"I spent my transfer to purchase building materials including 60 building poles, timber, 20 iron sheets, and set aside KES 9,000 for labour cost. This was for the construction of a new decent and more spacious house for my family. The one I had earlier had collapsed and I was forced to stay in my son's house since I did not have money to build new one. I also purchased 6 goats for KES 17,000 this is a future investment to assist me in educating my kids once they complete secondary education. I will sell some to advanced their studies. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring enough food for the family."

"It was around 5 am I was still in my home preparing to go to work since I am a charcoal burning which requires me to wake up early before the sun became unbearable. I was visited by my grandchild who informed me that I should check my phone since they had received their cash aid. I had to walk to my helper's house to verify on my phone If I had received my transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy after she disclosed to me that I had received my transfer that we were promised by GiveDirectly during the enrollment stage. I thank God for the aid."

"I spent KES 40,000 to construct a decent and specious shelter for my family. I bought building poles, timber, and 33 iron sheets which are enough to build a 3 roomed house for my family. This is because the house I had earlier was very small to fully accommodate me, my co-wife, and the children. In addition, I was living in the same house with my grown-up daughters which was against our customs. Furthermore, I purchased a pair of school uniforms for each of my 4 kids who are still schooling as well as paying their fees school fee arrears of KES 10,000. I bought food sufficient food with the remaining amount."

"Before receiving this cash transfer, I could not afford to meet my family's basic needs. This was especially so because I was unemployed and had no source of income. This situation caused a lot of stress for me because I felt like I was letting down my wife and daughter. So it was such a relief when I received the cash transfer from GD. I was able to set up a business where I sell milk in my neighbourhood. From this, I can make a profit of KES 700 a week. I can now cater for my family's needs, especially food. I'm so grateful for this donation from GD."

"It was early in the morning after waking up and needed to charge my phone in my son's house since my house is not connected to electricity yet. On giving out my phone to my son, he noticed that there was a message that had just popped up. He had to read it first before switching the phone off. It was the great news from GiveDirectly that sent us celebrating and could not even charge my phone again for the next two hours. I was thankful that the hopes I had been keeping were finally bearing fruits. With my spouse at home that morning, we planned on withdrawing and later send my helper who managed to withdraw and come back home that afternoon."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is the joy I had been having since our last payment towards the plot that I am currently running my grocery business on. This has been the greatest thing to have ever happened in my family as we had been living in a small piece of land that we could not be subdivided to fit all the projects that we had. I am grateful for this support and looking forward to the second transfer that will help in the establishment of new construction and stocking of the new shop."

"I received the first transfer with a great focus on and hope of accomplishing a lot. I had been planning since I was enrolled and was glad when I finally received it since I knew I would be able to do a lot. I spent the KES20000 on obtaining five sheep that I am currently rearing with the hope of seeing them multiply after breeding. I also invested some in farming where I tilled my piece of land, and after buying seeds and planting maize and beans, I had spent a total cost of KES 8000. With the other part of the remaining amount, I spent KES15000 on the construction of an extension of my original house where I bought 12 iron sheets, timber, and also paid the labor charges. I also paid part of the credit asset I had with KES10000 and used the remaining amount on obtaining clothing and foodstuff for my household."

"The happiness I had when I received a message confirming the first transfer was immeasurable. It revived my hope of picking the projects I had been wishing to start were it not for the insufficient resources. I was with my child when I received the message. I could not believe that I was reading the message well until she confirmed that indeed it was the transfer I had been waiting for. I could not hesitate to call my helper who managed to visit the nearby shopping center, and withdrew that transfer that afternoon."

"The moment I received the money I felt so happy. I remember vividly that it was 9:30 am when I heard a message tone from my phone. When I checked it out I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and immediately called my spouse to inform her. She was so happy too. I knew I would be able to build a better house. I had always wished to but I didn't had the money. I teach in a private school and the amount of money that I get is so small. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards."

"The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a heifer. I always buy milk daily and this is so costly for me. I do not have a continuous source of income. I spend on casual jobs in the village and small scale farming. I do poultry keeping project and this also earns me some income. The amount of money that I get through this is so small and cannot meet all the basic household items. I had no extra money to buy a dairy cow. I have children in various schools and I pay there school fees through this casual jobs. When I received the transfer I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to buy a heifer. Currently I have a heifer and I know that in the next fees months I will get milk when it reproduce. I will cut the daily cost of buying milk. I will save the money that I get to meet other household items I am so happy because GiveDirectly has given us hope and build our self esteem."