"I was at a prayer day at Emining Boys when I received a confirmation message that I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was with other recipients who also got the money, and it felt like even more blessings after the prayers. We all traveled back home to plan, and our journey was filled with joy, especially since most of us had received the money. My first thought was about transforming my house from a traditional manyatta to a modern one. So, my immediate plan was to buy iron sheets to make this home project a reality."

"The biggest difference since I started receiving GiveDirectly transfers has been the ability to have food to eat consistently. Before GiveDirectly, and especially after the floods, it was difficult even to find casual job opportunities, which left me broke. But thanks to GiveDirectly, I still have food despite those challenges. This means so much to me, and I am deeply grateful for what GiveDirectly has done to help me cope with the effects of the floods."

"While I was at home with two of my kids, since the other three were in school, I received a message notification. At first, I wasn't sure if it was from GiveDirectly, but after scrolling further, I confirmed that it indeed was. I had received $200 from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and filled with hope because I knew exactly how I would use the money to improve my life. My immediate thought was to clear the school fees balance for my kids, ensuring their education could continue without any interruptions."

"Every mother strives to work hard and provide the best life possible for their family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for me. I am currently struggling to put food on the table and buy my family other basic needs such as bedding and clothes. This is embarrassing and it is slowly killing my ambition as a father. I was optimistic about having a bumper harvest last season on my one acre of land. My crops were not spared by the April flash floods. I managed to harvest one bag of maize and this was the biggest loss that I had experienced."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was buy a bed and a mattress for my children. With $100, I was able to give them a proper place to sleep. Before this, they had to sleep on a mat on the floor, which became unbearable especially when the floods came. On that night, water flowed right into the house, and they were the first to suffer. Now, they have a bed that keeps them safe and dry, and I feel much more at ease knowing they can sleep comfortably. Next, I used $20 to buy cushions for our seats. The ones we had were very old and had become so uncomfortable that sitting down for even a short while was painful. With the new cushions, our living space feels much more welcoming, and we can sit together as a family without discomfort. I also bought a curtain and a utensil rack for $10. These small additions have made our home feel more organized. Lastly, I spent $30 on clothes for my children since most of what they had was ruined during the floods. I used another $10 to buy household food items, ensuring that we had enough to eat for the coming days. The remaining $5 went to a mason who helped us partition the house, giving us a bit more space and privacy. Every dollar was spent with care, and each purchase has made a significant difference in our lives."

"When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was allocate $96 to repair my motorbike. It had been lying useless and was in dire need of maintenance, and since I rely on it to transport vegetables from my farm to the market, it was essential to get it fixed. Without it, I couldn't efficiently take my produce to sell, nor could I transport my maize to the designated drying area. With the repairs done, I could continue my work without disruptions, ensuring that I made the most out of my harvests. I then used $40 to pay for my daughter’s school fees in Grade 6 and attends a boarding school. With this payment, I could focus on other pressing needs without worrying about her education being interrupted. It gave me peace of mind knowing that she could continue her studies without any financial hiccups. Lastly, I spent $13 on sacks needed for maize harvesting. These sacks are crucial for storing the maize safely and preventing any post harvest losses. After that, I used the remaining money to pay for labor during the maize harvesting process. Hiring help was necessary to ensure that the harvesting was done efficiently and timely. The cash transfer helped me manage these essential tasks, which are vital for my family’s well-being."

"My goal is to have cows in the coming year. I have bought 3 goats so far, 4 ducks and 6 chicken which I have all gotten thanks to the transfers. My plan is to build this number to be able to exchange them for cows. I cow can be bought for the price of six goats. I believe animals are a good place to start with investments that will ensure I educate my children and feed them"

"In the coming year and beyond, my major goal is to establish a goat farming investment. I have realized that raising goats is a smart way to secure my family's future. I plan to start small and gradually build a herd that will grow over time. As the herd increases, I can begin selling the male goats, which will provide a steady income to support my family's needs, from food to education. This investment will give me the stability I've been searching for, allowing me to take care of my loved ones and ensure we have a better, brighter future."

"In the coming year, my biggest hope is to finally get a better bed and a new mattress. Right now, the bed I have is broken, and my mattress is so tattered that it's hard to get a good night's sleep. I want to save little by little so that I can afford a sturdy bed and a comfortable mattress. With each month, I’ll set aside what I can until I have enough to make this happen. I believe that with better rest, I’ll have more energy and peace of mind to face each day and take care of my family."

"In the upcoming year, my main goal is to start a small shop that will provide a reliable source of income for my family. I have been carefully saving what I can and plan to continue setting aside some money each month to achieve this dream. With each bit I save, I am one step closer to opening the doors of my shop. This shop will not only provide for my family's daily needs but also give us financial stability. This business will be the foundation on which I build a better future for my family."