"As I sat at home with my four kids, a message popped up on my phone, confirming that $200 from GiveDirectly had been transferred to me. My heart soared with joy! We had been struggling, and this money came at just the right time. Immediately, I knew what I had to do. With $20, I rushed to buy food because our cupboards were bare. Then, thinking ahead, I set aside $50 to invest in harvesting maize. It was nearly harvest season, and maize would not only feed us but also provide extra to sell for our daily needs. With gratitude in my heart, I began to see a glimmer of hope for brighter days ahead."

"For the past 4 years, I have been unable to cultivate my 2 acre arable land due to lack of capital. The land has now been heavily infested with prosobis shrubs that is poisonous to both human and animals. This therefore meant that I have been buying all food varieties on a daily basis rather than producing some on my farm. I also live in a single room structure together with my 8 children. The house is less spacious and thus cannot accommodate all of us. As a result, my big boys have to go and sleep in the neighbors houses."

"GiveDirectly transfers are exceptional"

"Recognizing the potential financial challenges that may arise once this project concludes, particularly concerning the education expenses for my children in high school, I have proactively devised a plan to establish a safety net. I have resolved to expand my livestock holdings by acquiring additional goats. With each goat priced at approximately $60, I am confident in my ability to procure at least five within the span of a year. These additional goats will serve as a valuable financial buffer, ready to be leveraged during times of urgent need. By bolstering my livestock assets, I am creating a source of liquidity that can be accessed swiftly to address unforeseen financial obligations, particularly those related to my children's education. This strategic investment underscores my commitment to securing the financial stability and well-being of my family, ensuring that we are equipped to navigate any challenges that may arise once this project concludes."

"I completed my electrical engineering course in August last year but have encountered difficulty securing a stable income due to outstanding fee balances from my college education which has led to my certificate being withheld by the institution. Consequently, I have been reliant on sporadic electrical jobs, which unfortunately do not earn much. In an effort to enhance my financial situation, I am exploring the possibility of establishing a new business selling electrical items here in Mombasa, my current place of residence. However, the realization of this entrepreneurial endeavor hinges upon my ability to clear the debt owed to my former school. Once this financial obligation is resolved, I will be positioned to embark on setting up the business. Leveraging my industry expertise and familiarity with the demand for various electrical items, acquired through my work experience, I am confident in the viability of this venture. Furthermore, establishing this business will not only enable me to procure the necessary items for my electrical jobs but also provide a platform to attract customers, including colleagues and friends, by offering them quality products and reliable services. Through strategic referrals and leveraging my network within the industry, I anticipate accelerated growth and success for the business."

"With the $50 from the second transfer, I managed to till both of my two acres of land, using ox plows and fertilizers, aiming to grow enough food to sustain my family. Previously, I struggled with just one acre, unable to provide sufficient food. This time, with the support from the unconditional cash transfer, the harvest was plentiful, yielding 7 sacks of maize weighing 90kg each, which I hope will last us longer than before. I used $120 to fix up our home, buy a sturdy door, and make necessary repairs for sustainability and security. Another $100 went towards renting a place closer to Amarson school for my two children, Jefwa and Ruwa, who are in secondary school, so they can focus on their KCSE exams. They were thrilled and even expressed a desire to join the program themselves to help me. The remaining $50 was spent on clothes for us. As a casual worker earning around $35 a month from burning charcoal, my priority is providing for my three children's schooling and basic needs."

"I am planning to start my own poultry farm. Currently, I have six big chickens and nine small chicks. I am diligently saving enough to buy more chickens and afford their feed easily. When they multiply, I will be able to sell them and eventually invest in goats. This endeavor will lead to a better life and improve my living standards."

"Currently, I work as a motorcycle rider, which enables me to make ends meet, save easily, and work towards achieving my dream. My biggest goal is to start my own goat farm. I firmly believe that the more goats I buy, the more they will give birth, allowing me to easily sell them and make a huge profit in the future. With this profit, I plan to provide the best life for my two sisters and educate them."

"I opened a shop where we sell vegetables next to our house. Every time I receive my transfer, I continue to add different stocks to my shop so I can sell a variety of items. My biggest goal is to expand my business, make a huge profit, and ensure that my children study well and complete their studies on time without any difficulties."

"I have a sponsor who supported me, enabling me to enroll in college in January. My goal is to study diligently and pursue a career as a journalist, advocating for the voiceless in society. I strongly believe in doing things correctly, and I firmly believe in the equality of all individuals. I am deeply troubled by injustice and strive to promote peace. As a future journalist, I aspire to enlighten people's minds through education. I plan to study hard and save enough to make my dream come true."