"The biggest hardship that I am faced with is lack of money to do the things that I would like to do. I don't have any income generating activity with which to raise money that I can use to improve my standard of living. I would have loved a situation where I am able to earn some money at the end of every month but this has not been made possible. Life is just hard for me."

"Before GiveDirectly came, I was a housewife and I entirely depended on my husband on everything. As a result, we couldn't engage in any developmental projects since his meager income could only cater for my household pressing needs. I am so happy because through GiveDirectly's transfers I have started a posho mill business which I am able to meet most of the household needs without relying on my spouse especially on the education of my children. Currently, we are sharing responsibilities thus my spouse is not overwhelmed with a lot of responsibilities as he used to. The fact that I can make extra income and save in a table banking with my neighbors makes me feel more challenged in terms of decision making for my family's economic growth."

"The biggest hardship faced in my life is not knowing my father before becoming an adult, then on top of that, failing to bear my own children."

"It almost 3 am when I heard my phone vibrating continuously. I decided to check what the message was all about. I realized that the money that had been promised by GiveDirectly had hit in my M-Pesa account. I was sure now that the dreams I always had would finally be achieved with the help of the transfer. I was so happy."

"Having started my own saloon business has made my life to be totally different. Previously, I was employed at the closest saloon and the commissions on a daily basis was little to support me in terms of providing for my family. GiveDirectly, transformed everything since I used the money to put up my own saloon business which is now running smoothly and the profits helps me meet my needs with ease. In addition, I purchased a pair of oxen to aid in farming. Having these pair to me is more effective and economical compared to using hoes which I had before . I am certain when the time for cultivation comes I would be able to prepare my farm early enough and fully utilize the whole acreage within the shortest time possible. Therefore, I will also be assured of food security in my household after using the required inputs in the land preparation."

"The moment my son told me that the money was in my phone, I became so happy and I thanked God for the transfers."

"There is a change in my life now, I have constructed a safe and spacious iron roofed house which I hope to move into after plastering, fixing the doors and windows. Currently I am sleeping in a hut with a leaky roof and I worry that it may collapse on me any time since there cracks on the wall."

"My life is good now, my health has generally improved because I feed well and on time. I have also got energy and I am able to farm . Being, an HIV postive patient, life was not easy before I received the transfers. I was sickly with inadequate medical attension. I was not able to feed well due to lack of money. I thank GiveDirectly for giving me better life again."

"The big difference in my life is that, I am no longer sickly since I received the money because I have at least two meals in a day. Before I got the money, my family could have a meal in a day and majorly ate one type of locally available source(greens). Once in a while we went to bed hungry."

"There is a big difference in my life because I have been able to make an extension in my house to a double room, it is now spacious and very comfortable. Before, I just had a single room which was not spacious enough."