"After completing my tailoring studies at Mtawapa Polytechnic, I faced the challenge of lacking a sewing machine and a suitable location for my business. As a result, I chose to start a vegetable-selling venture. This decision has allowed me to support my family and meet my needs independently. My goal is to save significantly from this business and my monthly earnings so that I can open a tailoring shop within the next year. I am optimistic about excelling in tailoring, as I now possess the necessary skills. I hope to purchase a sewing machine soon and establish my shop, showcasing a variety of dresses and garments that reflect my abilities in different materials and designs. This transition will empower me and boost my confidence in succeeding. Currently, I haven't secured the capital for the sewing machine or business premises. Through my vegetable business, I've employed someone and am paying her 200 shillings. Additionally, I'm working in a shop selling sweets while saving for my own premises. I estimate that I need $11 for the sewing machine and around $30 in total for materials and to cover the business's premises."

"We currently live in a two-roomed house with my three children and my spouse. As my children are growing up quickly, they need their own space and privacy. My two boys require their own room, as does my daughter.To address this need, I plan to expand our house. I want my spouse and I to have our own room, as well as separate rooms our boys and our daughter. I want to avoid situations where my boys have to put up with their friends from the neighborhood due to a lack of space, which is a common occurrence for some of their friends.In the coming year and beyond, I am determined to improve our living conditions for the sake of my family, particularly my three children. I want to provide them with a comfortable environment where they can enjoy their time and have their own privacy. Currently, I am part of a merry-go-round group, and when it is my turn to receive my transfer, I will immediately start purchasing materials for the construction project. This opportunity will allow me to take the necessary steps to create a better home for my family."

"My objective for this year and the years to come is to improve my house by expanding it to two rooms. This will provide enough space for my family to live comfortably. In addition to that, I plan to buy more livestock, as they will provide a sustainable source of income. I intend to use the GiveDirectly transfers to make these goals a reality. The thought of achieving these improvements fills me with joy, as it will greatly enhance my family’s quality of life and financial stability. I am grateful for the support that makes these dreams possible."

"For this year and beyond, my goal is to finish renovating my house and complete the granary. Once these are done, I will focus on paying my children's school fees, knowing we have a secure home and enough food from the harvest. I plan to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to help make this possible. This will bring me peace of mind, as I will be able to meet my family's needs. With this, I can ensure a better future for my children."

"Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I immediately allocated the money to my most urgent needs. I used $400 to support my son's education, which covered his school fees, rent, and food. This support was timely, as my son's education was about to stop due to the floods. Previously, I depended on farming to sustain my son's education, but the floods swept away my farm, making it difficult to raise the necessary funds. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to address this issue, and I am very grateful for the support. I used the remaining $50 to buy food for the family, as we had no harvest, and hunger was a significant problem. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to tackle these two major challenges and ensure my family’s well-being."

"My plan for this year and beyond is to start and sustain a garden farm. I want to plant vegetables that will provide the necessary food for my family while also allowing me to make daily sales for extra income. This additional income will help me meet the future medical costs of my husband. I plan to use the GiveDirectly transfers to make this vision a reality. Thinking about the success of this plan fills me with joy because I know that with the capital GiveDirectly has provided, everything is possible. Their support has made this dream achievable, and I am excited about the future."

"When I received $450 from GiveDirectly in their recent transfer, I was filled with gratitude and used the money to improve my life. I spent $200 to buy a cow because I didn’t have one before. This cow will help supply food for my family, as it will provide milk, and it will also be a future source of income as it reproduces and grows into a larger herd. After that, I used $150 to buy a television because I wanted to stay updated with the current affairs in the country. My children were also insisting on having one, as they wanted to watch their favorite shows without having to go to neighbors who already had a Television. I used the rest of the money to buy food, as before being enrolled in the GiveDirectly program, we were greatly affected by floods, and my farm was swept away, leaving us with no harvest. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family was able to eat, and we are now in a better position."

"What works well with the GiveDirectly program is that their unconditional cash support is not a loan. I do not have to repay it, which makes a huge difference in my life. This support has truly changed my life, as I have never experienced anything like this before. With this assistance, I have been able to improve my living standards and meet my family's needs. Everything is going well with the current program, and I believe GiveDirectly should continue offering this kind of support to others, as it has had such a positive impact on my life."

"What stood out to me about GiveDirectly is the professional nature of their staff. They were calm, respectful, and kind throughout the process. They took their time to inform us thoroughly, without any sense of hurry or impatience. I truly appreciate how well the program is run and have no recommendations for changes. From my experience, the current program is working exceptionally well, and I believe GiveDirectly should continue with this approach. Their professionalism and efficiency have made a positive and lasting impression on me."

"My main goal this year and in the future is to finish improving my house. I plan to add an extra room, making it a two-room house. This will create enough space for my family and allow us to live more comfortably. I intend to use the next transfer from GiveDirectly to achieve this dream. The thought of completing this project fills me with happiness, knowing my family will have a suitable and comfortable place to live."