"As a 22-year-old with big dreams of being a sought-after doctor, waking up to stay idle on a daily wears my heart out. I feel like my life is at a standstill with no hope of even a little light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that one day, I will live to tell a story of how I made it through university and be an inspiration to many youngsters who would be in the position I am now."

"Inadequate customers for my occupation is the difficulty I am going through. Making a meaningful income in the motorcycle taxi business depends on the number of passengers you ferry. January is always a tough month. I used to make 1,500 KES daily in December because it was a festive season. Passengers were all over. As of now, I hardly make 5,00 KES per day."

"The last year took with it all my livestock. We were hit by a drought that did not leave anything alive. my love for farming was crushed but I hope to bounce back. As a fallback plan, I used the last of my pension money to start a retail shop. I do not have much stock, therefore, I intend to pump all the money I get into it. This business will help me to pay school fees for two of my children who are in secondary school and probably send the other two who are at home to Colleges. I am excited at the prospect of my business getting a boost."

"Old age comes with economic unproductivity due to mobility limitations. At 64 years of age, I can no longer actively do farming or charcoal-burning as before. This leaves me with no other option other than depending on my sons who work in Mombasa. Sometimes I feel I am overburdening them because they also have their families to take care of."

"Education for my children is my top priority. I am a mother of 5 children who are all in school. Being unemployed makes me struggle to keep them in school due to huge fee arrears. My husband who works as a driver tries to support them but it is overwhelming. A bigger percentage of the income he makes ( 9,000 KES per month) goes into buying food, leaving a tiny amount for the tuition fees. This money will help me support my children's education."

"Getting this first transfer will enable us get proper medication for my husband, we have a debt at a local clinic where he was treated; and every month he needs at least 3000Ksh for travel expenses and even to buy other special foods recommended by physiotherapist. Now we will be able to pay school fees for my children who one is in highschool and the the 2 in primary school(class 5 and class 3).they all need at least 20000ksh. The rest of the money we will be used to budget food, and save the rest."

"I'm glad to be part of Givedirectly community that will benefit from the unconditional cash transfer, because I now plan to buy myself goats, a small number that I can take care of them. I will buy myself enough stock of food like bundles of maize, beans, enough cooking oil and enjoy food that I once have wanted but I couldn't afford."

"This will be an opportunity to pay school fees for my granddaughter who is in form one, she finished primary earlier but she stayed out for long because I had no resources, so this now means I have to pay full tuition fees for her to stay and in school and excel. I plan to use the next transfer of 55000 KSH to change my life by gifting myself with a new house which will be a 3 rooms, which will be big house to host many visitors."

"I was sitting before my hut when I heard the phone ring because I was told that a cash transfer would come. It was a thing of joy and astonishment. I couldn't believe it until my son read the message and confirmed that it was indeed a cash transfer. I can't explain the joy I feel, it's a dream and I'm grateful."

"I am a widower with no children to depend on, the only child I had passed on many years ago. At my old age doing hard jobs is also not possible and this has left me with no choice but to depend on neighbors for assistance. My dream has always been to buy goats since they do well in dry areas. They will come in handy when they start to multiply because I will now be able to buy food and take care of myself without depending on anyone. I plan to be purchasing these livestock every month because they each cost 2000 KES as I use the remaining KES 1000 on food. Receiving this money will give me hope in life because I will start taking care of myself without worrying about tomorrow."