"I had initially planned to purchase two cows with my share of the merry-go-round I joined last year, intending to enhance our farming capabilities, particularly for ploughing purposes. However, I was only able to acquire one due to the unexpected increase in market prices, costing me $185. Nonetheless, I am determined to procure the second cow with my upcoming share in June this year. Once both cows are in our possession, my family will be able to cultivate a larger portion of our vast, currently underutilized land, leading to higher yields. The surplus harvest will provide an additional source of income for us. Furthermore, the bulls will open up new business opportunities, such as offering plowing services to neighboring farmers who cannot afford tractor charges. Since bull-driven ploughs charge $5 less, they are highly preferred by locals in the region. Upon securing the second bull, I plan to invest in acquiring hairdressing skills using the transfers. With these skills, I aim to establish a salon that will also serve as a boutique, providing a diversified and sustainable source of income for the long term. This strategic approach ensures not only agricultural expansion but also the establishment of a thriving business venture, laying the foundation for financial stability and prosperity for my family."

"While attending to my farm around 3pm, I received a notification on my phone indicating that I had received funds from GiveDirectly. Grateful for this unexpected blessing, I expressed my thanks to God, feeling relieved knowing that my troubles were about to be alleviated. I have not been this happy for quite some time, and on this day, I felt like a light had been illuminated upon me. Being retired and unable to secure steady employment due to health constraints, I often engage in light, occasional work to sustain myself. Despite living alone, I support my wife and three children, who reside in another town where she is employed. With two children in secondary school and one in primary, the pressure to meet their educational expenses weighs heavily on me. Upon receiving the funds, my immediate priority was to settle the $130 in school fees that had accumulated for one of my children, who was at risk of being barred from attending school if the arrears were not cleared"

"I want to own livestock, specifically goats as they are resilient in challenging weather conditions, such as drought, making them a suitable choice compared to other livestock. Given that I am the sole provider for my nine grandchildren, with their father limited by Tuberculosis complications, I see building wealth through goat farming as a viable way to contribute to household expenses. While financial constraints had previously hindered my dream of owning goats, I'm delighted that our recent successful crop harvest has provided the opportunity to turn this dream into reality. I believe that by investing in goats, I can not only secure a source of income for the family but also support my grandchildren's education in the future. This endeavor aligns with my goal to ensure their well-being and a brighter future despite the challenges we face."

"My primary goal is to engage in livestock farming, particularly raising goats. Considering my advanced age, I believe that keeping livestock is a reliable way for me to generate income in the future and contribute to the needs of the family. The focus is on contributing to the school fees of my seven grandchildren and easing the financial burden on their father, my son, who currently struggles to make ends meet through poultry rearing. I've already taken a step towards this goal by obtaining a sheep through previous cash transfers, and now I aim to expand the herd by adding goats. I am hopeful that the continued support of cash transfers will assist me in realizing this endeavor and ultimately contribute to the well-being and education of my grandchildren."

"My goal is to construct a concrete skirting around my mud-walled house. Currently, I share the space with my two goats, and their horns sometimes damage the mud walls. Also, the recent rains have added to the deterioration of the walls. Since cash transfers are my primary source of income right now, I plan to invest in this project to ensure a stable and secure house. I also have a plan to start rearing chickens. I used to own a large flock, but unfortunately, it perished due to a coccidiosis outbreak in my area. However, I am confident that when I resume rearing, I will be able to take necessary preventive measures to avoid losses like I experienced in the past."

"My son runs a small business where he buys and sells livestock at the marketplace. He's the only one bringing in money for our family, which includes his wife, six little ones, and me. Sometimes it is tough for him to provide regular meals because his earnings are up and down. I desire to help out more with the family's needs, even after the cash transfers stop, to ease the pressure on him. However, because I'm elderly and can't handle strenuous work, I plan to create wealth by raising goats. Now that we have enough food at home, I want to start with that. Besides, I currently sleep on a bed made of sisal ropes, and my bedding consists of sacks, making it very uncomfortable. As I  just finished building my new house and moved in, by the end of the year, I aim to buy a new bed and mattress with the income from raising goats."

"Before the cash transfers conclude, my goal is to construct two structures– a two-room house for myself and a stable pen for my six goats. The recent heavy rains caused the collapse of my house, and since then, I have been staying in the kitchen space. Also, my goats have been staying in a temporary shelter. With the support of the previous cash transfers, I've already initiated the process by purchasing building poles for the new structures. I hope that, with the incoming transfers, I'll be able to acquire iron sheets and cover the remaining construction costs to realize my aim of having both structures completed."

"Now that I rebuilt my kitchen structure with the recent funds, My focus is on repairing the walls of my house, which were also damaged by the rains. To avoid burdening my son with the cost, I plan to use the upcoming cash transfers for the repairs. Once that is complete, my goal is to resume buying goats. I had previously purchased two with the transfers, and they have given birth to two kids. Now, I aim to expand my herd, hoping that in the future, selling them will provide funds for my necessities such as food and medication."

"I'm happy GiveDirectly kept the promise they made to us during Baraza (Community meeting) to support us. They talked about the organization, helping us understand what they do. This made us aware of their work and showed us they were genuine. The officers who spoke to us were respectful and communicated well. There was no involvement in politics, and they treated everyone fairly and without discrimination. I genuinely hope GiveDirectly continues doing this amazing work, reaching out and touching more lives. Their approach and the respect they showed us set them apart."

"From the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly, I allocated some cash to agriculture, planting two hectares of maize. When I harvest, I will sell a portion of it and purchase a cow, something that will remind me of the unconditional cash. As my business grows, I will use the earnings to build myself a good house because the one I am living in now is not in good condition."