"I am a farmer. Things were not too fine for my family and I. I had always wanted to do a commercial motorcycle business. I have not been able to do that due to poverty. Our house has not been in a good condition. Sometimes getting my children tuition used to be so difficult. I had no new goals before receiving this payment. My goal has been to build a house and pay my children school fees in full. I was overwhelmed when I received my payment. Being enrolled in this program is a dream come true. I am so grateful for this opportunity."

"I am a father of five and have been working as a casual motorcycle rider and livestock selling agent. The income from these has helped feed my family and school my kids. Working as a livestock broking agent job for the past three years had its challenges. This is because as the middle man the owners would underrate us, especially during payment. Therefore, when I received the transfers I used KES 30,000 as capital for the livestock broking business. As a result, I am confidently doing my business and can challenge the livestock owners unlike before. Secondly, KES 20,000 was spent on school fees payment for my daughter and son in high school. This has ensured my kids concentrate on their studies unlike before when they used to be sent in and out of school. Similarly, KES 5000 was spent on the latest clothing fashion for my family. Initially, I used to afford second-hand clothes. Lastly, KES 1000 was spent on food and household items." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"The first plan in my mind is to make business and build my own house. I want to invest in to business because with that I will be able to get more money to take care of my self and go back to school." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I intend to buy zinc with my most recent transfer to start my house project." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"The best accomplishment I have had in the previous week is getting a new pair of jeans with my first transfer. Before, I wore ragged trousers that were unsuitable for my line of work as a motorcycle rider. When I am out in public, the new outfit gives me more confidence. "

"It is through GiveDirectly that I have a motorcycle for myself. I am very grateful for getting on GiveDirectly program. Because without GiveDirectly I could not have owned a motorcycle soon enough. This I find as something so well that GiveDirectly is doing. And as for things not done well, I am not aware of any."

"I used KES 10000 to clear school fees for my child who was joining secondary school and used another KES 20000 to improve my house. The remaining amount was used to buy food and other basic household needs. I made a decision to improve my timber walled house to make it better and warmer than it was before. I bought soft boards which I erected on the walls and also did the painting. I also fixed windows and window panes that were not fixed before.What remains is the floor of the house which God willing shall be complete once I receive the second transfer. I feel so much happy and lucky to have been part of GiveDirectly beneficiaries." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"I am currently separated from my husband, and I moved back home with my two children. Life has given me a taste of bitter lemons which most of the time have been forced to enjoy the lemonade. My firstborn son, sixteen years and in class seven, was mentally ill at an early age. The illness took the better part of his childhood, hence delaying him from starting school. After medication for some years, he fully recovered and now he joined his younger sister in school. When I received the cash, I used KES 40,000 to buy a piece of land. I bought my children’s school uniforms and home clothes with KES 4000 and paid their first term fee of KES 5000. I have been ailing from blood pressure because of the prolonged illness of my firstborn son, hence unable to even do casual jobs. I used the remaining cash to buy food for my family, which is the biggest challenge, as most of the time being forced to depend on my brothers." (Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

(Occupation: Motorcycle or bicycle taxi)

"My husband is the sole breadwinner in the family. He earns a living as a “Boda Boda” motorcycle rider. In recent months, he has faced serious financial challenges that have hindered him in fully providing for the family. The sharp rise in fuel prices has led to an increase in transport costs. His customers are opting to use alternative sources of transport. This means he does not earn any income, and it becomes difficult for him to pay school fees and buy food for the family. When I received my first transfer, I spent KES 400 to pay school fees for my son, who was in primary school and was at home due to school fee arrears. Besides paying school fees, I spent KES 800 on food for the family. The increase in food prices has made it difficult to buy food as a 2kg packet of flour goes for KES 200. The little income he earns makes him struggle to buy food daily for the family."