"When I received my second transfer, I spent $110 on a solar lighting system to replace a chargeable bulb we had been using for the past year, despite the fact that it could barely light the wall room. The new solar panel came with three brighter bulbs, which I distributed throughout my house's three critical areas: the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. I am relieved that I no longer need to take the single bulb to the charging point at the nearby shopping center because the solar panel is enough to keep the house illuminated continuously on a sunny day. I also spent $75 on new clothes for my grandson, with whom I am currently staying, as well as some pairs for myself. I used the remaining funds to prepare the land, purchase hybrid maize seeds, and pay the labor force during the double weeding season. I am pleased that the crops have flourished as a result of the recent rains, promising a better harvest. I saved the remainder and used it to purchase foods that we currently consume."

"The transfer was of great help to me, I spent $240 to clear the second term fee arrears for my 4th born child who is in a national secondary school. Currently, I am happy that my kid is learning without any interruption. In addition, I used $180 to purchase a solar lighting system for our house. Previously, we were using paraffin lumps which did not provide enough light. Similarly, it requires purchasing paraffin every day which is costly. This was making my kids late to school every morning since it could end before 5am in the morning when they were required to start preparing for school since they are located a long distance. Furthermore, I bought proper modern bedding for $115 for myself, I was using mats and a traditional treads twisted bed which was not comfortable because I always felt body pains every morning."

"I used my recent transfer to pay tuition and solar light for my house."

"Thanks to Give Directly cash transfers, I installed a solar system in my house last month. Using torch globes attached to battery cells for lighting was becoming inconvenient for me because they provided dim lighting. Most are the times I would stay in the dark and worry for my safety all night. I could not afford solar lighting then, because I lacked the necessary resources to fund the installation. Being my sole provider, my son who works as a motorcyclist can barely afford any want beyond the basics such as food. Gladly, the money from Give Directly was enough to pay for the solar services. Having paid a deposit for the installation fee using my first transfer, it was only reasonable that I settle the amount with the recent transfer. This is why I used $15 to pay the solar company. I spent the remaining amount on food because I had starved throughout the day after my household ran out of maize flour the previous night.I am grateful that I no longer worry about the dark and hunger. I get goosebumps from the happiness bestowed upon me by the cash transfers. "

"Before receiving my recent transfer, I never had a thought of electrifying my house, but as I received my transfer I saw the need to carry out such project especially seeing my kids going through struggle to study on candle lights or getting up early to prepare for school without light. Therefore I used my transfer and bought a solar light system and it has been installed and my home is now lighted. This has brought so much relieved and joyed to us as family."

"Initially, I did not have any source of light hence I resorted to us a kerosene lantern. Although it had not been convenient and economical, I could not acquire an alternative source of lighting because I did not have money. However, since I received my transfer, I now have a better source of light after buying a solar lighting system. As a result, my children can study well without the struggle of getting a complementary lighting system. To me, this is the biggest difference GiveDirectly transfers have created in my life."

"I had desired to start livestock rearing like others in the village since the crop farming that I was depending on was unsustainable. This was brought about by the constant drought conditions for over 5 years now. I spent my transfer to start the goat keeping by purchasing 3 goats for KES 12,000. This is a long-term investment for the family which helps us whenever I encounter a financial challenge. In addition, I used KES 12,500 to purchase a modern bed and mattress since I was using a small, old bed which was not enough to serve the 2 grandchildren and me. In addition, I spent half of the remaining amount to repair my house which was collapsing on one side. Also, I used KES 7,900 to purchase a solar lighting system for the house. Before, I was using a small lamp to light the house which could not give ample light."

"What has really brought me joy is when the solar lights were planted in the community, before now leaving my house to the road or anywhere else at night i had to walk in obsure darkness but not thst ther is light in the tow i no more walk in the dark."

"For several years, I had been sleeping on a mat on the floor since I did not have a bed. On getting the money I opted to end this situation completely thus, I bought a bed and a mattress for KES 9000.00. I also bought solar lights for light provision because buying paraffin every day was very expensive for me which forced me to be in the dark at night. Thereafter, I decided to get a helper because I had no wife. I got married and used KES 20000.00 to pay part of the dowry to mark the start of a long journey. For the remaining amount, I reserved for the family upkeep."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently own a proper source of light for my house after purchasing solar light systems. Previously, I was sleeping in the dark because the kerosene lamp could not provide enough light and always require kerosene that is expensive. In addition, I am currently sleeping on proper beddings something that has made my nights enjoyable."