"My main goal is to engage in livestock farming, specifically focusing on raising goats and cows. I have consistently used the financial transfers I receive to acquire these animals, and I am pleased to report that I currently own three goats and two cows. Looking ahead, I am eager to expand my livestock holdings in the coming year, and I plan to use future transfers to achieve this growth. This business venture holds the promise of creating an additional source of income for my family, contributing to a more stable financial situation. I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity provided, as it has had a positive and transformative impact on my life."

"In the upcoming year, I am determined to expand my grocery business and acquire a dairy cow to support my family of four. To achieve this, we have set aside a target of $480 for these ventures. My strategy revolves around using the profits generated from my current business operations to fund these plans, ensuring a gradual and sustainable approach to growth. Expanding the grocery business involves strategic measures such as diversifying product offerings and improving marketing strategies to attract more customers and boost sales. Simultaneously, investing in a dairy cow is aimed at establishing a consistent income source through milk sales and meeting our family's needs. This balanced approach of reinvesting profits to expand the business while simultaneously working towards acquiring a dairy cow aligns with our goal of creating a more stable and prosperous future. It is a methodical process that aims to enhance our income while ensuring the well-being of my family remains a top priority."

"Receiving those transfers was an unexpected blessing that brought new possibilities for my family's livelihood. With the money in hand, I carefully deliberated on how to allocate it. The first priority was securing food for my family of four, so $70 went into purchasing maize. It was a relief to know that we would not have to worry about going hungry, at least for a while. The next investment was significant—$200 for a heifer. Not having one before, I understood the immense value a cow could bring to our lives. From providing milk for our family's nourishment to the potential of breeding or selling, this heifer was an investment in our future stability. Furthermore, $100 was dedicated to boosting our shop's business. This venture is our primary source of income, and enhancing it felt like a strategic move. However, I made a conscious decision to save the remainder of the transfers. In an unpredictable economy and livelihood that depends on herbal businesses, having savings for unforeseen circumstances or opportunities felt like a wise decision. Our family's reliance on herbal businesses for income makes us deeply appreciative of these transfers. They have provided a significant uplift, injecting hope and renewed vigor into our entrepreneurial endeavors. I am hopeful that these strategic investments will pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for my family, sustaining our livelihood through our herbal businesses."

"I generate income through my beekeeping business and occasional job opportunities. I am married and have three children. Upon receiving my transfer, I made the decision to invest in purchasing a cow to provide milk for my family. Previously, buying milk was costly at $1 shillings per liter. I spent 3,000 shillings to cover my wife's medical expenses and used the remaining amount to buy essential food items. This was a significant shift from our past situation where most of our resources were solely directed towards food expenses. I am overjoyed that we now own a cow, fulfilling a long-cherished dream."

"My vision for the next few years is centered around keeping goats. I am pleased that previous cash transfers allowed me to buy two goats, both of which have given birth, increasing the number to four. Beyond goats, I aspire to purchase at least four cows before the cash transfers cease. With cows, I can use them for farming activities like plowing and even rent them out to generate funds."

"Hoping that my grandson's certificate won't be withheld after the Secondary school final exams results are announced, given he currently has no outstanding fees, my aim is to keep doing odd jobs on people's farms in order to raise money for his college education. Hopefully, in the near future, my goats will multiply and I will be able to trade them for cows and engage in more livestock farming, which will help us feed our family in the future."

"The arrival of GiveDirectly has utterly transformed our living standards, lifting us from the depths of poverty. Without this program, we might still be grappling with financial hardships. Thanks to GiveDirectly, we now reside in sturdy iron-roofed houses, a significant departure from the grass-thatched huts that served as our homes for many years. Our children's education has undergone a positive shift as well. No longer are they sent home due to unpaid fees; instead, they attend school comfortably. Beyond shelter and education, the program has granted us ownership of valuable assets like goats, cows, and sheep. These assets not only improve our current living conditions but also serve as savings for our children's future education expenses. The ability to sell these animals provides a financial safety net for their educational needs. From my perspective, GiveDirectly has executed the transformative task of changing our lives exceptionally well. The entire process, from enrollment to receiving the promised support, was seamless. I find it challenging to identify any aspect where the organization did not excel. Their commitment to improving lives shines through, leaving a lasting impact on our community."

"When the transfers finally came, it was a moment of relief and hope. I knew I had to plan wisely, allocating funds to address our immediate needs and secure our future. I spent $100 on maize, anticipating the harsh drought in January. Another $100 went into purchasing goats, an investment I saw as crucial for our family's stability. But I did not just stop at immediate needs. With $30, I bought various seedlings—beans, butternuts, groundnuts, and cowpeas—that I hoped would yield food for my family of five, providing sustenance beyond the present. Furthermore,education has always been my priority. I am a student at Kenya Medical Training College Kabarnet, yet fee arrears of $470 loomed over me. I used $150 to clear a portion of the fees, aiming to pave the way for completing my studies. The remaining funds were directed towards clothing, ensuring our basic necessities were met. It has been a tough journey; I have had to defer my studies three times due to financial constraints, but these transfers have brought a ray of hope. They have improved my financial status, allowing me to take steps toward finishing my education and providing better for my family."

"The first transfer will enable us support our farming activities. We need more farm inputs such as fertilizer, labour costs or chemicals to protect our crops. I anticipate to use over $200 in farming. The short rains will give us enough produce to sustain our family. Farming is highly profitable, we can use some of the profits for future farming. The cost of milk is very high, and we currently own a less productive cow. It produces less milk, hence it's not enough for our domestic use. We plan to buy a better dairy cow for milk production. It can cost upwards to $500. I hope it will lessen our dependence on buy milk. That cost can be transferred to other household needs. The rest of the transfer will cushion my family during emergencies. We also plan to supplement our food supply with $50. Some of the household items we need include, clothes, beddings, minimal house repairs amongst others."

"My main aspiration is to acquire a dairy cow. This isn't just about owning livestock; it's about securing a means to provide for my family. With the cow, I envision a dual-purpose advantage: not only will it supply milk for selling, generating income to pay for my children's education, but it will also enhance our household's health by providing fresh, nutritious milk for domestic consumption. I believe that investing in this cow isn't just an investment in a single animal; it's an investment in the well-being and future of my children. I'm motivated to make this happen, knowing it will contribute to their education and health, creating a more promising future for us all."