"In the coming year and beyond, my sole focus is on enhancing my goat and chicken rearing ventures. With five school-going children to support, I've decided to prioritize livestock farming as my primary source of income. Previously, I engaged in low-paying casual jobs, but upon receiving my transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately transitioned into farming. The support from GiveDirectly has been instrumental in this journey, allowing me to expand my livestock holdings significantly. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and with 13 goats now in my possession, I consider it a substantial achievement, especially considering I have one that consistently gives birth to twins. This shift towards livestock farming marks a significant turning point for me and my family. It not only provides a more stable and lucrative income but also aligns with my long-term goal of securing a better future for my children. With dedication and hard work, I aim to continue growing my livestock enterprise, ensuring a sustainable livelihood for my family and fulfilling my aspirations for their education and well-being."

"The team taught us everything about the program, from its goals to how we would receive the funds. They made sure we understood each step of the process, which was incredibly reassuring. Moreover, we were educated on mobile money security, which was essential for safeguarding our transfers. Understanding how to protect our financial information gave me a lot of confidence in using mobile money services. Another aspect that impressed me was the transparency and fairness of the distribution process. We were given full information on how the entire process would be conducted, ensuring there were no surprises or hidden steps. Additionally, the fact that we were all given equal amounts of money really stood out to me. It reinforced the sense of fairness and equality, showing that everyone in the community was valued equally. Overall, GiveDirectly did an excellent job in educating and supporting us, making the experience seamless and empowering."

"Right now, my situation is that I'm living at my brother's house along with my two kids. But my ultimate goal, my big dream, is to have a home of my own. I'm putting all my efforts into saving up, and I believe that by this time next year, I'll have enough money to start building my own house. It's not just about having a roof over our heads; it's about dignity and respect, especially for my children. They deserve a space they can call their own, where they have privacy and a sense of belonging. So, every penny I save is a step closer to achieving that dream, and I'm determined to make it happen for the sake of my family's future."

"Facing the devastation of my house being destroyed by fierce winds was incredibly difficult, leaving me without a place to call home. Taking shelter in my son's kitchen was a humbling experience, but it reignited my determination to rebuild and have a home of my own. My plan is to keep buying more building materials bit by bit with transfers that I receive from GiveDirectly, and eventually have a home of my own. I am aspiring to build a two-roomed house and a space where I can sit and relax during the day. Hopefully, I will achieve this dream, and like many in our village, I long for the sense of pride and security that comes with having my own space."

"My aspiration is to establish myself as a successful livestock farmer. With the recent acquisition of additional goats, I'm filled with hope and optimism that they will thrive, multiplying and increasing in number over time. Looking ahead, I'm eager to expand my farming endeavors by venturing into turkeys. It's all part of a larger vision where I see myself trading goats and turkeys in the future to acquire cows. The ultimate goal is to have a flourishing herd of cows, not just for milk production but also for their utility in plowing farms. This vision is not just about sustenance but also about building a sustainable source of income for myself and my family."

"This year, my ultimate goal is to successfully complete my studies, a milestone that would fulfill a lifelong dream and bring me immense happiness. Looking back, I'm already proud of how I've managed to invest in my future with the help of previous transfers. Buying two cows was a significant step for me, envisioning their growth into sturdy animals that can aid in farming and eventually be sold to expand my herd. It's a venture filled with hope and anticipation for what the future holds. Beyond this year, my aspirations extend to building my own home using the building materials I've been gradually accumulating. The thought of having a place to call my own, free from the uncertainty of borrowing accommodations, fills me with a sense of determination and purpose. And as I continue to broaden my horizons through education, I'm inspired to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. With the knowledge I've gained in electrical engineering, coupled with the proceeds from my sheep and careful savings, I envision opening an electrical shop, a venture that aligns with my passions and aspirations for the future."

"I received the third transfer when I was deeply distressed and overwhelmed with thoughts about how to send my daughter back to school. She had been at home since November, unable to take her first semester exams at Machakos Teachers Training College because I could not afford to pay her college fees. It was heartbreaking to see her cry, feeling left behind while her classmates continued their studies. She was worried that she might not be able to finish her education. When I received the transfer, I immediately gave her $300: $250 for her school fees and $50 for transport and personal items. The joy and relief on her face were indescribable. Her hopes were rekindled as she prepared to go back to school, and seeing her so happy warmed my heart. I also used $30 to buy 10 hens to replace the five I had sold in January to pay part of my other daughter's secondary school fees. This poultry is crucial to supporting my family, and I plan to rear them for additional income. I spent $20 to buy clothes for myself, ensuring I have decent attire for functions and when attending my children’s education events. I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family of six, ensuring we had enough to eat. This stability allows me to concentrate on my farm without the stress of seeking casual work to buy food."

"My dream for the coming year and beyond is to maintain a sizable herd of goats and cows. I firmly believe that this investment will play a pivotal role in securing a brighter future for my children, particularly when it comes to their education. While they're still in the lower grades at the moment, I'm acutely aware that in just a few short years, they'll be making the transition to higher levels of learning. This is where livestock becomes invaluable. By carefully tending to and growing my herd, I hope to provide a stable source of income that can be channelled towards their educational needs. My ultimate aim is to break the cycle of poverty that has gripped my family for generations. With determination and perseverance, I'm committed to creating opportunities that will change their lives for the better and ensure that they have the tools they need to thrive beyond our current circumstances."

"Despite our old age, my wife and I continue to support each other and care for our two grandchildren. As small-scale farmers, we focus on maize and beans production and also keep livestock. The first and second transfers from GiveDirectly significantly boosted our activities. With the final transfer, I bought a $160 water tank to address the severe water issues in our area, especially during droughts when we have to travel long distances to fetch water, which is difficult for us. Additionally, I spent $200 to build a pit latrine. We had been sharing one with our neighbors, but their refusal at times pushed me to construct our own. The remaining $9000 was used to address our food problems. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"In the upcoming year, I'm focused on maximizing my earnings through goat rearing. I plan to invest my transfers in purchasing goats with the aim of selling them for a profit. This endeavor is crucial for me as I aim to generate enough money to support my college fees. As part of my strategy, I will consistently allocate my monthly transfers $30 towards this investment.I'm deeply grateful to GiveDirectly for their support, which has filled me with a newfound sense of optimism. Their assistance has paved the way for me to pursue my dreams, and I am now confident that I will achieve success in realizing my aspirations."