"One of the most commendable aspects of GiveDirectly's approach was the thoroughness and clarity with which their officers explained everything to me. They ensured that I fully understood every detail before I accepted enrollment. Moreover, the security education provided by GiveDirectly was exceptional. They emphasized the importance of keeping my Mpesa PIN confidential and advised against using easily guessable numbers like my year of birth. This advice played a crucial role in helping me safeguard my money. Thanks to these security measures, when I received my funds, I experienced no issues with theft. This peace of mind was invaluable, allowing me to focus on using the funds to improve my family's life without the worry of potential security breaches. I am grateful to GiveDirectly and sincerely hope they continue with the same level of support. Their commitment to providing financial and ensuring recipients are well-informed and secure is truly exemplary. This approach empowers individuals and fosters a sense of trust and safety within the community."

"A persistent issue for my household has been the frequent shortage of food, sometimes leading us to skip meals due to its unavailability. Fortunately, I am now liberated from this challenge. Following the recent rains, I successfully cultivated my acreage and reaped a bountiful harvest, putting an end to our food scarcity woes. With ample supplies, my family no longer faces the hardships of insufficient nourishment. Empowered by the recent harvest, I am considering expanding my resources by investing in livestock. I plan to acquire more goats and chickens, as they seem to be a promising venture. Given my current lack of substantial work opportunities, I view these animals as a valuable investment. Owning them provides a financial safety net; I can sell them when the need arises, ensuring that I no longer face the financial struggles of the past. These assets offer a newfound stability that I can rely on in times of financial uncertainty."

"I have spent most of it on buying land and paying a debt that was left behind with my late father"

"IRON SHEETS , BECAUSE OUR PREVIOUS HOUSE WAS VERY OLD ALMOST GOING TO FALL US"

"I WAS RUNNING MY DAILY ERRANDS, THEN I SAW A TEXT CONFIRMING THAT I HAD RECEIVED THE MONEY, MY MIND RAN TO TRANSPARENCY AND HONESTY IN GIVEDIRECTLY"

"In the coming years, my primary goal is to prioritize the education of all my children, ensuring that each one completes their schooling. I am committed to providing them with the necessary support and resources to thrive academically. I plan to expand my farming operations by renting an additional half-acre of land. This strategic decision is to up my current tomato cultivation, which has been half an acre. By doing so, I anticipate a significant boost in production, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of my farming. This dual focus on education and agricultural expansion reflects my dedication to the present and future well-being of my family. Through careful planning and hard work, I aspire to create a harmonious balance between nurturing my children's academic growth and advancing my agricultural endeavors for increased productivity."

"My objective is to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase two bulls, which will prove invaluable in cultivating my land. The expenses incurred in land preparation for farming have been substantial, and acquiring these bulls is anticipated to significantly reduce these costs. Furthermore, the bulls can serve as an additional source of income if I decide to offer farming services to others. The financial support from the transfers has been a crucial factor in enhancing the overall quality of my life, and I express sincere appreciation for this assistance."

"My current dwelling is in a state of disrepair, with the added vulnerability of being thatched with grass. Although constructing a new house was initially part of my plan, unforeseen circumstances arose when my child fell ill. The transfers that were originally earmarked for the house had to be redirected towards my child's medical expenses, causing a delay in my construction plans. As the sole provider for my family and lacking a steady income source, saving for both the house and medical bills proved to be a significant challenge. Now that my child is on the path to recovery, my immediate focus is on acquiring iron sheets to build a new, more durable roof. My goal is to obtain a minimum of 22 iron sheets, purchasing at least two pieces every month. Once I have completed the collection of iron sheets, my next step will be to acquire the necessary building poles. With the support of my wife, who is also a beneficiary, I have managed to purchase 8 iron sheets so far. I am optimistic that, with continued effort, I will accumulate the materials needed to construct the new house and provide a safer and more stable home for my family."

"I manage both a retail shop and a vegetable kiosk, supporting my family of seven. With the arrival of my third transfer, our primary focus was on addressing the immediate need of paying school fees for our children in high school and college. Given the unpredictable nature of our work, where the income is often insufficient to cover all our expenses, gathering the entire amount for school fees at once was challenging. Therefore, we directed $350 towards meeting this crucial requirement. In addition to prioritizing education, we spent $100 to purchase maize and other essential food items such as sugar and cooking oil. This decision not only ensured our children's education but also stocked our household with necessary provisions. The relief and happiness I feel about being able to pay a significant portion of the school fees are immense. It spared us from the necessity of selling our assets, and for that, I am profoundly grateful."

"In the upcoming year and beyond, my goal is to acquire 22 pieces of iron sheets along with other necessary building materials to construct a sturdy house with an iron roof. Currently, I have been residing in a deteriorating grass-thatched hut, particularly vulnerable after the recent heavy rains. The structure is precariously supported by heavy poles on the sides, providing temporary reinforcement but likely insufficient in the face of another intense downpour. My strategy involves diligently saving to reach the targeted 22 iron sheets, and I am glad that I have already acquired 8 of them to start with. I am optimistic that with continued savings, I will gather the necessary materials to bring my construction plan to fruition and finally have a secure and decent iron-roofed house."