"I was walking with my brother to the waterside when I saw this massage on my phone saying I have received money from GiveDirectly, I was so happy I started smiling telling God thank you for GiveDirectly, I wanted to dance but I couldn't dance on the street, so after few minutes I went home with the happy, then I being to dance at the same time explaining to my family about the good thing GiveDirectly did."

"Before GiveDirectly, I used to live in an old worn-out kitchen with leaking roofs. I had desired to build a better one but could afford it. This is because at my age I can't do much and have relied on dairy and poultry farming for food only. Fortunately, when I received my GiveDirectly transfers. I saw this as a dream come true. I, therefore, demolished the old Kitchen and used some of its materials and KES 37,000 of my transfer on the construction of a two-roomed 42 Iron roofed modern kitchen. The remainder was spent as follows; I spent was KES 2500 on the latest clothing for me and my husband. KES 3,000 was spent on a 250 liters water container this will help in the storage of water for a longer period, especially during the rainy seasons. Lastly, I spent KES 3000 on a bag of maize, and 2500 on other food and household items. This is because the maize crop has failed in our area but this will sustain us for a longer period."

"I recently broke my leg and find it hard to indulge in strenuous activities due to severe pains. Since my income sources are limited by this factor, am forced to heavily count on Give Directly money for livelihood. We are intensely struck by drought which makes us either walk two hours to fetch water or pay a motorcyclist to deliver the same within 30 minutes. So from the transfers, I spent KES 360 to secure and transport water from the pond to my home. Additionally, I used KES 1000 to buy food and KES 700 to buy two chickens for rearing. I also used KES 800 to pay off debts at a kiosk."

"I started building another three-bedroom house since our current shelter is small and may not be spacious for the growing family. To accomplish this construction project, I bought building poles worth KES 2000. I also spent KES 500 to acquire ropes for tightening the poles and paid KES 1000 as labor charges for the task. Of the remaining amount, I purchased food and water worth KES 1500 and deducted KES 1000 to pay for my two children’s school fees."

"Before GiveDirectly, I owed many people. As a result, I used to have sleepless nights because creditors would come to my house very early each morning for their money. Most times, I used to leave my house early in the morning and at times my wife would lock me in the house to hide me from persistent creditors. Luckily, when GiveDirectly came I used KES 30,000 in repayment of long-standing debts dated two years back. As a result, I and my family have peace and can sleep well void of stress. Furthermore, KES 15,000 was spent on a heifer as an addition to the dairy cow I had. This is because it will soon reproduce and be a source of milk and income for my family Thirdly, I also bought a solar lighting system at KES 10,000. This has helped light my house, especially at night, and has helped my kids to study comfortably. their studies. Additionally, I used KES 4000 to purchase sofa set cushions because I had seats already. KES 3000 was also spent on a 210 liters water container which now helps store lots of water, especially during rainy seasons. Lastly, I spent KES 6000 on two bags of maize which will sustain my family for a longer time. Before we used to buy food daily from daily casual labor income but GiveDirectly has relieved us."

"That day, I had gone to fetch water far away and left my phone at home. I came back home at 7 and took my phone to check what time it was. The first thing that I saw was the Mpesa message and I didn't even check time anymore."

"Previously, I used to depend on my brothers for basic needs. It wasn't easy for them getting additional dependant yet they are not economically stable and got families to provide for. With the the transfer, I'm able to buy water and food for myself."

"I usually walk for at least 3 km during the dry season looking for clean water for domestic use. This is always time-consuming since I have to make several trips per day. As a way of curbing this, I decided to buy a water tank worth KES 20000 with a capacity of 2300 liters and to construct its stand. I will be using it to harvest and store rainwater that I can always use during the dry season. In addition, I spent KES 10000 to buy some chicken and KES 3000 on a wire mesh that I used in fencing my compound. Apart from this, I spent KES 10000 on clothes for every member of my family and KES 7000 on foodstuffs. I used the remaining amount to start a small business of buying eggs and selling them to a middle man who usually takes and sells them in Nairobi. With this, I have been earning KES 100 per crate and I usually target to sell at least 13 crates per week."

"Upon withdrawing the money, the priority was to build a house. I made it a priority because I had no house at all, the field officers who came can witness that. I cannot clearly state how much the house cost but it took a better percentage of the money. I also bought six goals intending to start an investment in goats raring but unfortunately all the goats died for lacking pasture and water because of the drought that stoke our area. After building the house and buying the goats I used the remaining amount to buy food for the family."

"I spent half of the money I received from GiveDirectly on completing the construction of my new house that I started using the previous transfer. We lived in a small house that could not host all my family members comfortably. I had always wished to own a spacious house and invested half of my money in this. I am so grateful because currently, we live in a better house. I spent the part of the money on food, sky blast for storing clean water for domestic uses, clothes for my children, and finally bought some household items which we did not have before receiving the transfer We are so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards to be much better than before."