"For the longest time, providing enough food for my family of seven has been a constant struggle. My work as a casual laborer, earning around $2 a day, was never stable. There were times when my children would go to bed on empty stomachs, and that was a deeply distressing experience for me. When I received the recent unconditional cash transfer, I knew exactly where it needed to go. I spent $260 on buying sufficient food supplies. Finally, our household had enough to ensure we could have at least two meals a day. Witnessing my family look healthier and more satisfied now fills me with immense relief and joy. Apart from addressing our food shortage, I invested $96 in buying two mattresses and bedsheets for my children and myself. Sleeping on the floor with mats had become a painful nightly routine, causing discomfort and aching backs. The new bedding has brought newfound comfort to our sleep, and waking up without soreness has been a blessing. Moreover, I allocated $50 to purchase a new door for our home. Security was a concern, and having a sturdy door has brought me peace of mind, knowing that our belongings are safer and more protected. Lastly, settling a $40 debt for my brother has lifted a significant weight off my shoulders, granting me the tranquility I desperately needed. Now, I can finally breathe easy, knowing I've addressed some pressing needs for my family's well-being and security." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Initially, the state of our home caused immense stress in my life. A small, cramped space barely accommodated our family of seven, forcing some of my children to seek shelter in the kitchen, which was nothing more than a temporary structure. During the rainy season, our situation was dire; the dilapidated roof of our small house leaked profusely, leaving us all exposed to the elements until the rain subsided. Desperate for change, I utilized $343 from the recent unconditional cash transfer to purchase building materials to put up a more spacious house. The relief I felt once the construction was complete and we no longer had to worry about being exposed to the rain was immeasurable. Finally, my family could live in a safer, more comfortable environment. Also, I spent $30 to buy goats. This strategic move isn't just about present well-being but also an investment in the future, especially concerning the education of my children. Furthermore, I used part of the funds to purchase a plastic chair, a seemingly simple item but a luxury for us. Now, when visitors come, I can offer them a proper seat instead of makeshift arrangements with logs. The remaining $50 was wisely spent on purchasing food for my family. Given the challenges my family faces and the low income from my husband's motorcycle job, putting food on the table has become a consistent challenge. This unconditional cash transfer has not only improved our living conditions but has also alleviated our daily struggles." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I work as a Boda boda rider and a farmer, while my wife is currently on maternity leave, though under normal circumstances, we typically work together on the farm. We are blessed with three children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made strategic decisions on its use. I invested $185 in purchasing a cow to provide milk for my children. Specifically, I needed to buy a male cow for breeding purposes. Subsequently, I spent $45 to acquire maize, and to familiarize myself with technology, I purchased a smartphone worth $43. Additionally, I invested in a three-seater seat, spending $35, and dedicated $20 to planting beans. I am elated that the transfer enabled me to afford things that seemed financially challenging before." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Despite being a trained accountant and currently unemployed, I have chosen to sustain my livelihood by engaging in motorcycle taxi services. Meanwhile, my wife is pursuing her education in college. We are a married couple blessed with two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I concurred on prioritizing the allocation of funds to pay her college tuition. This was a significant goal for us. Subsequently, I invested $15,000 in repairing my motorcycle. The remaining amount was utilized to acquire a water drum for storing clean water. I am elated by the notable achievements accomplished in a short time, which were challenging before. Hence, I am genuinely grateful for the positive changes." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Having successfully marked the boundaries of my land and being mindful of the demarcations, my focus now shifts to another parcel adjacent to the river. My goal is to establish a strong fence around this additional farm. Currently, I am in discussions with the neighbors on both sides of the land, seeking their collaboration in the fencing project. The idea is to create a unified perimeter fence that aligns with the needs of all involved, facilitating seamless tractor tilling without individual fences in between. To finance this venture, I have been diligently saving from my taxi business. These funds are earmarked to contribute to the construction of the fence, a crucial step in ensuring a secure environment for cultivating crops without the threat of livestock invasion, which has been a persistent challenge in the past. The collaborative effort with neighbors and the strategic use of savings aim to lay the foundation for a more efficient farming endeavor." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"For a long period, I have been operating a motorcycle taxi service, assisting community members in transporting their purchased goods from the shopping center to their homes. Through this endeavor, I have gained valuable insights into the goods people seek from distant places and what's readily available in the local shopping center. These experiences have sparked numerous business ideas. Looking ahead to the next year, I aspire to establish a hardware shop specializing in construction materials and farm tools. Currently, I am diligently saving from my motorbike taxi business, and as soon as I approach the $2000 mark, I plan to stock the new shop with a comprehensive range of goods to serve the entire community. The goal is not only to save customers' time but also to reduce their transportation costs, offering them more affordable alternatives compared to the expenses they incur when shopping in town. This venture aligns with my vision of contributing positively to the community by providing convenient access to essential products while fostering economic efficiency." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I mostly use the cash transfers for my children's tuition. Their school had outstanding debts that could have jeopardized their education, and since their father, who operates a motorcycle taxi, was struggling to settle these debts, I spent $31 on tuition fees. I am happy that one of them got to sit for their final primary school examinations without school fee struggles. Also, three of the kids had worn-out uniforms that could not be repaired anymore, so I used $18 to get them new ones. Additionally, I invested $25 in buying a goat and $8 in two chickens for future breeding. The plan is to let these animals reproduce, grow the herd, and sell the offspring to meet the children's needs. Finally, with the onset of the short rain season, $10 went into plowing the land for planting, and the rest covered our food expenses."

"I am grateful that the cash transfers enabled me to secure a motorbike on credit, which I now use for my taxi business. This opportunity has allowed me to support my family, a task that was challenging before the cash transfers. My goal is to fully pay for the motorcycle by May next year. Beyond that, I plan to replace my current mud-walled structure with a brick house. Brick walls are stronger and not susceptible to destruction by rain, providing a more secure and durable home for my family." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"In my opinion, GiveDirectly has truly excelled by providing me with unconditional cash support. The impact on my life has been profound; I now own valuable assets, including cows and a motorcycle. The freedom to decide how to allocate the funds has allowed me to invest in income-generating ventures, significantly improving my financial standing. The acquisition of livestock and a motorbike not only represents tangible wealth but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable income. GiveDirectly's approach of trusting recipients to make decisions based on their unique needs has proven to be effective, empowering me to create a more secure and prosperous future for my family."

"When the opportunity arrived with the transfers, I am glad I took a bold step. I invested $180 in a heifer, a decision I hoped would not just secure food for my family but also create a stream of income. The vision was simple yet profound—to build a sustainable source of nourishment and financial stability that could withstand the trials of our unpredictable circumstances. That heifer was more than just a livestock purchase; it represented a future. With careful attention and nurturing, she would eventually provide milk, a vital source of nutrition for my family. Additionally, her offspring would offer a chance to expand our assets, creating a cycle of growth and sustenance. The remainder of the funds were channeled into expanding our goat trading business. As a family of eight, our livelihood hinged on this enterprise. It was not merely a trade; it was a lifeline during challenging times, particularly when droughts cast their harsh shadows over our land. Every decision was meticulously calculated to ensure the well-being of my family. The heifer was a foundational investment, aiming not just for immediate sustenance but for a future where we could thrive. And the goat trading business, our mainstay, was strengthened to weather any storm, particularly the droughts that often tested our resilience." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)