"When I received my second transfer, I invested in building materials to construct a new house for my family. The current one is too small for us family of five. We lack space to accommodate visitors who, unfortunately, have to sleep at our neighbors' homes, which is far from ideal. The materials cost $433.5. Upon receiving my final transfer, I will commence construction. With the remaining $16.5, I added a little more to purchase a 210-liter water drum. It is crucial for us, especially during the dry season, as we face severe water shortages in our area. As a small-scale farmer practicing irrigation, the seasonal river has been a challenge. For three years, my harvests have been poor, leading to a decrease in income and making it difficult to meet my family's needs. This situation also prevented me from expanding our house and contributed to the accumulation of loans from our local SACCO. Recently, my husband secured a delivery job. Although the salary is modest, it brings us hope. With his support, we're optimistic about managing our finances better. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their support."

"I have devised a strategic plan to prioritize and enhance our farming activities by cultivating crops and rearing goats, which thrive well in our region. The objective is to mitigate the challenges associated with the unreliable nature of our small-scale farming, worsened by the seasonality of the nearby river. To address the issue of erratic rainfall, I intend to implement timely planting practices. By carefully aligning our planting schedule with the expected rainfall patterns, we aim to optimize crop growth and minimize the impact of water scarcity. Diversifying our crops is another aspect of my farming strategy. I plan to alternate between maize, beans, and green grams in our fields. This rotational approach helps soil nutrients and acts as a risk mitigation measure. If one crop is affected by adverse conditions, the others may still thrive, providing a more stable source of income and sustenance. In addition to crop cultivation, I see great potential in goat farming for our region. Goats are well-suited to the local conditions. By investing in goat rearing, I aim to leverage their adaptability to contribute to our family's economic stability. The ultimate goal is to sell agricultural products to generate income."

"The iron sheets on my roof have aged significantly, exhibiting holes that allow rainwater to seep into the house during rainfall. My objective is to accumulate sufficient funds from upcoming transfers and gradually acquire new iron sheets, with the aim of eventually replacing the entire roof. The financial support from the transfers has brought me considerable joy, enabling me to lead a significantly improved life compared to my circumstances before."

"Making and selling charcoal is nota profitable venture, we made do with it but it takes a lot to actually make any money from this venture, it is also very detrimental to our health as we do it. My husband sells water, this makes him an income but not sufficient to invest. I would like for us as a family to build an emergency fund and I hope to achieve this by buying and breeding animals. Now we have goats and chicken which I see making us a good income. I plan to continue increasing them to a point they are enough to be sold for money."

"As I said earlier I achieved my dream of putting up a watching place. I am lucky that now the African cup of nations games are on, I get clients in the volume of the popularity of the game or teams in play. I would want to have more services to encourage more people into coming to my place of business,I hope to save= my transfers as well my earnings so that I get a fridge which I will use to store drinks so that when its hot like now people can always come in to buy water of soda as they watch something."

"The positive outcomes I've experienced on my farm, particularly in cultivating watermelons, potatoes, and maize, serve as a motivating force to further invest in this agricultural venture. Presently engaged in harvesting watermelon, the anticipation of a bumper yield instills confidence in the prospect of earning a substantial income upon the completion of sales. I express profound happiness and gratitude for the financial support provided through the transfers, which has facilitated my involvement in a fulfilling economic activity that generates income and aligns with my passion."

"My primary achievement for the year is to accumulate sufficient funds from the transfers, enabling me to purchase bulls. These bulls hold significant importance in enhancing various aspects of my life. Initially, they will be utilized to plow and prepare my land, eliminating the associated costs. Additionally, I intend to generate income by offering these services to others. In times of dry weather, the bulls will prove invaluable in fetching water from locations exceeding 10 kilometers away. I express profound gratitude for the transfers, recognizing their instrumental role in helping me realize my goal and subsequently improving the quality of my life."

"Receiving GiveDirectly's support of $450 marked a significant turning point in my life. Firstly, I spent $80 on maize, our staple food. It was a top priority, as securing food had become a challenging task for our family of 13. Given I have no stable job, and my daily activities range from casual labor to weaving ropes and carrying water for payment, ensuring a steady food supply was essential. My husband, whose income from selling goats is inconsistent due to fluctuating market days, also faces financial unpredictability. In addition to this, I invested $50 in a female goat, adding to the 20 we already have. This purchase was not just an addition to our livestock but also served as a living memory of GiveDirectly's generosity. These goats are crucial to our livelihood, as we occasionally sell one or two during tough times. I allocated $30 for school shoes and $14 for school sweaters for two of my children, ensuring they have their school requirements. In addition, $200 I spent on paying school fees for my son in high school. During the December holiday, a significant family event took place – the circumcision of my three sons. This cultural milestone required finances. I used $76 to cover part of the necessary items, including food for the occasion. I am immensely grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has brought hope and stability to my family. Their assistance has helped us through immediate challenges and provided a foundation for a more secure future."

"Last year, my house suffered severe damage due to heavy rains, leaving it in a deteriorated state. My primary objective now is to construct a new house in a different location, away from water paths, to prevent future destruction during heavy rainfall. I express deep gratitude for the financial assistance received through the transfers, which has proven instrumental in providing education for my children despite the limited income derived from both my husband's and my casual employment."

"Looking ahead to the coming year, I have ambitious plans to venture into vegetable farming as an additional source of income for my family of five. The water pump, acquired through the transfers, will play a crucial role in irrigating the crops during the dry season, ensuring a successful harvest. To initiate this venture, I estimate that I will need a capital of $100. My plan is to raise this amount through casual jobs, particularly land clearing. This approach not only provides the necessary funds for the initial investment but also aligns with my commitment to actively contribute to the success of the vegetable farming venture. I am optimistic that, with careful planning and dedication, the upcoming year will bring positive changes and increased prosperity for my family. The combination of the water pump and the additional income from vegetable farming holds the potential for a more sustainable and diversified livelihood. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new venture may bring."