"In the next few years, I aim to achieve two important things. Firstly, I want to complete my kitchen, making it a comfortable space for cooking. I also plan to buy a water tank to ensure a fresh water supply for drinking. These goals are important to me because having a functional kitchen and access to clean water will contribute to the health and well-being of my family. Achieving these milestones will bring me great happiness."

"Lacking formal education and aspiring to be self-employed, my focus lies in agriculture. I possess two hectares of cassava awaiting harvest, ensuring a potential income exceeding $100. To enhance crop yields, I intend to implement furrow irrigation using connected water pipes, diminishing dependence on erratic rainfall. The direction ahead is evident – an independent venture in agriculture, nurturing both crops and opportunities for a prosperous future."

"We plan to focus on farming by expanding our cultivation area from half or 1 acre to the entire 2 acres available. Our decision to concentrate on the timely planting of vegetables, specifically tomatoes, is based on their high market demand. Brokers frequently visit our farm to purchase these crops. Tomatoes mature quickly, usually within two months, making them suitable for our farming strategy. This rapid growth allows us to mitigate potential water challenges, as we can align planting schedules with favorable weather conditions. Opting for tomatoes brings the added benefit of deterring zebras, which tend to target maize crops. By steering clear of maize and concentrating on tomatoes, we safeguard our produce from destruction and also optimize our yield for a more lucrative market. This comprehensive approach ensures a more efficient and profitable farming operation."

"For a long time I have stayed in a dilapidated house, with broken walls which let in water in the raining season,and extream heat during sunshine. My hope for the year is to renovate this house and it would really make me excited and boost my esteem to live in a decent house with my 3 children. Moreover, having worked in a hotel before, my other ambition for the year is to open up a food kiosk in the village."

"For a considerable period, I have relied on the hospitality of my son's house in Mombasa, where he works and resides. Despite my longstanding aspiration to own a home following the collapse of my previous residence, financial constraints have posed a significant obstacle to achieving this dream. Upon joining the program, I held onto hope that I would finally be able to construct and possess my own house. I am overjoyed to have ultimately realized this long-term dream. By conscientiously saving my previous transfers, I procured iron sheets, timber, and building poles, enabling me to complete the construction of the house last month, including the installation of a door. Only minor work remains on the walls to safeguard them against erosion by rainwater in the future. It is challenging to express the depth of my happiness and gratitude for the financial support I have received from Give Directly, which has empowered me to fulfill my enduring aspiration of homeownership."

"I was in my maize farm when the message about $200 from GiveDirectly popped up. It felt like a prayer answered because my maize needed fertilizer. Instantly, I knew what I had to do. I allocated $120 for the much-needed fertilizer, ensuring my crops would grow healthy and strong. Another immediate concern was clean water. Before, we used to drink water from the river, and it was affecting my four kids' health, causing illnesses like typhoid. So, I set aside $35 to buy clean water. It wasn't just about the crops; it was about the well-being of my family. The feeling was pure joy. It meant my farm would thrive, and my kids would have access to clean water, promoting good health. This unexpected support wasn't just money; it was a solution to two pressing challenges, making a tangible difference in our daily lives."

"I am the second of 7 children. I am now a student in secondary school form 2.I do not have a source of income. My mother prepares and sells charcoal while my father is in the city where he is employed to sell water using a hand cart. My parents do not make much which means they struggle covering school fees for us. I have spent my transfers over the years helping them cover my school fees payments. In October I spent $20 on my own school fees and also paid school fees for my sibling using $10, In November I paid school fees for myself, and Sibling a similar amount to October while in December I paid the same amount I did in the previous months for myself and used the rest for my sibling who did not have the school fees. I also got some chicken in November at $4 while in October I spent the $4 buying food."

"Operating my own water cart and selling water in Mariakani town is how I earn a living, providing for my family of four. The financial support received through transfers has been a significant blessing, allowing me to make substantial improvements in our lives. I am deeply grateful for these transfers as they have enabled me to invest in various areas, including purchasing goats, constructing a house, and acquiring chickens. The hardships that once characterized my life have now given way to a more favorable situation. A substantial portion of my transfers has been directed towards livestock farming. I allocated $68 to purchase two goats, intending to raise and eventually use them as a stepping stone to acquire cows in the future. In addition, I invested $20 in four chickens, with the remainder saved. My sincere appreciation goes to GiveDirectly for their invaluable assistance, which has played a pivotal role in bringing about these positive changes in my life."

"The cash transfer I received from GiveDirectly was a game changer .On receiving the second transfer, I used $300 to clear the debt of a shamba that I had already started using the first transfer in Shtaki, securing one acre of land where my father's shamba is located. This new plot is a ray of hope for my son's future, as I plan to build a home for him there. Being the sole breadwinner after my husband left in search of better opportunities and never returned, my previous income of $12 a week was barely enough for food, but now, I invest in burning charcoal for a living. I allocated $180 to buy construction materials for our new home, addressing the need for a stable living space. Recognizing the unreliable water supply, I also purchased a tank to ensure a consistent water flow. Additionally, a portion of the money went towards circumcising my son, something I couldn't afford before. The remaining funds were joyfully spent on celebrating Christmas, bringing warmth and festivity to our lives in a way we hadn't experienced in a long time."

"I have a strong desire to pivot towards farming, particularly focusing on cultivating perishable vegetables such as tomatoes. I plan to rent land near the river, recognizing its fertile soil and proximity to a water source—crucial for successful farming. To ensure consistent irrigation, I intend to hire a generator, a vital resource for this endeavor. The appeal of cultivating tomatoes lies in their high demand and ready market availability. I believe that by strategically positioning myself to produce these perishable vegetables, I can generate a sustainable income to support my family. This shift towards farming offers an exciting opportunity. My vision is not just about farming tomatoes; it's about fostering a sustainable livelihood for my family."