"In the coming year and beyond, my goal is to establish a hides and skin selling business. I plan to source hides and skins from local butcheries and households within the village whenever there's a goat or cow slaughter, as well as from nearby meat sellers. My intention is to sell these hides and skins in bulk to a buyer in Nakuru, aiming for a profitable venture that can sustain my daily expenses and overall livelihood. This decision is driven by the need for a consistent income source, as I currently lack any income-generating employment opportunities."

"I want my cows to be old enough to give me milk for my kids."

"With my second transfer, I chose to channel most of the funds into establishing income sources to sustain my family. Firstly, I purchased a cow for $360, envisioning a future milk business. Additionally, I spent $12 on acquiring chicks to initiate a chicken farming venture. Lastly, I allocated $130 to provide my children with appropriate school uniforms, books, and to settle their school fees in full."

"For over three years now, my family's livelihood has revolved around my small-scale tailoring business, primarily catering to local customers for clothing repairs, with a special focus on school uniform mending, which has consistently provided valuable income for our family of six. The unwavering support from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer, enabling me to embark on projects that were once beyond reach and can supplement the tailoring business. With the second transfer, I invested $100 in acquiring four rolls of chainlink, which allowed me to erect a protective fence around my land, safeguarding my crops from livestock intrusion. I also allocated $100 to cover school fees for my two children—one in secondary school and the other in primary school—ensuring they completed the term without disruptions. Additionally, I purchased essential food supplies worth $50, while prudently saving the remaining $200 with the intention of acquiring a cow. This endeavor aligns with my aspiration to expand our livestock farming; by engaging in breeding, I foresee opportunities to sell offspring, thereby addressing various expenses, including my children's school fees, in the future. I am truly appreciative of GiveDirectly's role in enabling these positive changes in my family's lives."

"Thanks to the transfers I have received from Give Directly, I have been able to acquire four goats. The exciting news is that these goats are soon expected to give birth, effectively doubling my initial investment. Considering this positive outcome, I am eager to further expand my livestock holdings by purchasing additional animals to complement the four goats, four sheep, and ten cows I already possess. This decision proves to be a wise investment strategy as it provides a safety net in case of unforeseen emergencies. If the need arises, I can sell some of the livestock to address the emergency situation. Additionally, as the animals reproduce, my investment grows further. The financial support I have received has brought immense happiness during a challenging period in my life. It has not only enabled me to purchase food but also provided the means to pay for my son's education. I am truly grateful for this assistance, as it has been instrumental in alleviating financial burdens and ensuring the well-being of my family."

"In the coming year and beyond, my aspiration is to establish a fence around my grazing area for the cows and goats that have become integral to my livelihood. Given the expansion with the acquisition of more goats following the second transfer, my primary goal is to devise a strategy to ensure sufficient nourishment for my growing livestock. This strategic move not only serves to segregate neighboring animals but also fosters the flourishing of grass and vegetation. Despite the absence of immediate financial resources, my determination remains unwavering, and I am committed to diligently accumulating savings through my existing business endeavors. These accumulated funds will eventually be channeled towards the acquisition of necessary materials, manifesting my vision of a secure and thriving environment for my animals and, consequently, the sustainability of my family's well-being."

"When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, the first thing I did was buy a mattress for $40. You see, I used to sleep on a thin mat that never really gave me a good night's rest. But now, with my new mattress, I sink into a world of comfort every night. It's incredible how something as simple as a mattress can make such a difference. I wake up feeling refreshed, ready to take on the day ahead with newfound energy. With a portion of the remaining money, I decided to invest $328 in my animal vending business. I used to sell goats and cows, but the business had fallen on hard times. The extra funds allowed me to breathe new life into it. I bought more livestock, improved their living conditions, and ensured they were healthy and ready for sale. This has turned out to be a wise move, as my business has started to flourish once again. I'm not only providing for my own family but also helping others in the community get the animals they need. My heart is full knowing that my decision to revive my business is positively impacting so many lives."

"I was overjoyed when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With $475 of the second transfer I received, I decided to invest in a brighter future for my family. I bought two cows, understanding that this investment could bring us some income. These cows would not only provide us with fresh milk for our consumption, promoting a healthier living but also become a source of income through their milk sales. After purchasing the cows, I still had some funds left, and I was determined to make every penny count. I used the remaining amount to buy essential food items and household supplies. This not only ensured that our immediate needs were met but also relieved a significant burden from our daily lives. The relief of having enough food and necessary items was immeasurable, allowing us to focus on improving our livelihoods without the constant worry of scarcity."

"I generate income by raising livestock, consisting of eight animals in total, four goats and four cows. My primary source of revenue is the sale of milk from the dairy cows, which amounts to $1. This income has been instrumental in providing for my family of three, covering essential expenses like food. I am deeply appreciative of the financial support I receive through these transfers, as they have greatly assisted me in navigating various challenges. However, the $1 generated from milk sales falls short in meeting our family's needs, which include school fees and additional food expenses. Given our surplus of food following a successful harvest, I decided to allocate my August transfers towards purchasing an additional goat for $30, thereby expanding our livestock holdings. This strategic investment in livestock serves as a safeguard for the future, offering a valuable asset that can be utilized during times of necessity. Furthermore, I utilized the remaining $4 from the transfers to acquire supplementary food provisions for my family."

"I can now eat and live a better life. My family is fine. I can now farm and have cows."