"After I received the money, my instant concern was making sure that I managed to scrap up a meal for my family especially considering that we barely had any meals. I work as a Mason and the wages I earn at times are not enough to cater for the needs that my family have and want. So that is when upon acquiring the funds I went ahead and bought a bag of maize flour that contained a dozen Packets for KES 1,500. I remained with a balance of KES 1,500 where I used KES 500 to buy beans, cabbage and potatoes and as for what was left I used KES 600 to purchase drinking water since our village experienced scarcity. I remained with KES 400 where I used KES 200 and bought a kilogram of sugar, bread and tea leaves meanwhile using the balance left to buy laundry detergent and body lotion."

"GiveDirectly do not take back from recipient what they give them. Not even a cup of water to drink. They empower their recipients to better their lives how they feel best. This is something that they do very well. Also, once you have qualify for this program, they always fulfill their promise by sending all of our transfers no matter where we are. It's so exciting how they do it. They'll find you any how. Interestingly I have not seen anything that GiveDirectly is not doing well. Therefore I can not say what they are not doing well. For me, they have been excellent."

"I am a traditional palm wine Brewer and this normally depends on the palm trees. Currently, with the droughts, they have dried out, and I'm left jobless. So, often you will find me at home. With no active source of income, getting food has been a struggle. When I got this transfer, I used the funds to purchase some food and water which has been quite a problem in the area due to the droughts. I also bought some palm tree leaves to renovate my house as the ones I have used in my house are rotten and I would love to replace them."

"The transfer has brought a very big difference into our lives as a family. This is because we had some amount that we had saved that we were planning to use in constructing the underground water tank but the transfer from GiveDirectly saved us from spending it on that project. We thus diverted the saved money to another project. We used it on building another house for our family to live in, though we are yet to complete building it."

"All I know GiveDirectly do is good. They talk to us politely and make us feel important, their transfers change our lives and make us important in the community. My only disappointment is that their staff don't even take water or food from us and I feel bad that I'm getting such help but can't repay the kindness in my little way. I like to show gratitude but every time I try, they reject my offers."

"Upon withdrawal of my first transfer, I bought iron sheets worth KES 10,000 which I used in expanding a two-roomed house. I am happy since my visitors have a place to stay whenever they come. I also bought two sheep for KES 8,000 this is additional to my livestock and can sell them whenever I have an emergency. I bought four chicken at KES 6,000 which will provide us with eggs for consumption and later when they multiply we can sell them to earn an income. With KES 12,000 I bought a water tank which I use to store water, especially during dry seasons hence saving me from walking distances in search of water. With the remaining amount, I bought food and clothing for my family members."

"Since my husband's death, my two sons (who sell fruits and water for a living) have always borne the burden of providing for the family. They are always supportive when it comes to sending money home to buy food and other household supplies. However, when I received my transfer, they were yet to provide cash, and the household was running low on food. So I put KES 1,500 towards buying enough food to last us until their next payday. I set aside the remaining KES 1,500. I intend to use it to purchase hens for rearing. As the flock grows, so do my chances of earning enough money to help meet our basic needs, such as food and education."

"I spent KES 35,000 to purchase a local dairy cow and a calf this is because I had desired to own livestock specifically dairy cows. This is a profitable venture considering that it is a semi-arid area. I will be able to sell milk to earn income that will help meet my financial needs. I also used KES 10,000 to repair my motorbike which had mechanical problems. It was helping me, especially in times when there is not enough water for the family and the animals. Moreover, I used KES 5000 to clear the debt at our neighbor food store where I had taken foodstuff on credit. I used the remaining amount to purchase clothes for every family member, they had few clothes to change."

"I have desired to boost my carpentry job by purchasing the required working tools, KES 5800 to purchase a pair of Chisels. This is because I had been borrowing the working tools from my neighbor's shop which sometimes is had to get when he is busy with them. This resulted in the loss of customers since I was not completing their orders on time. I also used KES 20,000 to purchase iron sheets which I intend to use it renovate my house by putting up a new roof since it is leaking during the rainy season. Furthermore, I contributed KES 5000 each with my brother to connect tap water for our homestead. Most of the time my wife had walk a long distance to look for water. In addition, we are planning to sell the water to our neighbors to earn extra income. Lastly, I set aside KES 6000 to support my kids' educational needs. They are still in primary they had a huge fee balance. With the remaining amount, I bought new school uniforms for each of my kids for KES 4750 Previously, they were using school uniforms that were old and worn out which was embarrassing."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have been able to accomplish my dreams in a short period. Building a decent house for my family is a lifetime achievement and a great milestone that I never thought that I would have accomplished in a short time due to financial constraints. Secondly, I was able to connect tap water to my home. I am grateful to the organization for putting smiles on our faces and for transforming our living standards to a higher level."