"I am currently employed temporarily, riding a tractor to plough people's farms. Life hasn't been too bad on my side because I've been using the wages from ploughing to settle my family's bills, although they haven't been enough for investments. After receiving my last transfer, I invested $210 to purchase five goats. The reason for buying them is that when they give birth, I'll have milk for home use, and if they multiply, I can sell some in case of an emergency.Moreover, I used $80 to settle the medical bill for my wife, who was delivering at the time of the cash arrival. Now, with a new baby, I'm grateful for the timely assistance you provided. Additionally, I used $75 to plant maize, although it was swept away by floods. Thankfully, with my first transfer, I planted maize earlier and harvested it before the floods came.Lastly, I used $85 to pay for the school fees of my son, who was joining a playgroup school. Initially, I hadn't budgeted for school fees because my son was young and yet to attend school. I have two kids, and although my wife isn't employed, she supports me by helping with farm work."

"My plans initially, before these floods brought havoc on our homestead, were to focus on agriculture. I intended to use the proceeds to build a larger, more spacious house because the current one—a single room made of iron sheets—is insufficient for accommodating my family. However, due to the current circumstances, I have had to rearrange my plans. Now, I am seeking a safer location away from flood-prone areas. I aim to build a smaller house where we can reside temporarily while we wait for the floods to subside."

"I was heading home after running some errands in the trading centre when I received some messages on my phone. At first, I thought they were just the usual promotional messages from Safaricom and did not bother checking the contents. I was not expecting to receive any money from anyone, so I did not keep checking my messages. Once I got home, I overheard some neighbours talking about receiving transfers from GiveDirectly. That's when I remembered that I had received some messages too. I thought they might also be about the transfers, so I called my helper to check and she confirmed that I had indeed received my first transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy as I thought about all the things I had been unable to do because of financial constraints. With this transfer, I could now fulfil those dreams, including paying for my children's school fees."

"I work as a tailor in our trading center and my phone had been off for a long time because I was busy with my job. I did not get the chance to turn it on until I charged it. After some hours, I was overjoyed to read my messages and realized that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I suffered a loss when my house collapsed during heavy rains. So, I had to build a temporary house, although my goal was to construct a decent one. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to buy the building materials. The thought that I could now build a good house gave me peace of mind upon receiving the transfer."

"In the upcoming months, my main focus is on expanding my livelihood through a simple yet strategic plan. I aim to purchase goats, knowing that their numbers will multiply over time. Once they increase, I'll be able to exchange some of them for a pair of oxen, a valuable asset for farm work. With oxen, I can significantly enhance my farming activities, making them more efficient and productive. Moreover, I plan to utilize these oxen not only for my own farming needs but also to offer them for hire to friends and neighbors, generating an additional stream of income for me and my family. This step forward represents more than just a transaction; it's a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of my livelihood. With careful planning and hard work, I'm confident that this venture will pave the way for a brighter future for myself and those around me."

"In the years ahead, after my son graduates from college, my plan is to become a goat owner. Having goats will be a crucial step for me to sustain prosperity even after the GiveDirectly program concludes. It's about securing a future where I'm not solely dependent on external aid. With a herd of goats, I'll have a reliable source of income and sustenance. No longer will I worry about how to provide for my family when I have a flock of goats to rely on. It's a simple yet powerful idea: investing in something tangible that can offer security and stability for years to come. So, as I look forward, my focus is on building this foundation, ensuring that my family's well-being is safeguarded long into the future."

"In the coming months and beyond, my main goal is to expand my sources of income by acquiring more goats. Currently, I run a fish-selling business, which sustains my family's needs. However, I recognize the importance of diversifying my assets for long-term stability. By investing in goats, I'll not only add another stream of revenue but also create a safety net for my fish business. If ever I face a shortage of capital, I can sell some of the goats to inject funds and keep the business afloat. This strategy will ensure that I can continue to provide for my family's well-being without worrying about sudden financial setbacks. With careful planning and perseverance, I am confident that this endeavour will lead to greater financial security and prosperity for my loved ones."

"As the heavy rains approach, my priority is to utilize my upcoming transfers to procure the remaining four pieces of iron sheets required to fully cover the roof of my house. This initiative aims to prevent rainwater leakage into the house during the rainy season. I am immensely grateful for the financial assistance received, which has enabled me to fulfill essential obligations such as paying school fees for my children and ensuring the well-being of my family."

"In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to expand my livestock farming. I plan to grow my herd of goats and eventually exchange them for a cow. With one cow being equivalent to eight goats, I aim to carefully manage my herd so that when the time comes for exchange, I'll still have a substantial number of goats for reproduction. This strategy not only increases the value of my livestock but also ensures a sustainable source of income. The high market value of goats will facilitate the smooth funding of my children's education through secondary school without putting excessive strain on our resources. By strategically investing in livestock, I aim to secure a brighter future for my family, where education is not just a dream but a reachable goal."

"My primary objective is to construct a new and secure dwelling for myself. With my forthcoming transfers, I intend to procure additional iron sheets and building poles to kick start the construction process. I'm immensely grateful for the financial assistance, as it has not only provided practical support but also imparted valuable lessons on wise spending and strategic investment. I'm confident that the knowledge gained will play a pivotal role in fostering my financial stability and securing a brighter future for myself and my family."