"Now that I have sorted out the housing problem, my goal for this year and beyond is to return to farming, as the floods had swept away my farm. I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to make this a reality. Getting back to farming will open doors for me to use the proceeds from the farm to start a business that will ensure a sustainable income for my family. The thought of achieving this fills me with hope and satisfaction, knowing that it will secure our future and help us recover fully from the effects of the floods."

"What stood out to me the most about GiveDirectly was their quick and effective emergency response when the floods devastated our community. Through their unconditional cash transfers, I was able to recover from the flood’s harsh impact and get back on my feet. The support I received helped me rebuild my business, restore my home, and even invest in livestock for long-term sustainability. Now, I am on the path to completely overcoming the effects of the floods, as I plan to buy a plot in a safer area to relocate my family. I truly appreciate how GiveDirectly stepped in during a time of crisis, providing immediate and meaningful assistance. With that in mind, I would like to recommend that GiveDirectly consider building houses for flood victims in the future. This would offer even greater security and help many families, like mine, recover faster and protect themselves from future disasters."

"I am hoping to finally complete building my house. It has been a long journey, and while I have made significant progress, there is still quite a bit left to do. The main thing I need to focus on now is buying more bricks. Without them, I will not be able to finish the walls, and that’s the next big step. To make this happen, I am planning to take out a loan. I am a businesswoman, where I sell cabbages and potatoes, which has been going well, but it’s just not enough to cover the cost of all the materials I need right now. I need a bit of a financial boost to get things moving faster. Luckily, I have a good relationship with my SACCO, where I’ve been saving for a long time. They’ve really come through for me in the past. I remember when my children were still in school, and I needed help paying for their fees—SACCO was there. So, I trust them, and I know they’ll help me again this time. Once I get the loan, I’ll be able to buy the bricks and finally see the house take shape. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and I feel like this is the year it’s all going to come together." (Occupation: Small business)

"With the help of the financial transfers, I was able to start a small business selling traditional fabric primarily worn by women in our community. This business has provided me with a reliable source of income to cater to my needs. However, in times of greater need, I still rely on my sons for support. They work as construction workers in Mombasa town but don't make enough money to fully take care of their personal needs and mine as well. I spent $36 from the transfers to purchase food, which ensured that my family had enough to eat. In addition, I saved $66 in a savings group we formed with 10 members. Each member contributes $22 every month, and the total amount is given to one member to fund any development project they wish to pursue. My goal is to purchase two bulls that will assist me with farming activities, and I am saving towards that goal. The financial support from the transfers is helping me move closer to achieving this goal, and I am very appreciative." (Occupation: Small business)

"As old age catches up with me, my health has deteriorated over the past few months. On the advice of my doctor, I had to stop my business selling tobacco and farming, which has been a big adjustment. Now, I rely on my sons, who work casual jobs, to support me. However, they don’t earn much, making it difficult for them to take care of their own families while also supporting me. Thankfully, the transfers from GiveDirectly have eased this burden, allowing me to take care of my needs without depending too much on my sons. I spent $24 to buy medication and pay off a hospital bill after falling ill, and I’m glad to say my health has improved since then. Additionally, I spent $34 to purchase food, ensuring that my family and I had enough to eat. With the remaining $44, I purchased two goats for $15 each and two hens for $14. Unfortunately, the hens died due to a mysterious disease, but I remain hopeful that the goats will multiply in the future, doubling my investment and giving me the opportunity to sell some for income later on. I am very happy and appreciative of the financial support from the transfers, which have helped me sustain myself during this challenging time."

"My goal in the coming year and beyond is to own a dairy cow. The economic benefits of owning one are enticing, and I am motivated to make this dream a reality. Although dairy cows are expensive, I have developed a plan to achieve this goal. With the transfers I receive, I will continue to purchase goats. Once my goats multiply, I will sell some and use the profits to buy the dairy cow. This process will take time, but I am confident that I will accomplish this goal in the end. I am incredibly happy and appreciative of the financial support from the transfers, which has transformed my livestock business and allowed me to aim for greater success." (Occupation: Small business)

"With my son about to complete his secondary education, I see an opportunity to expand my poultry-rearing venture next year. I plan to build a larger chicken coop and purchase more hens, which will increase the size of my flock and, in turn, boost my income from chicken sales. Since I won’t have the pressure of school fees, I can focus on growing the business and possibly purchasing other livestock, such as goats. This will further diversify my income and provide greater financial stability. I am very appreciative of the financial empowerment that the transfers have brought to my life, allowing me to support my family and improve our livelihood." (Occupation: Small business)

"Initially, I had plans of buying a new grilled door to provide better security for the house that I am currently living in, as the existing door is infested with termites and is not secure enough. Currently, I live in my daughter's house and have always wanted to have a space of my own. Therefore, after some deep reflection and discussions with my daughter, I decided to shift my focus from replacing the door to building a home of my own where I can enjoy my own space. To make this dream a reality, I have been saving a portion of my previous transfers in our local savings group, and I intend to save even more of my future transfers that I will be receiving from GiveDirectly. Once these savings mature, I plan to use part of the funds to build my own house and make my dream come true. Additionally, I aim to allocate another portion of the savings that would have matured to purchase livestock, hoping they will multiply, increasing in number and value, providing me with a reliable source of support, especially when this program comes to an end. I am genuinely excited about my plans for a new house and my livestock project, and I hope they will come to fruition. I am truly grateful for the support I have been receiving from GiveDirectly, and I remain hopeful for the better future ahead." (Occupation: Small business)

"I am a father of six children and I understand that their education is the key to a brighter future. Without a stable job or business to rely on, my primary focus is to invest in their schooling. This coming year, I plan to dedicate my resources, both from my future transfers from GiveDirectly and the little income I earn from my unpredictable hustles toward ensuring they have everything they need for their education. After facing health challenges that kept me from running a business, I'm now on the road to recovery and eager to start afresh. I aim to use part of my transfers to launch a livestock-selling business, where I will be buying livestock from local villages and selling them at the market for profit. This venture will not only help me to support my family but also provide an additional income stream as I work toward bettering our lives. I am hopeful that all of these plans will come to fruition, and I am deeply grateful for the support that GiveDirectly has provided us." (Occupation: Small business)

"I take great pride in having launched my vegetable business with the support of my previous transfers from GiveDirectly. For this coming year and beyond my intention is to expand my business and introduce a diverse range of products that will attract more clients and boost my revenue. To turn this vision into reality, I plan to invest a portion of my future transfers back into my business, fueling its growth and potential. I also have dreams of building a herd of livestock, particularly goats and chicken. To achieve this, I intend to use part of my future transfers to purchase more goats and chicken, with the hope that they will multiply and provide me with a reliable source of support when needed. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that GiveDirectly has provided me. Their assistance has not only helped me start my business but has also inspired me to envision a brighter future filled with possibilities." (Occupation: Small business)