"By next year, I plan to start keeping sheep in my homestead for business purposes. After conducting my own research, I discovered that sheep farming is thriving in this area, as there is consistently high demand. Since I am growing weary of the house construction work I currently handle, I believe this venture will be the best option for me and for those who depend on me. To achieve this goal, I am planning to borrow a loan from one of the microfinance groups I am part of. I am confident this is achievable because I have always been approved for loans since joining the initiative. With proper planning, I believe that once I buy the sheep and start the business, life will become much easier, especially when it comes to providing for my family."

"I really appreciate how the officers from GiveDirectly treated everyone in the village equally. They were kind and respectful when talking to us, and they made sure to enroll everyone in the village without any discrimination. I felt that they genuinely cared about us and our well-being. Throughout the process, I didn’t notice anything bad from GiveDirectly; everything went smoothly. The way they handled the situation was fair and transparent. I believe they are doing a great job, and I would encourage them to continue helping communities like ours in the same manner."

"When I receive my third transfer, I plan to purchase livestock, like goats, to help improve my future. Having goats will provide me with a reliable source of income and support for my family. I also want to buy a water tank to store water at home, so I won't have to travel long distances to fetch it. This will save me time and energy, allowing me to focus on other important tasks, like working on my farm. With these investments, I believe I will be able to improve my family’s quality of life and ensure a more stable future. I'm hopeful that these plans will help us grow and succeed in the years to come."

"Life has been quite challenging, especially after my farm was swept away by floods, leaving me with nothing to harvest. For many years, I’ve been affected by floods, which forced me to relocate temporarily every time they came. However, with the unconditional cash transfer, I was able to make some crucial decisions to improve my situation. I used $30 for food, as I had no crops to harvest and was relying on casual jobs to get by. Furthermore, I paid a deposit of $400 towards purchasing a piece of land, which will provide me with a safe place to farm and build a stable future. The total cost of the land was $750, and I plan to pay the remaining amount later.The floods had a significant impact on my life, and for the longest time, I felt like I couldn’t escape this cycle. However, GiveDirectly came at the right time, offering support when I needed it most. With this transfer, I could start rebuilding my life, knowing I would have a piece of land to grow my food without fear of floods. It feels like a turning point for me, and I am hopeful for the future. Additionally, I used $20 to buy school uniforms for my daughter, as I always did casual jobs to pay for her school fees. Though life has been tough, I’m happy that I can still support my daughter’s education. With my children mostly grown and living on their own, I focus on providing for my youngest at home, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from GiveDirectly, which is helping me get back on my feet."

"When I received my unconditional cash transfer, I had a clear plan on how to use it. I decided to purchase a cow for $210, and I’m happy to say that it has already given birth. Now, I can enjoy fresh milk every day, which has significantly improved my family’s health. Before, we used to buy milk, but now that I have my own cow, I no longer have to spend money on it. Additionally, I used $120 to pay school fees for my two children. In the past, I relied on selling livestock to cover school fees, so I chose to keep my sheep instead of selling them, knowing they could bring in money in the future.Furthermore, I spent $20 to weed my farm, which had been destroyed by floods. The flood damage left me struggling, but I’m working hard to restore my farm so I can grow crops again. The remaining $100 went toward food for my family, as I rely on farming and casual jobs to provide for us. With five children to take care of, the money has been a great help. Since my husband passed away a long time ago, I have been managing everything on my own. This cash transfer has lightened my burden, allowing me to focus on building a better future for my children. I am truly grateful for the support, and it has made a big difference in our lives."

"I have been living in a small house with my four children, and it has been challenging, especially as they grow older. The space is too tight, and it’s not good to sleep in one room with my children. So, when I received the cash transfer, I decided to spend $300 on iron sheets and poles to help finish the house. My plan is to complete it when I receive my third transfer, creating more space for my family. A proper house will bring comfort and dignity, and I’m excited to see this project come to life.I also used $150 from the transfer to pay my children’s school fees. It has been tough trying to find money for their education, especially since I don't have a steady job. My wife and I rely on farming and casual jobs to survive, but it’s not always enough. Education is important for my children’s future, so I had no other option but to use this money for their fees. I’m grateful that the transfer helped me meet this urgent need. ks to the support from GiveDirectly, I feel a sense of relief. I now have the resources to provide my children with the education they deserve and the space they need at home. Life has not been easy, but with these investments, I can see a brighter future ahead for my family."

"The officers from GiveDirectly treated us with respect and kindness, speaking to us in a polite and professional manner. They asked questions appropriately, ensuring we understood the process and felt comfortable sharing our needs. I appreciated how they took the time to educate us about the unconditional cash transfer program and offered guidance on making wise decisions with the money. Their approach made us feel valued and empowered to improve our lives. Honestly, I didn’t notice anything wrong with GiveDirectly’s program or how it was handled. Everything was well-organized, and I am truly grateful for their support."

"I have been struggling since I lost my husband three years ago, leaving me to care for our 11 children on my own. Despite the challenges, I have remained determined to find ways to support my family. With the $450 I received, I decided to purchase water pipes to connect to a generator, allowing me to pump water from the river to my farm. This decision was crucial because my pawpaw plants require constant watering, and the river flow to the irrigation scheme had been blocked. Having a reliable water supply has transformed my farm, and my pawpaws are thriving as a result. The water pipes have not only improved my farm but also created an opportunity for me to sell water to my neighbors. This small business provides a steady income to meet my family’s daily needs. In addition to farming, I run a poultry business, which has been a lifeline for us. With these two ventures, I can feed my children and keep them in school. Knowing that I can depend on these income streams has brought some relief to my life and allowed me to focus on building a stable future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to invest in something that has made such a significant difference in our lives. It gives me hope to see my farm flourishing and my children well provided for, even in difficult circumstances. This support has not only improved our livelihood but also restored my confidence in my ability to care for my family. The challenges remain, but with these investments, I feel better equipped to overcome them and secure a brighter future for us all."

"Life has always been a challenge for me, but this cash transfer gave me a new sense of hope and determination. With my second transfer, I spent $250 to purchase pest control and pesticides for my tomato farm, which I started using my first transfer. I had observed my neighbors growing tomatoes and earning huge profits, so I decided to follow their example. It turned out to be a great idea because I have already harvested and earned $1,400, with more harvests still coming. This success has transformed my life, and I am deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for providing me with the capital to start farming. It feels amazing to see such a significant return on my investment. Additionally, I used $140 to buy four sheep, viewing them as a future source of income. My plan is to sell these sheep when needed, especially to pay school fees for my five children. As a single provider, this is critical because my husband, unfortunately, does not contribute due to his struggles with alcohol. The remaining $60 was spent on food, as I previously relied on casual jobs to feed my family. These funds helped ease the burden and provided a sense of security for my household. Today, life is brighter and more stable for me and my children. The tomato farming venture has not only brought income but has also shown me that with the right resources, I can achieve much more. I never imagined earning so much from farming, and for this, I am truly thankful to GiveDirectly. This opportunity has given me the strength to face the future with optimism and hope."

"I have been taking care of my ailing father for over 10 years now, with an unknown condition, and this has been the biggest challenge I am facing. Shortly after my mother passed on, my father developed an unknown condition which has drained me financially. I am the last born in a family of 4 yet we don't have any source of income apart from my four goats. In case my father becomes sick, I am forced to sell one or two to meet his medical expenses. Getting casual work here is hard to come by and when the chance to get one knocks, I barely earn beyond KES 250 a day. Coupled with all these, I feel life has been unfair to us as a family."