"I am blessed with a family of 7 members. Three of them are boys who have successfully undergone the rite of passage(circumcision) and are now considered as young men within our community. Unfortunately, because of limited resources, I am unable to construct a separate structure for them to reside in as per our tradition and custom. As a result, they are forced to sleep in the kitchen. This has not gone well with the neighbors who are constantly criticizing me for not honoring the traditional yet they know the underlying reason(s)." (Country: Kenya)

"In the upcoming months and beyond, my foremost objective is to secure funding for my son's education. My aim is to settle all outstanding school fees to ensure his uninterrupted learning journey. By eliminating these financial burdens, he can fully focus on his studies, paving the way for a brighter future. I am grateful for the financial support provided, as it has significantly contributed to meeting my family's needs, particularly in facilitating my son's education." (Country: Kenya)

"With schools set to reopen next week, I am gearing up to address the pending school fee arrears for my children, which amount to a total of $50. Using my upcoming transfers, I intend to clear this debt and ensure that my children's education remains uninterrupted. Creating a conducive learning environment for them is paramount, and settling these fees will contribute to that goal. I cannot overstate my gratitude for the transfers that have facilitated this positive transformation in my life. The support I have received has been instrumental in alleviating financial burdens and providing opportunities for my family's education and well-being." (Country: Kenya)

"Livestock holds a special place in my heart, as they offer opportunities for earning income. With my upcoming transfers, I intend to invest in goats, recognizing their potential for multiplying and generating revenue. My plan is to expand my livestock holdings and eventually exchange some goats for an additional bull. Having two bulls will significantly enhance my income-generating capacity, as I can offer plowing services to others in the community. This diversification of income sources marks a significant shift from my previous reliance solely on my son for financial support. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance provided by the transfers, as they have empowered me to pursue economic opportunities and achieve greater financial independence. This newfound ability to earn money brings me great joy and satisfaction, reflecting the positive impact of the transfers on my life." (Country: Kenya)

"I am a single parent and the sole provider of my five children. Our living conditions are congested and poor, with all of us squeezed into a small, single-room house with mud walls and an iron sheet roof. Despite its limited space, act as a kitchen, living room, and sleeping area. I have longed for a better home, but most of my income goes towards providing food and meeting other basic needs for my children. I rely on farming vegetables and maize on the one-acre plot of land given to me by my father. This small farm is our main source of income, but it's constantly threatened by climate fluctuations. Depending on irrigation, the lack of rainfall often leads to the river drying up, resulting in poor harvests. The second transfer provided some hope to us, for building a larger, more comfortable house made of iron sheets. I purchased the necessary materials for $350, intending to begin construction once I receive the third transfer. This new house will not only be more inviting to visitors, as I often feel embarrassed by our current living situation, but it will also provide ample space for my children to study. Additionally, I used $50 to prepare my land for maize farming, ensuring timely planting and increasing our chances of a successful harvest, provided the rain continues. I used the remaining funds to purchase essential food items such as sugar, maize, and beans, easing the burden of constantly seeking casual work and allowing me more time to work on my farm." (Country: Kenya)

"In the next few months and years, my big goal is to build a two-room house. I've been saving up through a savings group called SILC, and I'm almost there—I've got $95 saved! Once I hit $100, I can borrow more than $20 to help fund my project. I'm looking forward to having my own place, it would mean the world to me. I plan to repay the loan through transfers, the money I earn from my casual job, and with some help from my daughter. I can't wait to see my dream become a reality!" (Country: Kenya)

"I have seen livestock farming doing well in our area specifically for goats, so I opted to borrow ideas from a neighbor who was balancing her priorities well. Instead of receiving money and concentrating on food, I opted to start an investment which by the end of this year I would like to account for it. Therefore, I plan to start goat raring. I chose goats because they are affordable in terms of the cash I receive from GiveDirectly and also they do not require much attention. Their ability to survive in a drought-prone area also encouraged me to invest in them knowing that I will not have a tough time looking after them. I now have 2 goats with hopes that when they multiply they will act as my financial security." (Country: Kenya)

"In the next year, I aim to construct a small house. I plan to use the money I receive through the GiveDirectly transfers to save up for building materials. Currently, I have 14 iron sheets, but I still need to gather building poles and save for the wages of the construction workers. With each transfer, I'm getting closer to realizing my dream of having a place to call home." (Country: Kenya)

"As an elderly woman, I live with my two grandchildren and two daughters-in-law in a house made of mud that's slowly deteriorating. When it rains, the walls are eroded, and the structure feels like it's on the brink of collapse. Without a job, my main source of income is chili farming, where I sell about 5 kilograms a week for $2.5. This income barely covers our expenses, let alone house repairs. Watching my home deteriorate weighs heavily on my heart, leaving me feeling lost. Desperate to save my home, GiveDirectly came to my rescue with the unconditional transfer and I have invested almost all of it into buying building materials for the house repairs. The renovation is ongoing, but the total cost for the house remains uncertain as I am not sure of what the labor will cost and if I may be needed additional items. If there's any money left over, I plan to invest in a female goat. Rearing it with the aim of it multiplying could provide a source of income in the future which will help to support my family. Despite the challenges, I hold onto hope. I am happy and grateful to see progress on my home, and I look forward to the day when my family and I can move in our completed renovated house and live in a safer, warm and more secure environment." (Country: Kenya)

"Since my house crumbled last year, I've had to move into my brother's house. He usually lives and works in Mombasa with his family, which makes it convenient for me, except when they visit the village. During their visits, I find myself having to look for another place to stay. To prevent this from happening again, I am planning to build a two-room house for myself. Fortunately, through previous cash transfers, I have managed to obtain essential materials like iron sheets and building poles. Now, I only need $15 for labor, which I plan to gather by saving through my self-help group." (Country: Kenya)