"We have a family boat providing transport services in Lake Baringo. This is our main source of family income, it is unfortunate that for the last one year the business has been performing poorly. I am planning to shift to commercial fishing. When I receive my transfers from GiveDirectly, I will use $150 to buy quality fishing nets and tap more income from fishing. I am that with these transfers from GiveDirectly, I see my dream of livestock farming coming true. I plan to set aside $150 to purchase ten goats. Additionally, I am planning to spend $230 of my transfers to pay school fees for my grandson Luis Kemboi who is studying in Moi Kabartonjo secondary school."

"I am currently building a new house for my family, as our current one is so damaged that we have to prop it up with logs just to stay sheltered. Using my previous transfers, I have gradually purchased building materials to make this dream a reality. With my most recent transfers from GiveDirectly, I spent $60 on iron sheets, aiming to complete this house and provide my family with a safe space. I also have three children in school, so I used another $19 of my transfers for their school fees, ensuring they would not be sent home for unpaid fees. I spent the remaining $23 of the transfers toward food for my family, as we are facing hunger and need to keep food on the table. I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for helping me build a secure home for my family, as I do not know what I would have done without this support. I am happy and truly thankful for all the assistance that GiveDirectly is giving me and my family."

"I was involved in a tragic road accident 3 years ago and I was hospitalized for 4 months. My construction work stalled because I am unable to fend for my family as I used to. I, therefore, intent to pay college fees for daughter who is expected to join next year using the transfer. This will lessen my burden of raising school fees and I am glad I will fulfill my daughter's dream."

"GiveDirectly support enabled me to enroll at Mnazi Mwenga Secondary School, a long-held dream of mine. The school fees are manageable, and the teachers are exceptionally understanding. I discussed my situation with our school bazaar and informed him that I would be paying in installments. He agreed, which has allowed me to continue my education. Although life has been challenging at times and I’ve felt hopeless, GiveDirectly has restored my optimism. My aim in the coming year and beyond is to complete my studies and become the first person in my family to finish Secondary school. I pray to God for the chance to advance to college, graduate, secure a good job, and improve my family's living conditions, while also dreaming of building a spacious house for us all, despite currently living in a two small roomed house with my eight siblings."

"In the upcoming year, I initially planned to buy a motorbike. However, I've encountered some difficulties saving enough money, especially since I need to pay my school fees as a third-form secondary school student. So, I’ve decided to shift my focus. Instead, I’m looking into starting a grocery business and will hire someone at a small fee to manage it while I’m at school. I believe that the earnings from this venture will eventually help me purchase that motorbike in the future. Since I’m still studying and almost finished with my secondary education, having someone oversee the business seems like the wisest choice for now. I’m truly grateful to GiveDirectly for the financial support, which has made it easier for me to attend school and pursue my future plans."

"When I received my third transfer, I decided to invest it in farming by planting beans. I chose beans because they require less water, making them a practical option for my situation. Farming has always been my passion, and I know it will help me immediately by providing food for my family. Furthermore, I can sell some of the produce to generate income, which will allow me to pay for my children's school fees. This plan not only ensures we have enough food at home but also supports my children's education. I truly believe that focusing on farming will create a better future for us all."

"The moment I received the cash transfer, I felt a wave of hope wash over me. My previous toilet had been destroyed by floods, leaving my family without a proper place to go, and I knew I needed to act quickly. So, I used $250 to construct a pit latrine. It was not just about having a toilet; it was also for the dignity of my family and the comfort of our visitors. I could finally welcome guests without feeling embarrassed about our situation. Furthermore, I managed to pay $50 for my children's school fees with the help of my husband, who is a police officer. Education is crucial for our children’s future, and this payment lifted a significant weight off my shoulders. I also spent $60 on a new mattress, as the old one was in terrible condition. Sleeping without proper support had taken a toll on my health and well-being, and now I could finally rest comfortably at night.Lastly, I allocated $90 to buy food. Before the transfer, we relied solely on farming, but the floods had submerged our maize, causing us great losses. Life was difficult, and we often struggled to make ends meet. Now, with this support, I could provide my family with proper meals and focus on rebuilding our lives. This cash transfer has truly transformed our situation, giving us the security and stability we desperately needed."

"When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a lifeline for my family. I immediately used $125 to pay the house rent for my child who is in university. The landlord was about to close the room due to unpaid rent, which had been giving me sleepless nights. As a parent of 13 children, managing our finances is challenging, especially since my wife and I only work in farming and burn charcoal to provide for them. It was a relief to secure my child's living situation and ensure they had a safe place to stay while studying. Furthermore, I spent $10 on medicine for my seven-year-old child who has leukemia. Watching my child suffer has been heartbreaking, and the medical expenses were adding up. This small amount helped me purchase essential medicine, easing my worries about his health. I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I could provide him with the care he needs, even if just for a little while. With the remaining money, I focused on buying food for our family. We had been struggling to eat, relying solely on our farming efforts, which had not been fruitful lately. I had to sell some of our livestock to cover school fees, leaving us with little to eat. Now, with this cash transfer, I could finally fill our pantry and provide proper meals for my children. This support has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders and brought some hope back into our lives."

"The moment I received the money was unforgettable. It was around 5 AM, and I was lying in bed, relaxing with my phone in hand. Suddenly, a message popped up, confirming that I had received the cash transfer. I felt a surge of excitement and quickly jumped out of bed to get dressed. Eager to share my joy, I went to my neighbor's house to see if she had received her money too. When she said yes, we both celebrated together, filled with happiness. As I walked back home, I started thinking about how to send some of that money for my children's school fees. Later that day, when my daughter was sent home for fees, I felt so relieved knowing I could send her back to school with all the money she needed."

"Purchasing sheep has been an important step for me, as I used $120 to buy two. With young children who need a solid education, I see these sheep as a stable future investments once they multiply, I can sell some to cover school fees and other expenses. Owning livestock gives me peace of mind, knowing that I have a resource to rely on for my children's future. Furthermore, I made a $100 down payment to buy a plot of land. This decision came after facing the stress of living on borrowed land, where the owners were pushing me to leave. Securing my own land will finally give us stability and remove the constant worry of being forced to relocate.In addition, I spent $30 to buy a mattress for my children. Though they already had a bed, they were lying directly on wooden planks covered only with sacks, so getting a proper mattress was essential for their comfort. I also used $30 to buy clothes for my family, as we had very few and couldn’t afford new ones with the little I earned from casual jobs. Being able to provide basic needs like clothing has lifted my spirits and helped me feel more secure in caring for my children. Finally, the remaining money went toward purchasing food for my family, as we had none at home. The timing was perfect, as the cash transfer arrived when I had a newborn who needs my attention, making it difficult to go out in search of casual work. With three children to care for and having separated from my husband one year ago, working alone is challenging. Now, my family and I enjoy having plenty of food at home, and I am truly grateful for this support. It has made a huge difference in our lives and has allowed me to focus on building a better future for my children."