"I am overjoyed because my dream of constructing a new house for my family has finally begun with the help of financial transfers. Our current house is an old, deteriorating structure, and the rains have only made it worse by eroding the mud walls. I am working hard to build a two-room house, which will require approximately 20 sheets of iron. So far, I have managed to buy 16 sheets. My aim is to complete this project within the year using the transfers, allowing me to allocate the remaining funds towards the education of my six school-aged children, ensuring that all of them can attend school."

"I currently reside in a small, one-roomed house, but my long-term aspiration is to own a two-roomed house. To achieve this goal, I plan to build a two-roomed house by the end of the GiveDirectly program. Once the house is complete, I intend to utilize my transfers to establish a kiosk and start a vegetable selling business. Additionally, I hope that my goats will multiply and increase in number, allowing me to start another project in the future. This project will be beneficial once the GiveDirectly program concludes, as I plan to use the goats to support my future endeavors. My ultimate goal is to get a wife and start a family and provide for them, and I believe that these projects will help me achieve this aspiration."

"Initially, I had planned to enroll in a mechanical engineering certificate course, but the high cost made it difficult for me to afford it with the transfers I received from GiveDirectly. To achieve my goal, I decided to join a driving school course. Once I complete the driving course and obtain my driver's license, I plan to secure a job and earn a steady income. I will then use my earnings, combined with the transfers from GiveDirectly, to enroll in a mechanical engineering course next year. This plan aligns with my long-term aspirations and means a great deal to me."

"When my house collapsed some time ago, it felt like my world had crumbled with it. But thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to rebuild a new house. Although I constructed the new house, I had to use the old, rusty iron sheets from my previous home for the roofing because I needed to complete it urgently. Now, these iron sheets are leaking and deteriorating further. In the coming year, I aim to save the monthly transfers bit by bit, balancing it carefully with my family’s needs, to secure a new, sturdy iron sheet roof. This will make my home safer and more comfortable."

"This year has been a whirlwind of emotions. My house, battered by the relentless winds of this season, stands on the brink of collapse. Every night, I sleep with a heavy heart, fearing that the walls might not hold until morning. With the funds I will be getting from now on, my primary goal is to begin renovating my home. I want a safer house where my family and I can sleep peacefully, free from the anxiety of falling walls. Beyond this year, I hope to create a lasting refuge, a place that will protect us and become a symbol of our resilience and newfound stability."

"This year and beyond, I am filled with hope and determination to rebuild my poultry farm, which once thrived with over twenty chickens before coccidiosis wiped them out. With the support from GiveDirectly, I can start afresh, buying a hen each month for $5. This gradual approach balances my commitment to paying my children’s school fees. My vision goes beyond merely recovering; in the long run, I aim to exchange five grown cocks for a goat, steadily transforming my poultry into a herd of goats. This strategy will not only provide a more resilient source of income but also secure a better future for my family."

"Having just completed the construction of my new house, I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, but my journey isn't over yet. My next goal is to buy a bed and a mattress, which may seem simple but means everything to me. Right now, I sleep on torn mats and pieces of empty sacks spread on the ground. It's uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but it's what I have. With the upcoming transfers from GiveDirectly, I plan to dedicate them to purchasing a proper bed and a soft mattress. This will transform my nights, allowing me to wake up rested and ready to tackle each day with renewed energy. In the coming year, I hope to create a more comfortable and dignified living space, and in the future, I aspire to improve my overall quality of life, step by step."

"This year and beyond, my biggest hope is to expand my small kiosk business. It all started with a single shelf of goods, but thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I can now dream bigger. My priority is to stock more essential items that my community needs, like food staples, toiletries, and school supplies. With a growing business, I will be able to provide everything my family needs without worrying about tomorrow. Most importantly, I want to ensure my children can go to school without the burden of unpaid fees holding them back. I dream of seeing their eyes light up as they chase their ambitions, knowing they have the support and resources they need to succeed. Expanding my kiosk will be a step towards securing a brighter future for my family, where my children’s dreams can flourish without limits."

"My goal this year and beyond is to find a new place to live. The recent floods in Baringo swept away my household goods, forcing me to seek refuge with neighbors on higher ground. With the final transfer from GiveDirectly and some surplus from my farm, I will look for a safer place to build a new home. This permanent relocation will protect my family from future floods. GiveDirectly has given me the means to plan for a secure future. Their support allows me to move to a safer area, bringing peace of mind and stability to my family. We are deeply grateful for their assistance, which has made it possible to dream of and achieve a safer, better life."

"The biggest challenge am currently facing is lack of a consistent source of income. Despite having arable land, am not always able to till and plant due to the high cost of farm input. I therefore depend mostly on casual jobs in people's farms which involve planting, weeding or harvesting. On a good day I get paid KES 300 which is hardly enough to meet the recurring daily needs eg food for my family of 6. Sometimes am forced to borrow from neighbours just so that my young children do not sleep hungry. As a father, the inability to fully provide for my family really makes me feel so bad"