"Receiving my first unconditional cash transfer marked a turning point in my life. Instead of continuing to rely on temporary jobs for survival, I decided to invest in a venture that would offer long-term stability for my growing family. I used around $250 to kickstart a charcoal-selling business in the neighboring town. The initial days were challenging, navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship, but as the business gained momentum, I found a renewed sense of purpose and happiness. This venture not only provides for my wife and me but also positions me as the breadwinner for our young family, which we recently started. The joy of expecting our first child added a layer of excitement and responsibility to our lives. I later allocated $50 to buy food, especially considering the well-being of my expectant wife. Ensuring her strength and health during this crucial time has become a top priority. With the remaining funds, I am strategically planning to invest in a motorcycle. This addition to our assets will not only serve as a personal mode of transportation but also open up opportunities for additional income. I harbor dreams of saving for the education of our upcoming children, an aspiration I was unable to fulfill for myself due to a lack of access to quality education. This new chapter in my life, fueled by the unconditional cash transfer, is not just about immediate gains but lays the foundation for a brighter and more secure future for my growing family."

"When I received the transfers, I made several purposeful decisions to improve our family's life and financial stability. I spent $155 to purchase a sewing machine for my wife, who is a talented tailor. This investment was intended to not only support her work but also contribute to the well-being of our family. In addition, $35 went towards purchasing new bedding, ensuring a more comfortable and restful night's sleep for everyone. I also dedicated $100 to debt repayment, helping to alleviate some financial burdens. The remainder of the funds were thoughtfully used for food and clothing, addressing essential needs for our family of seven. We depend on the motorcycle taxi business for our livelihood, and while all the profits from this endeavor primarily go toward providing food for the household, I decided to diversify our income sources by using some of the transfers to open a pub business. This decision not only brought a sense of fulfillment but also the promise of financial stability and a brighter future. I am genuinely happy with the positive changes these transfers have brought into our lives." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"My top priority is to replace my deteriorating roof, which consistently leaks during heavy rainfall, rendering my house uninhabitable. Additionally, I plan to expand the house by constructing two additional rooms to better accommodate my family's housing requirements. I'm pleased to report that I've already begun purchasing iron roofing sheets, and I plan to utilize the forthcoming transfers to acquire more of these materials. The prospect of providing my family with a larger and more secure home fills me with great happiness." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"My children used to always be sent out of school due to financial lack. I would do my best to raise cash from my charcoal selling business and my motorcycle business but due to a slow market I would not make enough to sustain them in school. My goal is use my transfers to ensure my children get an education and never miss a day of school. I hope for them to get a chance at opportunities I could not get because of my education."

"After seven years in the Boda boda business, my ultimate goal is to acquire my own motorcycle. I plan to secure a loan from the bank to fulfill this dream, and I'm pleased to announce that I'm on the verge of reaching the minimum required amount set by the bank for loan eligibility. I intend to utilize the forthcoming transfers to repay this loan. Acquiring this motorcycle will significantly improve my quality of life, as I'll be able to retain all of the day's earnings. Moreover, it will liberate me from the constraints of employment, marking a significant personal achievement." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"GiveDirectly has profoundly transformed my life in ways I could have never imagined. I am delighted to report that these financial transfers have enabled me to not only complete the construction of my home but also furnish it. In the past, I relied on selling pastries in my village, but regrettably, I had to discontinue that business due to health issues. Out of the funds I received, I allocated $34 to cover medical expenses incurred during my childbirth at Kilifi hospital. Additionally, I used $20 to assist my brother in settling his school fees arrears, preventing his expulsion from school. Another $14 went towards the purchase of two chickens that I intend to rear. The remaining amount was handed over to my husband, contributing to his savings, which he utilized to acquire a motorcycle. I am overjoyed that these transfers have made the seemingly impossible dream of owning a motorcycle a reality for us."

"Looking ahead to the coming years and beyond, I have a dream of building a new house for our family. Our current living space is a small, one-room structure where my husband, our two children, and I share the same space for sleeping and storing household items. It feels cramped and challenging, particularly when we have guests, as we must seek shelter for them with relatives, which is not very convenient. I aspire to use some of the funds from the cash transfers to build a more spacious house with three rooms, constructed with mud walls and a tin roof. This new house would provide us with the space we need, including separate rooms for our children and guests. My husband will also contribute some of the earnings he makes as a motorcycle taxi rider toward this construction project."

"Before Givedirectly's cash transfer program came into my life, I was struggling to make ends meet. My little income as a motorcycle driver, earning $6 a day, couldn't cover the school fees and requirements for my three children. I worried every day that my kids would be sent back home from school. My wife was doing her best with her small pastry business, but it also didn't bring in much income.With the unconditional monthly cash transfer, I finally had some breathing room. I recently used $39 to clear my children's school fees arrears and bought their school supplies. This gave me immense relief, knowing my kids wouldn't face the risk of being sent back home from school. Additionally, I also invested in purchasing two goats for $70. These will be a source of income for my family. If the need arises, I'll have something to sell and generate some cash. It all fells like a new beginning, Givedirectly has given us hope for a better life." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I bought a bull, furniture in my house as I didn't have any, iron sheets for building my house when I buy land, a motorcycle for bodaboda business."

"We live in a dry place. The last time we had good rains was 3 years ago. It means we depend on fetching water from the nearest borehole, which is about 10 kilometers away. It's hard fetching enough water for domestic use. This has affected our ability to focus on other things such as farming. We spend a lot of time fetching water. Alternatively we hire a taxi motorcycle to fetch water. It's quite expensive, for one trip of water, that's 80 litres, it costs about $1.50. That's not enough for our household. Water shortage has made our lives difficult."