"Despite being a trained accountant and currently unemployed, I have chosen to sustain my livelihood by engaging in motorcycle taxi services. Meanwhile, my wife is pursuing her education in college. We are a married couple blessed with two children. Upon receiving our second transfer, my wife and I concurred on prioritizing the allocation of funds to pay her college tuition. This was a significant goal for us. Subsequently, I invested $15,000 in repairing my motorcycle. The remaining amount was utilized to acquire a water drum for storing clean water. I am elated by the notable achievements accomplished in a short time, which were challenging before. Hence, I am genuinely grateful for the positive changes."

"In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to enhance my farming practices. Given the accessibility of water resources and the existing irrigation equipment, I aim to achieve a more bountiful harvest by the season's end. This endeavor is driven by a desire to fulfill the diverse needs of my family of eight, ensuring an ample supply of essentials, and securing the means to cover my children's school fees. The prospect of an improved yield holds significance not only for sustenance but also for the overall well-being and educational pursuits of my family."

"Due to a lack of protection for my belongings and some rodents that were bothering me, I utilized a portion of my second transfer to complete my house, which I had begun during the previous transfer, by purchasing four red metal doors.Despite my unemployment, I utilized a significant portion of the transfer to cover my three grandchildren's tuition fees, as their mother did not have any source of income .In order to prevent my family from going hungry in the future days, I utilized the part of the remaining money for agriculture and also purchased a new 3000 liter water tank because I can no longer get water on my own due to my health status therefore Givedirectly has really help me improve my life and am grateful about it."

"Looking ahead to the next year and beyond, my heart is set on renovating our house's roof. Built in 2004, the iron sheets have rusted, causing holes that let rainwater in, making our home damp. I'm saving some of my cash transfer funds through a self-help group, determined to gather what's needed for new iron sheets. After that, I want to continue growing our goat herd, currently standing at five. Goats have been more than just animals; they've been a lifeline, supporting my children's education when we sell them."

"Investing in a sustainable future became my priority when I received my recent unconditional cash transfer. With $278, I purchased a dairy cow and two sheep. The choice of a cow was strategic; I saw it as an investment for my older years. As I grow older, having a steady source of income becomes increasingly crucial, and the cow will not only provide milk for personal use but also an opportunity to sell surplus to neighbors, contributing to my livelihood. Besides securing my financial future, I spent $47 on a new mattress. The relief from the old one, which caused nightly discomfort and hindered my daily activities due to pain, is immeasurable. A good night's sleep is now an achievable luxury, enhancing my overall well-being. With the remaining funds, I made investments aimed at improving the quality of life. A 2,500-liter tank, acquired for $12.5, means I can now harvest water, eliminating the need to trek for miles to fetch water from distant dams. This not only saves time but also ensures a more reliable and convenient water supply. As a widow relying on casual jobs earning $2.5 a day, these strategic investments bring a sense of stability to my life. With my newfound resources, I can envision a future where financial worries are alleviated and the daily struggles become more manageable. Living with my two grandchildren, these investments are not just for me but are steps toward creating a more secure and comfortable environment for the entire family."

"Upon receiving the cash transfers, I was grappling with a health issue that required immediate attention, and I allocated $15 for medical treatment. Fortunately, I am now on the path to recovery. Additionally, I set aside $20 to pay for my solar repayment bills as I had purchased the solar panel on credit which requires monthly repayments. I also utilized $24 to complete the payment for a goat I had initially placed a deposit. To rear this goat, my current livestock holdings include six goats. I hope that in the future I will be able to raise funds for my needs by selling the goats. Considering the prevalent drought conditions in my region, water can sometimes be scarce. This is why I spent $19 to purchase water, as the available water ponds were quite a distance from my home. The remaining funds from the transfer were dedicated to addressing household food needs. I am happy to be able to support my son, who relies on subsistence farming when weather conditions allow. Managing the household's requirements, especially with four children, can be challenging for him."

"Due water supply problems to my farm, we plan to buy water pipes and generator. This will cost approximately $600. It will give us stability since we won't have to borrow them again. We'll then hire a piece of land and combine with ours to make one acre. This will allow us to plant maize. The income will sustain our family. It will cost approximately $100. Farming is a lucrative venture and many people have been able to enjoy good profits. Additionally, we plan to use $150 to secure our land. It will ensure that our crops are safe from invasion by domestic animals. Goats do well here, we plan to buy about 4 goats. They breed well and anticipate to have a large stock in few years time. They will give us extra income and be sold during emergencies."

"I am grateful that the previous cash transfers allowed me to support my mother-in-law in building her house. Now that it is partially complete and she already moved into it, my goal is to work on building a new house for my family as well. The current dwelling has poor drainage and is situated in an area prone to waterlogging during rains, making the floor damp. I aspire to construct a three-room house with mud walls and iron sheets at a more raised ground level. I hope that the continued cash transfers will make this dream possible for me."

"Despite my longstanding desire to build a new house, financial constraints like school fees for my grandchildren and basic needs like food have always been obstacles. The current state of my house is poor, with a corroded roof that allows water in when it rains. I hope that in the coming year, I'll be able to work towards building a new house. I plan to start by purchasing building materials such as iron sheets and building poles before hiring someone to construct the dwelling for me."

"Leaving my phone behind, I ventured out to the shops to purchase some groceries, lost in the rhythm of daily errands. Returning home around 3 p.m., I glanced at my phone to find an unexpected MPESA message from Segovia Technology. The surge of elation upon seeing it was indescribable, especially after hearing others had received their transfers. Excitement bubbled within me, and I could not wait to share this news with my children, who were equally thrilled at the possibilities ahead. Choosing to withdraw the transfers after a couple of days allowed me to plan thoughtfully. Those transfers held the promise of fulfilling my aspirations—a chance to support my children's education, reconnect water to our compound, and invest in my business. The sense of certainty that these plans would now come to fruition brought a renewed sense of hope and determination."