"While my phone was charging at home, I was occupied with my spouse. Little did I know that GiveDirectly had sent me money. However, when I took my phone out in the evening, an unexpected Mpesa message appeared. I was thrilled to see that it was from GiveDirectly, and I informed my husband right away that our blessings had finally arrived. He was also filled with excitement. As we sat at our table, our first thought was to fix our motorcycle, which had broken down. We knew that my husband would use the motorcycle for work, and that's where we would get our necessities." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"In the upcoming year, I am optimistic that the received transfer will significantly improve my financial situation. Currently, I rely on a motorbike acquired through a loan, crucial for my business. My primary goal is to diligently repay the loan by next year, providing financial relief and enabling me to concentrate on expanding my poultry projects. Through diversifying income via poultry farming, I intend to establish additional revenue streams, bolstering overall financial stability. Once the loan burden is lifted, I will have the freedom to allocate more time, energy, and resources to foster the growth and success of my poultry ventures." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"As a mother of one, my livelihood revolves around my tailoring job. In the past, life was marked by constant challenges, especially since my husband, who operates a motorcycle taxi, struggled to provide financial stability for our family. The difficulties were reflected in the frequent nights of going to bed hungry. However, the financial support we received has brought about a positive transformation in our lives. With this assistance, I was able to acquire my own sewing machine, transitioning from being employed to becoming self-employed. This change has not only stabilized my business but has also enabled us to purchase food, ensuring sustenance during the drought season. Utilizing $73 from the transfers, I invested in clothing materials to support my business, while the remaining $29 was allocated to acquiring food and essential household items. I am grateful for the opportunity to change my life, and I express deep appreciation for the assistance received."

"Over the next year, my goal is to sell my chickens and transition into raising goats. Goats thrive in our area, presenting a promising venture for me. The decision is rooted in the recognition of the favorable conditions for goat farming, anticipating both personal benefits and economic sustainability. By diversifying into goat rearing, I aim to tap into the agricultural potential of our region, capitalizing on the resilience and productivity of goats. This aligns to my goal of cultivating a sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprise." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I aspire to kickstart an animal trading business and acquire a motorcycle for both taxi services and convenient mobility. My plan involves utilizing my third transfer along with the wages earned from my security guard job to realize this dream. The support we have received has been instrumental in remarkably improving our living standards, for which I am sincerely grateful."

"The motorcycle that my son and I contributed to purchase is intended for business use and ought to generate some income for us. With this, I have guaranteed myself a daily income and won't even have to worry about running out of food or money to take care of myself. I want to be active and productive, not just idle around the house, which is why I plan to get goats. For that reason, my goals for the upcoming year and beyond are to tend to my animals as they flourish and to enjoy the few years I have left enjoying my income and good sleep in my new bed"

"I Utilized the recent transfer of 550$ wisely, enhancing both my home and overall well being. I invested in livestock acquiring two additional goats, doubling my initial count to four. I also invested our motorcycle business by buying two extra tires. This not only strengthens my livelihood but also provide a sense of financial security. Improvement to my living space included adding two doors, replacing previous makeshift curtains. This upgrade not only offers a better sense of privacy but also ensures security of my belongings, Furthermore, I invested in a mattress which has improved the quality of sleep for me, my husband and our eight months old kid. In a thoughtful move, I set a side some funds for emergencies, to solidify my financial resilience."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, I plan to diversify my income by venturing into the motorcycle taxi business alongside my current beekeeping activities. Managing over 40 beehives poses its challenges, particularly the extended time each hive takes to be harvested, producing a relatively small quantity of slightly more than 5kgs. Given the slow return, having an additional income source becomes imperative, especially as I am still living alone. I anticipate harvesting and selling honey from at least 10 of the hives I've set up early next year. The proceeds from this venture will serve as the initial deposit for a new motorbike, providing a daily income to support my daily sustenance."

"The organization has truly transformed my life, and I find myself in a completely different status now, all thanks to their unconditional support. The financial assistance they provided allowed me to make strategic decisions that lifted me out of challenging circumstances. I was able to invest in opportunities that mattered most to me, whether it was starting a small business, improving my living conditions, or securing education for my family. The approach of putting decision-making power directly in my hands has not only changed my current circumstances but has also given me a renewed sense of agency and control over my future." (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)