"It has been over 20 years since I opted to return to my maternal home after my spouse and kids died. Since then, I have not been able to construct my own house due to the poverty level. For all that time, I have been residing in my mother's house. I spent KES 24,000 to construct a spacious two-roomed irony-roofed house for myself. In addition, I bought a bed and mattress for KES 11000 since the one I had earlier was old and had broken legs. I also use KES 9000 to purchase goats a long-term investment for my family. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to purchase food for myself."

"Securing my children's education is the best thing one can settle for in this dry unpromising land. Previously, people used to rely on farming but the prevailing draught has made this a nightmare and people have sunk into poverty. Education therefore became the only option that could get people out of this dark hole . I work as a casual labourer in a quarry and since I don't earn much the only way that I could save towards my children's fee is through investing in livestock. With the low wedges averaging to KES 4000 a month, I had only managed to buy some few goats. When I was enrolled in the program, my goal was to buy as many livestock as I can so that I can sell them in future and pay school fees. I spend KES 39,000 of my recent transfer to buy nine goats, KES 11000 to buy bed and mattress because we were previously sleeping on the floor, KES 1400 to buy two plastic chairs and the balance to pay school fees for my two children."

"When I received the transfers from the organisation, I decided that I would use most part of it to buy a goat. This is because I wanted to grow my farm by having more farm animals. I would have opted for a cow but they were quite expensive compared to goat. On the other hand the goats were much easier to sell as well. I planned to rear and ensure that the goat produces so that incase of any financial emergency I could sell the goats and get the money. The goat cost me KES 2,500 and I used the remaining balance of KES 500 to purchase a kilogram of sugar and three kilograms of beans."

"After receiving the funds from GiveDirectly I immediately decided that I would begin by looking into nutrition. This is because drought had brought about a lot of starvation and on numerous occasions having a meal was a challenge. So I went ahead and bought nine packets of maize flour worth KES 1,215 in order for my family and I to have a meal. I was left with a balance of KES 1,785 which I used in buying a goat because I wanted it to be a long time investment. Previously I had bought another goat so now they were two. Farm animals were always marketable back here in the village and after they produced I would have more goats which I could sell when need arises."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to boost my livestock rearing after acquiring additional 5 high breed galla goats with my transfer. This will serve as my future investment for my family as well as for my kid's education."

"Imagine sleeping on the floor with old rags as bedding, It was such a miserable life since my skin had been infected by maggots. After receiving the transfer, my priority was to acquire proper bedding. I used KES 11,000 to purchase a modern bed and mattress, nowadays enjoying my nights on a comfortable bed. In addition, I spent KES 24,500 to start livestock rearing by purchasing 7 goats. This is my future investment in the family. I will be able to sell them when they reproduce to cater to any emergency. Furthermore, I have 4 children who are still schooling so I used KES 4,000 to clear their fee arrears. I also spent KES 3000 of the remaining amount, to clear my debts at the shop where I had been taking foodstuffs on loan. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for my family of 9 members."

"Receiving this money means an improved living standard for my household. I am planning to spend KES 60000 to buy 10 indigenous goats which do well in my area due to dry weather conditions. As they multiply, I will sell at a profit and use the proceeds to cater to my daily needs such as food and medicine. The remaining amount will help me to furnish my house with nice furniture and new bedding to replace the old ones as well as save for the future. Once I accomplish this ambition, my heart will be filled with joy and satisfaction because I will have an asset to rely on and a comfortable shelter with improved items."

"My dream of because a livestock farmer came true in the month of March. My daughter who secured casual jobs (house help) in town send me KES 7000. This brought joy to my life because I used that money to buy 2 goats. I am now a happy person practising livestock farming that I have been my ambition over the years."

"For more than 3 years, I have been spending my nights on the floor with sacks as bedding. This has been a miserable life since I was always feeling pains on my ribs every morning. I spent KES 10,000 to purchase a modern bed and mattress, I am currently very happy and enjoying my nights on proper bedding. In addition, I bought 4 goats for KES 10000 this was to start goats keeping a reliable source of income for the family as well as a future investment for my kid's education. Similarly, I used KES 30,000 to support the education of my kid who was joining secondary school. I did the necessary shopping as well as paid part of the required fees for the entire term. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring enough food for the family since I had no food in my store."

"I am a single parent living with my daughter and four grandsons. We are all living in a very small house with no partition. When getting into the house, one has to bend himself. I am a casual worker making charcoal for sale. I earn approximately KES 3000. This money can only cater to food. My grandsons are schooling at Mwenge primary and everyone is supposed to pay KES 350 per term. With little income, I cannot build a spacious house for the family. Upon receiving my money, I will build a two-bedroom house worthy of KES 80000. It will accommodate even my visitors. I will also use KES 30000 to buy ten goats as an investment. The investment will help me raise school fees for my grandsons when they join secondary school. Thanks to Givedirectly for their program that aims to eliviate my poverty."