"I remember the day we received that cash transfer from GiveDirectly like it was yesterday. It was a lifeline that changed our lives in ways I can't even put into words. My heart swelled with gratitude because that money meant I could finally afford the medication my ailing husband desperately needed. Watching him regain his strength and smile again brought tears of joy to my eyes. But it wasn't just about the medicine; it was about not having to go to bed hungry anymore. No more empty stomachs and worried nights, we could put food on the table every day. That gift from GiveDirectly was like a ray of sunshine after a long, night, and it filled our lives with hope, health, and happiness."

"I have 6 chicken with chicks. I needed to replace my rooster as I had gotten rid of the older one. I spent $12 from my July transfers acquiring a new rooster. I also bought chicken feed for the rest of my chicken at $11in July and September. In August I also added one hen to the already existing hens. This month I have been looking for a goat and still looking with a budget of $20. I also spent some of my transfers buying food in August at $5 and also paying school fees for my child at $60 in July. I sought treatment for my child with speech issues adding $4.5 from my July transfers to my savings to get enough medicine and paying for consultation. I accrued a debt of $2 in July which I paid with August transfers."

"The transfers I have received from Givedirectly have proven productive in my life. I have been able to purchase food, support my husband who works in the city, join a savings group as well as bought livestock. In July I spent my cash transfers paying exam fees for my child $2, I bought a chicken worth $4, I bought shopping exceeding $10 over the month. In August I spent $2 again on exam fees, I saved $10 to an informal savings group, and also got food at $10. In the month of September I sent my husband $5 as he was stuck financially, I bought medicine for my goat worth $5.5, I bought toiletries at about $5, I got shoes at $1.5 and clothes for my child at $2, I bought food rolling over the month worth more that $15 from my transfers."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is the abundance of food since receiving the initial transfer. In the past, we consumed whatever food was available, without considering whether it constituted a balanced diet or not. Thanks to this support, I managed to obtain a sufficient supply of maize and have been able to purchase various groceries with the daily income I earned from selling herbal medicines. This has entirely replaced our reliance on potatoes, and now my family and I can enjoy more than one meal a day."

"I invested last month's transfer and my savings to purchase a goat worth $40. My plan is to raise it and eventually sell its offspring. This plan is aimed at generating income to cover the school fees for my five children, one of whom is in college while the other four are in primary school. My husband, lacks stable employment, and relies on selling of traditional medicine, which doesn't yield a significant income. So, we mostly depend on Givedirectly transfers to sustain our household. At times I sell charcoal and vegetables to contribute to our financial well-being."

"I've been through some tough times lately. I can't even stand or walk because of an illness that's taken over me. But when I received that cash from GiveDirectly, it felt like a lifeline. With the help of my young brother, we made sure I wouldn't go hungry. We bought some food that not only filled my belly but also gave me some strength back. Those meals shared with my brother became precious moments of connection and care amid my struggles. But I knew that food alone wouldn't make me better. So, I used a significant part of the money to seek medical treatment. Finally, I could afford the medicine and care I needed to fight this illness. It's not been an easy journey, but every day, I'm a little closer to getting back on my feet. GiveDirectly didn't just provide cash; they gave me hope and the chance to heal."

"I have recently made a payment of $13 to cover the school fees for my daughter, who is in Preparatory 1 at Ikanga Primary School. This payment ensures that she will not be sent home during the term, allowing her to have uninterrupted learning, which is crucial for her academic performance at the end of each term. In addition to my daughter's fees, two months ago, I welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family. To ensure his well-being, I allocated the remaining $21 to purchase essential items such as food, medicine, baby clothes, and other necessary supplies. This financial assistance has been particularly valuable to me, as I had previously left my job at an eatery several months before giving birth. It has provided a significant boost in ensuring that I have all the essential items required as a mother. I am grateful for the assistance and the positive impact it has had on my life."

"My Two year old son has been ailing for while now. Due to his persistent ailment, I was then referred to a Hospital in Mombasa and scheduled for monthly check-ups. In July after receiving the transfers, I allocated $10 to cover his medical expenses. I purchased medicine at $5 and used the remaining $5 on our transport. I then put $15 in savings, leaving me with $9, which was then spent on food for my household. Earlier in that month, my husband lost his Job, so I took over the role of the main breadwinner while he tries to navigate the situation. Before, we used to share the financial responsibilities, but he's currently facing difficulties. To help the situation, I also operate a small business. Amidst these responsibilities, I've been setting aside a portion of the transfers with the intention of reviving my business. Accumulating a sum of $250, I'm now ready to launch the business in November. This upcoming project gives me excitement and joy."

"The transfer will be of good help, we need a separate house from the children. A two-roomed whole rounded iron sheet is enough. Iron sheets lasts longer and cannot be eaten by termites. We plan to use about $500 for this house. If possible later, we can source other funds to cement the floor. It's expensive constructing a house. Investing in goats is a marvelous idea, they do well under the scorching sun. They just need enough water, medicine and little pasture. We'll buy about 10 goats at a cost of $300. This means we can have something to support our family in the future. Goat prices are good around here. Chicken also do well, we need to invest about $50. They will supplement our food and solve small emergencies. On big cock can be sold for $10. Additionally, we don't have enough household items like clothes, food stuff and utensils. I plan to use about $300 to buy this items. This means we can relax with my wife not worrying about many things. Our children will also be looking good."

"Due to persistent eye problems affecting my work ability. I need to solve this, it has been there since early 2021. I need to visit a good eye specialist. The previous engagement with a doctor indicated that I need about $150. After treating myself, I know that I can work well without worrying about my eye. Secondly, I need to make a good investment in goats. I currently have 4. I plan to buy 20 more. This will cost me about $500. They do well here, hence in no time, I will be owning a large stock. This will support my future activities. It can also act as a cushion during emergencies. I also need to optimize my farm. Mangoes do well here, I will plant 20 mangoes on my land. This will cost approximately $100. They have a 5-year maturity. I also need to expand my poultry. I now have 3 hens. I will then buy 50 more chicks. This project will cost me approximately $150. It's easy rearing chicken, you only need enough feeds and medicine. They also start fetching income faster."