"My primary goal is to finalize the construction of my house and transition into it at the earliest opportunity. This move will effectively eliminate the recurring $20 monthly rental fee, allowing me to redirect the savings towards the expansion of my vegetable-selling business. The financial assistance from the transfers has been instrumental in improving my quality of life, especially since I live independently with no one else to rely on. I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my journey towards self-sufficiency."

"I was at home then I saw a message, rushed to withdraw and immediately bought 2 cows"

"Land"

"My primary achievement for the year is to accumulate sufficient funds from the transfers, enabling me to purchase bulls. These bulls hold significant importance in enhancing various aspects of my life. Initially, they will be utilized to plow and prepare my land, eliminating the associated costs. Additionally, I intend to generate income by offering these services to others. In times of dry weather, the bulls will prove invaluable in fetching water from locations exceeding 10 kilometers away. I express profound gratitude for the transfers, recognizing their instrumental role in helping me realize my goal and subsequently improving the quality of my life."

"With the cash transfer of $550, a wave of relief washed over me as I saw an opportunity to escape the constant worry about the dilapidated state of our humble abode. The small traditional hut, with its fragile grass-thatched roofing, had been a source of anxiety during every rainy season. The decision was clear: I would invest the entirety of my first transfer in building materials. Iron sheets, timber, building poles, and nails became the tangible symbols of a new beginning. The construction of our new house was not just about shelter; it was about providing my seven kids with the dignity of personal space and a home that would withstand the elements. No longer would we be confined to a single room, sharing tight quarters during the storms. The journey to this new chapter wasn't easy. In the past, I had considered using my limited income from charcoal and farming activities to build a better home, but the meager $5 I earned was barely enough to put food on the table, let alone fund a construction project. The unconditional cash transfer gave me the financial freedom to make choices that truly mattered for my family's well-being. As the walls of our new home rose, so did our hopes for a brighter future. It was a reminder that sometimes a small act of generosity can break the cycle of poverty and provide the foundation for a better life."

"At precisely 8 in the evening, having just returned from the nearest town where I went to check on my ailing parents, a momentous notification illuminated my phone screen. I asked my son to investigate the source, and with palpable excitement, he confirmed it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. Waves of emotion washed over me, knowing that this unconditional cash transfer held the promise to transform not just my life but my daughter's. The realization struck me like a chord, and in that instant, a surge of hope engulfed me. With the financial support I received, I could now afford to send my daughter to college, enabling her to pursue her dreams. The overwhelming mix of joy, gratitude, and anticipation painted a vivid picture of a brighter future, one where possibilities and opportunities were no longer constrained by financial limitations."

"Enrolled in various levels of education are my eight children, with one pursuing college, four in high school, and three in primary school. Affording their school fees has proven to be a challenging task for me, often necessitating the sale of livestock to finance their education. As a subsistence farmer without a stable job or external support, I rely solely on monthly transfers to meet our financial needs. These transfers have been a crucial lifeline for my family. My second wife is also a beneficiary of these transfers, and together, our shared goal is to provide the best education for our children, ensuring that their studies are uninterrupted by financial constraints. The consistent monthly support has become a source of assurance for me, guaranteeing that my children can pursue their education goals without disruptions, even amid financial challenges."

"As a skilled tailor facing financial limitations, I've been compelled to run my tailoring business from home. Yet, to expand my clientele and enhance profitability, I am strategizing to establish my own tailoring shop. The plan involves stocking the shop with ample textile materials and acquiring a new sewing machine. To realize this goal, I've been diligently saving $20 each month, with the intention of increasing my savings in the upcoming months. Once I've amassed a sufficient amount, I will be in a position to rent a suitable space and procure the necessary textile materials, enabling me to elevate the scale of my tailoring operations."

"My youngest son has recently enrolled in junior high school, and my primary objective is to ensure that his education is not disrupted due to a lack of fees. As a single parent with no external support, my livelihood depends on charcoal burning, which does not yield a significant income. I am committed to using the financial transfers I receive to support my child's education, ensuring that he not only completes but also achieves his educational goals."

"The significant challenge of food scarcity in my household was alleviated when I successfully cultivated my acreage and reaped a bountiful harvest. Now, I no longer bear the burden of food expenses. However, my reliance on sporadic menial jobs persists, and there are times when securing employment becomes challenging. To address this inconsistency, I have devised a plan to invest a portion of my transfers in acquiring livestock, particularly goats and chickens. This investment holds significant value for me, as livestock serves as a valuable asset that I can depend on, supplementing the uncertainties of the casual jobs that I do. By diversifying my income sources to include livestock, I aim to move beyond my sole dependence on menial jobs. Furthermore, the ownership of livestock opens up avenues to contribute to my children's education, thereby securing their future."