"The moment I received the cash transfers, I knew exactly where I would allocate the funds, as I had already planned for them even before receiving the money. I used $54 to buy three goats, which I now keep at home as my potential asset. These goats are something I can rely on whenever I face financial hardships in life. Since I have not had any source of income due to my chest health issues, my doctor advised me to stop working. Therefore, I believe these goats will be a great help, especially during this period when I feel helpless. I have been depending on my husband for all our needs, which has not been easy for him since he relies on casual jobs to support us. In addition, I saved $26 on the merry-go-round initiative. Once the money accumulates, I plan to buy more goats in large numbers and continue growing the herd. I am confident that by the time five years pass, I will have a stable source of income and be able to support my family without much struggle. With the remaining $22, I bought a mattress for my son, who had been sleeping on an old, worn-out one. He often complained about the discomfort, and it pained me to see him endure that. Now, it’s a relief for him, and his joy is evident in the smile on his face."

"I am a passionate farmer, but for a long time, I lacked the capital to make my farming dreams a reality. However, after receiving my second cash transfer, I decided to invest in crop farming. I rented half an acre of land for $30, spent $36 on land preparation, bought 20 kg of bean seeds for $40, and spent $16 on planting. To ensure my crops had enough water, I also used $10 for irrigation. Farming has always been my passion, and this transfer finally gave me the chance to pursue it. In addition, my family's sleeping conditions have always been a concern. With a family of nine, we only had one bed, and I had been sharing it with the younger children while the older ones slept on a temporary traditional bed. Using part of the transfer, I bought two beds for $76 and one mattress for $40, ensuring my children could sleep more comfortably. Previously, they had been sleeping in a grass-thatched house, which was damaged during floods. Though we repaired it, the house still feels unsafe. To improve their living conditions, I bought building materials, including iron sheets, timber, and nails, for $92, planning to commence construction with my final transfer so my children will have a safer iron-sheet house. I also spent $16 on transportation to bring the materials home. Unfortunately, during this period, one of my children got injured, and I had to take him to the hospital, which cost me $28. Shortly after, another child fell sick with cold-related issues, and I spent $20 on treatment. With the remaining $12, I bought food, as we only had maize and lacked other essential items to meet our nutritional needs. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"My bed was old and uncomfortable, and my son didn’t have one, so I bought two beds and mattresses for $75. It felt good knowing he could finally sleep better. To ensure we had enough food, I spent $30 on a bag of maize and $6 on 5 kilograms of sugar. It gave me peace of mind knowing we wouldn’t have to worry about meals for a while. Next, I focused on my children’s education and health. My daughter in Form 2 needed school fees, so I paid $100 for her and set aside $50 for my younger daughter’s fees in January. When she fell sick, I used $20 for her medication. Later, I spent $15 on her graduation celebration, and seeing her so happy made it worth every cent. I also bought two plastic chairs for $14 to improve our seating at home, which was much needed for guests and our comfort. Finally, I invested in our home. I used $35 to buy grass for thatching and $30 for building posts to complete a house I was constructing. With the remaining funds, I bought household utensils that I lacked. This money allowed me to address critical needs, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of stability and progress."

"I was incredibly grateful to receive $450 from GiveDirectly. This support came at a critical time, enabling me to start recovering from the losses I experienced during the recent floods. I used $230 to buy iron sheets, as I plan to build a house to replace my old Manyatta home, which was swept away by the floods. Currently, I am living in a borrowed house, but I intend to complete the construction of my new home using the final transfer from GiveDirectly. After addressing the housing issue, I turned my attention to our next most urgent need—food. I spent $100 to buy enough food to ensure my family had consistent meals, especially since we had no harvest this season. Despite the challenges, we now have enough to eat, and this has been a great relief. Additionally, I used $95 to buy a bed and a mattress, as the floods also took away my previous ones. For the first time in a while, I am sleeping comfortably, and I feel a sense of normalcy returning to my life. I am truly thankful for this support, which has been instrumental in helping me rebuild and regain stability for my family."

"Life had been tough, especially with my family struggling to meet basic needs. My children had nowhere to sleep because the old bed and mattress were too small for all of us, so I spent $90 on a new bed and mattress to ensure they had a comfortable place to rest. I also bought a beehive for $90, seeing it as a great investment for the future. I can harvest honey and sell it, which will provide food for my family and income for many years to come. Farming had always been my way of making ends meet, and now with the bees, I believe it will bring even more stability.Furthermore, I used $100 to pay for my sister's school fees because she had been staying with me, and we support each other. I know how important education is, so helping her with her fees was a priority. To invest in my future, I bought one sheep for $50, as I wanted to start owning livestock like others around me. This sheep will multiply and, in time, help me sell and pay for school fees for my children. I also bought $30 worth of clothes because my family needed new clothes for the upcoming vacations and celebrations.With the remaining funds, I used the money to buy food for my family. I have three children to take care of, and both my wife and I work hard as farmers, managing livestock and growing crops. Life has changed for the better, and we thank God for this opportunity to improve our lives with the support from GiveDirectly."

"Life had been very challenging for me, especially with the responsibility of raising two children and managing a household after my husband retired as a security guard four years ago. Recognizing the need for more space for my growing sons, I used $230 from the cash transfer to buy materials to build a house for them. This decision was necessary to ensure their comfort and privacy. Additionally, I purchased a new bed and mattress for $70 because my sons had been sleeping on the sofas. I gave them my old bed so everyone in the family could sleep more comfortably.I also made essential improvements to our home. I spent $15 on two chairs and $16 on curtains to make the house more functional and welcoming. With $20, I repaired our kitchen, which had been in bad condition for some time and needed immediate attention. Unfortunately, I fell ill with typhoid and malaria and had to spend $20 on medical bills to recover. Taking care of my health was crucial for maintaining my ability to provide for my family.With the remaining amount, I bought food to ensure there was enough at home, which meant I no longer had to rely on casual jobs to feed my family. This allowed me to focus on farming and spending more time with my children. The cash transfer has transformed my life, giving me stability, better health, and peace at home, for which I am incredibly grateful."

"In the coming year and beyond, my top priority is to buy a bed and a mattress for my grandchildren. Currently, we all sleep in the same bed, which feels crowded and uncomfortable. I believe that providing them with their bed will improve their health and comfort, as well as give them a sense of independence. To achieve this goal, I am committed to saving $10 monthly. The bed I plan to buy costs $50, and the mattress is $60. This is an important step toward improving our living conditions and ensuring a healthier, happier environment for my family."

"Receiving these cash transfers will be a transformative milestone for my family’s economic stability, as we have long struggled to provide even the most basic necessities due to the absence of a steady income. My foremost priority upon receiving the funds will be to purchase food and essential household items such as mattresses, chairs, and utensils. Additionally, I plan to invest in livestock and poultry farming as a business venture to secure a sustainable future for my family."

"The cash transfer from GiveDirectly came at a time when I desperately needed help. I used $250 to buy six sheep, knowing they would multiply and provide a steady income when I sell them. This would help me cover emergencies and daily expenses. I also paid $100 for my children’s school fees, which was a huge relief, as I used to lease my land to pay for their education. My daughter had once been sent home for fees, which was a very painful experience. Furthermore, I bought a mattress and bed sheets for $50, as my children and I had been sleeping on a mat, which was very uncomfortable. The remaining $50 was used to buy food, ensuring that we had enough to eat for a while. Life has not been easy for us since my husband passed away a long time ago, and I’ve had to manage everything on my own. Before the transfer, I worked casual jobs, earning just $2 a day, which wasn’t enough to meet our basic needs.Despite the challenges, I am now able to care for my four children more comfortably. The sheep, school fees, and other purchases have already made a big difference in our lives. I feel more secure knowing I have assets and that my children can stay in school. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for this opportunity, as it has truly changed our lives for the better."

"In the past, my main goal was to get a bed and mattress for myself, as I had none and I was sleeping on the floor which was very uncomfortable. With the transfers I received, I was able to buy a bed and mattress, and I am now so grateful to sleep comfortably each night. However, I now realize that my teenage son, who is growing up quickly, also needs his own space. It no longer feels right for us to share the same living area, especially as he becomes more older. Therefore, this year, I plan to use part of my future transfers from GiveDirectly to gradually purchase building materials so I can construct a small house for him. I want both of us to have the privacy and comfort we deserve, each in our own space. I am hopeful that, little by little, I will be able to complete this project and give him this special gift. Just thinking about it fills me with joy. I am deeply grateful for these transfers, as they are making dreams like this feel within reach. I know I will be overjoyed when I can finally hand over a place my son can truly call his own."