my transfer hit my account. I felt that my dream has come to pass." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Buying milk has been my routine and as a way of cutting down my daily expenses, I decided to buy a heifer worth KES 18000. I will not only be able to save the money that I would otherwise use in buying milk when it reproduces but I will also earn some money through the sale of surplus. I have a retail shop in our neighborhood and my sister usually helps me in selling it while I go to work since I work as a marketing officer in Imarisha Sacco. The business had started going down since I did not have most of the items that people needed and customers had started going to a place where they would get most of the items they need. With the transfer, I was able to spend KES 30000 to restock it and I am glad that it has started picking up again. Using the remaining KES 15000, I spent it to service the motorcycle that I usually use when going to work and also bought some foodstuffs."

"I am a motorcycle operator and while on my usual duty at around 6:00 pm I heard a beep on my phone. I slowed down as read the message but stayed calm because I did not want the passenger to notice that I had received some money. I dropped him off and hurried home to share the news with my parents. We felt so happy and appreciated Give Directly." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a motorcycle. This was always my wish but I didn't had the money to buy it. I bought a second hand motorcycle at the cost of KES 30,000 from a friend. I run a grocery store at the shopping center. Transporting my stock to the market was so costly. I could spent almost half of the profits. My spouse too does a some business and we agreed to simplify and cutting the cost of transport. Currently we own a motorcycle, this has ease our work. I save time and I'm able to meet the demand of my customers on time. I am able to save some money that I could have used for transport and invest on other activities at home. My stock reach at the market fresh and clean. My spouse is so happy too because he is in a position to run his errands without any struggles like before. We hope to build a better life because we have simplified our transport means and able to generate some income daily."

"Currently my main challenge is staying together with my family. My casual job of being a security person does not give me humble time with my family. I usually spend the entire night outside home, and take time to sleep during the day. I would have wished that I start a different job that is flexible and can allow me to me to be with my family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)