"I have desired to build a decent and spacious house for my family. This is because we have been living with my 6 children in a small leaking structure and almost open. It was such a pathetic condition during the winter period as kids were always diagnosed with cold-related illnesses. I spent the recent transfers to construct a modern two-roomed, mud-plastered house for the family. Nowadays, I am glad we are living in a nice shelter courtesy of the aid from GiveDirectly. Moreover, I used part of the remaining amount to acquire new furniture that are bed and mattress, table and chairs. Lastly, I bought a solar lighting system for my house. At the moment, I am happy to get enough light at night and my children can now afford to do their night studies at home."

"I have relied heavily on farming for the last three years to make a living. I had to give up farming when the drought hit our region, so I started working manual labor jobs like building houses to support my family instead (wife and six children). My children are split between primary and secondary education, with three attending secondary school. When compared to how much I make each day, the school expenses I must cover for my kids are very high. As a result, I made the decision to start a poultry farm and sell chicken eggs to make a living. I was able to buy some layers with the money I had saved from previous transfers, who have since multiplied and now number 73. To ensure the security and comfort of my flock of chickens, I spent the entire $34 in transfers I received in December building a coop. In order to ensure their visibility at night and to increase production, I also purchased a solar light. Last but not least, I used $10 from the December transfers to purchase starter mash, which will help the hens grow effectively. I'm grateful that the funds have given the construction of the chicken coop a significant financial boost. With the project up and running, I am confident that I will have a secondary source of income that will enable me to cover my children's school expenses and also buy food for the family."

"I was using rechargeable solar lighting bulbs that I purchased on a hire-purchase basis and paid for in weekly installments. Even though I had not been consistent in making the payment, I am grateful that they were considerate enough to continue lighting up my home. They turned it off the month before I received the transfer because I had defaulted a lot and had to look for a full amount to be given the services back. The first transfer bailed me out when I paid off a $70 debt, allowing me to enjoy lighting as well as the use of a radio that came with the lighting equipment. Previously, I was reliant on a grocery store that I had to close because my mother became ill and I needed to be there for her as well as my three school-going children. I am glad she's feeling better and can cook for herself again. I also built a new house to replace an old hut that was almost falling. Termites had destroyed the walls, and the roof leaked during rainy seasons. I spent $300 on construction materials and labor charges. We are now content to live in a warm room.  I also paid $50 in school fees for my three children and purchased five chickens and two ducks for $25, with the intention of breeding and selling their products and chicks in the future. The remainder was later spent on food for my family of five, as well as miscellaneous expenses during the Christmas season."

"I spent $125 on new bedding and a new bed after receiving the first transfer. For a long time, I had been sleeping on old rags on the floor, which had caused severe back pain. I was concerned about the potential health consequences, but now I am grateful that GiveDirectly has changed my story. I also spent $40 on expanding and bringing in more birds to increase egg production and thus generate additional income. I also spent $65 on new clothing and shoes for my family of five, $5 on a new storage bag that I am currently using to store my clean clothes, $5 on new utensils, and $20 on school fees for my three children. In addition, for $78, I purchased a solar lighting system that included a battery and three bulbs and spent the remainder on food items such as rice, sugar, baking flour, wheat flour, and other items used during Christmas celebrations."

"My husband works in a maize mill company in Kilifi town in the packaging department. Together we have five children and it has been a struggle to support us since he is the breadwinner. I spent my first transfer on buying three goats and furnishing the house with three mattresses and a bed for the family. I paid the remaining amount for my children’s outstanding school fees and bought them new school uniforms. The second transfer of $300 was used to lease a piece of land because I wanted to take advantage of the rainy season. My children were straining to do their schoolwork at night, hence bought solar lights for the whole house, which cost me $15. I have also started rearing goats, which prompted me to buy another goat and two chickens for $22. The rest of the money we used was in buying food because my husband was late in receiving his salary."

"The transfer was of great help to me, I spent $240 to clear the second term fee arrears for my 4th born child who is in a national secondary school. Currently, I am happy that my kid is learning without any interruption. In addition, I used $180 to purchase a solar lighting system for our house. Previously, we were using paraffin lumps which did not provide enough light. Similarly, it requires purchasing paraffin every day which is costly. This was making my kids late to school every morning since it could end before 5am in the morning when they were required to start preparing for school since they are located a long distance. Furthermore, I bought proper modern bedding for $115 for myself, I was using mats and a traditional treads twisted bed which was not comfortable because I always felt body pains every morning."

"Thanks to Give Directly cash transfers, I installed a solar system in my house last month. Using torch globes attached to battery cells for lighting was becoming inconvenient for me because they provided dim lighting. Most are the times I would stay in the dark and worry for my safety all night. I could not afford solar lighting then, because I lacked the necessary resources to fund the installation. Being my sole provider, my son who works as a motorcyclist can barely afford any want beyond the basics such as food. Gladly, the money from Give Directly was enough to pay for the solar services. Having paid a deposit for the installation fee using my first transfer, it was only reasonable that I settle the amount with the recent transfer. This is why I used $15 to pay the solar company. I spent the remaining amount on food because I had starved throughout the day after my household ran out of maize flour the previous night.I am grateful that I no longer worry about the dark and hunger. I get goosebumps from the happiness bestowed upon me by the cash transfers. "

"Initially, I did not have any source of light hence I resorted to us a kerosene lantern. Although it had not been convenient and economical, I could not acquire an alternative source of lighting because I did not have money. However, since I received my transfer, I now have a better source of light after buying a solar lighting system. As a result, my children can study well without the struggle of getting a complementary lighting system. To me, this is the biggest difference GiveDirectly transfers have created in my life."

"For several years, I had been sleeping on a mat on the floor since I did not have a bed. On getting the money I opted to end this situation completely thus, I bought a bed and a mattress for KES 9000.00. I also bought solar lights for light provision because buying paraffin every day was very expensive for me which forced me to be in the dark at night. Thereafter, I decided to get a helper because I had no wife. I got married and used KES 20000.00 to pay part of the dowry to mark the start of a long journey. For the remaining amount, I reserved for the family upkeep."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently own a proper source of light for my house after purchasing solar light systems. Previously, I was sleeping in the dark because the kerosene lamp could not provide enough light and always require kerosene that is expensive. In addition, I am currently sleeping on proper beddings something that has made my nights enjoyable."