"I hope to buy a motorcycle so that I can transport my children"

"After receiving the funds, I recognized that the timing was perfect to stock up on essential groceries for our household. This was the most pressing requirement we had at the moment. Consequently, I spent $110 specifically for purchasing food supplies. My income stems from occasional employment, while my husband operates as a motorcycle taxi driver. The meager earnings we generate are consistently allocated to other pressing expenses such as school fees, which are hardly sufficient. With the remainder of the funds, I acquired necessary items for the household. Our family comprises five children, and I'm elated to share that I now possess an ample supply of food to cater to my children's needs, a situation that was not the case previously." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"The second disbursement I received from Give Directly was significantly larger than the first, necessitating careful planning to ensure optimal usage of each dollar. I invested $183 in purchasing four goats, marking the commencement of my investment journey to secure the future of my family. I then spent $140 on procuring a month's supply of food for my family to make sure that as I go on with my plans, at least my family is comfortable. Additionally, I cleared my child's outstanding primary school fees with $13. Finally, in a first for me, I managed to acquire 15kgs of fertilizer for my tomato farm by spending $22." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"Upon receiving the transfer, I deemed it necessary to allocate my initial funds towards purchasing essential food supplies for the household, considering my recent childbirth and the need for sufficient nourishment to regain strength. This prompted me to utilize $70. Subsequently, I settled a long-standing overdue debt with $40, then invested $27 in acquiring a larger storage container for clean water. The remaining funds were directed towards procuring medicine for my goats and other household necessities. As a farmer with my husband dependent on sporadic motorbike jobs, financial struggles were a constant. Blessed with six children, I now find joy in having ample food supplies in our home." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, as I stood at the church, praising the Lord for all the blessings in my life, I was interrupted by the pleasant sound of my phone ringing. As I stepped outside to answer the call, my heart raced with excitement when I saw it was GiveDirectly on the other end, notifying me that I had received my first unconditional cash transfer. A surge of joy and relief washed over me, knowing that this unexpected financial support would finally grant me the means to fulfill my long-held dream of owning a motorcycle. With gratitude in my heart, I envisioned the newfound freedom and opportunities this two-wheeled companion would bring to my life, allowing me to reach places I had only dreamed of before."

"In the coming year and beyond, my plan is to invest in more livestock, specifically chickens and goats. I have chosen these animals because they are easy to keep and care for. Also, they have a quick maturity rate, making them ideal for breeding and generating income through the sale of their offspring. Although I currently provide taxi services with my motorcycle, the income it generates falls short of meeting my numerous household needs. By prioritizing the acquisition of goats and chickens, I aim to supplement my income significantly, thereby ensuring I can adequately provide for my family's needs and cover my sibling's education expenses. I see these livestock projects as a promising opportunity to improve our financial situation and secure a better future for my siblings. The monthly transfers I receive will play a crucial role in realizing this plan." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"As the sole breadwinner in my family due to my wife's lack of employment, I make a living as a motorcycle taxi driver. Though my earnings are sufficient to cover our daily food expenses, there is no surplus to save for future endeavors or emergencies. I have two children, one in primary school and the elder in Form Three at Kaloleni Girls Secondary School. Using a significant portion of my July transfers, which amounted to $20, I managed to pay off a considerable portion of my daughter's school fees. Despite the remaining debt of over $180, my daughter has not been sent home for unpaid fees, as I communicated with the headteacher about our financial situation. They now understand that we will gradually clear the debt by the end of each month. With the remaining $14, I purchased food for my family, and I am grateful that despite facing challenges in my job, my family never went without food." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"The transfer has made a remarkable change in my life. I used $150 from it to ensure my child's education remained uninterrupted by paying her fee. I promptly paid her secondary school fee, preventing any possibility of her being sent home and allowing her to focus on her studies with peace of mind. Next, I used $20 to invest in building a small kitchen out of iron sheet. Before, we faced challenges cooking in the open air, enduring scorching sun, or getting soaked by rain. Now, with a proper kitchen, we can cook comfortably and enjoy meals together without worry. Recognizing the hardships we faced as a family, I used $100 to provide essential food. This was crucial as times have been tough since my motorcycle taxi business has been suffering due to increased competition. Earnings have decreased, and the $30 per day I make is simply not enough to cater to my family's food needs." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"By the close of this year, my goal is to establish a kiosk at home to foster self-reliance rather than leaning entirely on my husband, a motorcycle driver, whose daily earnings of ksh 1000 cannot cater for all our family's needs. With my most recent series of transfers from Give Directly, I aim to dive into the grocery sector, initiating this venture with the mentioned kiosk."

"With each cash transfer I receive, I set aside some funds to purchase building materials for a new house. The current house I live in has a grass-thatched roof, which leaks during heavy rains and causes discomfort. My goal is to construct a completely new house with a durable iron sheet roof, consisting of two rooms. To achieve this, I have been buying two iron sheets every month, costing $18 each. So far, I have accumulated 12 pieces, and I only need 6 more to complete the required amount for the construction. The remaining portion of the cash transfer is always allocated to cover our household needs, primarily food. Before I used to operate a motorcycle taxi but this was recently cut short.  Unfortunately, I lost my bike, which I obtained through a loan that I couldn't repay in time, resulting in financial setbacks. As a result, I am currently seeking casual job opportunities to sustain my family's needs. During these tough times, the cash transfers have been a lifeline for my family and I could never be more grateful."