"For years, I had been yearning to provide them with a safe and comfortable home, especially since my spouse's passing fifteen years ago. The house we lived in was in a sorry state and susceptible to collapse due to its location in a watery area. During the rainy season, our lives were filled with anxiety as our belongings were at risk of being destroyed. Determined to change our living conditions, I used a significant portion of the transfer, around $470, to buy new materials like iron sheets, nails, and timber to improve our home's structure. Now, my seven children no longer had to seek shelter from neighbors during harsh weather conditions, and I could see the peace of mind they deserved finally settling upon them. As a mother, it was a relief to know that my children were safe and living in a more conducive environment. Apart from that,I made sure to prioritize my children's education. With the funds, I paid fees for my four children, who were attending primary school. Education is the key to their future, and I wanted to ensure they had access to quality learning opportunities. With the remaining amount, I purchased enough food to sustain us for three weeks. As I relied on casual jobs to support my family, earning just $55 a month, the cash transfer gave us a much-needed boost in our daily struggles. It provided a ray of hope in the face of financial hardships and instilled in us a sense of resilience to overcome life's challenges."

"I am very intentional with how I use the cash transfers to support various needs in my life and my family's. Out of the recent transfer, I set aside $10 to save in a group, which I joined in January of this year. I plan to withdraw these savings at the end of the year to buy goats, as they can be a great source of income in the future. Additionally, I want to help my mother build a new house as her current one leaks water whenever it rains. Seeing her happy in a new and better home is something that inspires me. Another $10 from the transfer was used to buy food, which I do every month to support my father. He makes a living by selling water on carts, and I contribute to ensuring there is enough food for the family. I also spent $10 on buying clothes. Recently, I moved to town for a house help job, and I needed more work clothes to perform my duties effectively. At the same time, my brother reached out to me for help, and I sent him $4 to assist him in his time of need. Apart from supporting my family, I also care for my toddler who is two years old. The cash transfers have been a significant blessing in my life, allowing me to contribute to the welfare of my family and address various needs."

"I am a housewife and I have long depended on my husband who took an early retirement after having been diagnosed with spinal cord problems. This has left him jobless at home and we normally depend on his monthly pension which is usually $150. A good amount of this money goes on paying hospital bills because he uses medicines which cost him the utmost $60. The remaining amount clears our electricity and water bills leaving us with nothing for food. Hence, I consider the lack of a reliable source of income as my biggest challenge."

"The iron sheets on my house are in a sorry state, being both old and rusty, and riddled with holes that let rainwater seep inside whenever it pours. By the year's end, I aim to save up a sufficient amount of money to purchase brand new iron sheets and completely overhaul the roof. Alongside repairing the roof, I have another aspiration to support my children's education by using the transfer funds."

"Raising school fees for my children has been an uphill struggle, given the responsibility of caring for five children and two grandchildren who are still in school. To sustain our family, I work at a temporary job, selling water at a borehole in the village, while my husband stays at home. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I had been paying school fees in instalments, leading to the accumulation of arrears. However, upon receiving the transfer, I immediately took action and used $150 to clear the outstanding fees. I also spent $122 to renovate our house, which had suffered due to the use of mud walls. Moreover, I invested $40 in buying a goat, and with the remaining funds, I purchased essential food supplies. The weight of this financial burden has been lifted from my shoulders, and I can finally take a breath of relief, knowing that I have settled all the school fee arrears, relieving us from that persistent worry. The assistance received has significantly improved our lives, and I will forever be grateful for the positive impact it has made on our family's well-being."

"I am a subsistence farmer, and my wife is a teacher. Together, we are blessed with three children. Upon receiving my second transfer, I saw an opportunity to make some important investments for our family's well-being. Firstly, I used $150 to purchase a dairy cow, a decision that will significantly reduce our daily expenses on milk. Financial constraints had prevented us from buying one before, as my income is not always consistent. Recognizing the importance of clean water, I spent $120 to buy a water tank for storing water for our daily needs. This would ensure we have a reliable supply of clean water. Furthermore, I ventured into a poultry project by purchasing nine hens for $54, a step towards diversifying our income sources. Lastly, I invested $40 in buying a bed for my children, enhancing their comfort and well-being. Looking back, I am both relieved and grateful for the significant achievements we have made in such a short period. These thoughtful investments have brought us hope and stability, laying the foundation for a brighter future for our family."

"My ultimate goal is to construct a new house to replace the current one, which has a grass-thatched roof that is in a deteriorating condition. However, with many children in school—six in total—and their father working as a water hawker in Mombasa, financial limitations persist. Am excited about harvesting enough food this planting season that will serve my family for at least four months, offering some relief amidst the challenges we face. This will open the door for me to start working towards building the new house. I want to buy the building materials like iron sheets and building poles then hire someone later to complete the task."

"I allocated $20 from my July transfers as savings to our four-member savings group. The aim is to accumulate enough funds to construct a spacious and sturdy house. Currently, my existing house is in a dilapidated state, with the iron sheets riddled with holes that allow rainwater to seep inside. The one-room dwelling fails to provide ample space for me and my four children. The prospect of sleeping in a secure and comfortable home fills me with happiness and excitement. In addition to saving for the house, I also spent $10 on purchasing food to feed my family. Unfortunately, my income from charcoal sales is quite meager, and as the sole breadwinner, it falls short of meeting all our needs. To ensure my children could sit for their midterm exams, I set aside $4 for the required fees. I take immense pride in my children's academic progress, and thanks to the financial support from our monthly transfers, they have never faced the risk of being sent home due to outstanding school fees."

"Since I began receiving cash transfers, I have been saving $20 from each transfer through a self-help group. My ultimate goal is to accumulate enough funds to build a better house, as my current one is in poor condition. The deteriorating palm-leave roof allows water to seep in whenever it rains. As a herdsman, I know my job alone cannot generate enough money for a new house, hence the importance of saving. After setting aside $20 for savings, I spend the remaining $14 on purchasing food for my family. This not only supports my father, who works tirelessly to provide for us but also gives me the chance to contribute to our needs and ease some of the pressure off him."

"Cash is fat better than anything"