"My aspirations are centered around building a more secure and stable future for myself and my family. I am determined to start keeping livestock, particularly goats, as a means to have a financial safety net in case of any unforeseen economic challenges. The prospect of selling goats not only provides a source of income but also a sustainable and flexible asset. Additionally, a significant part of my focus will be directed towards completing the construction of my house, a project that holds both personal and familial significance. I believe that by combining these efforts, I can create a more resilient and comfortable life, ensuring financial stability and a secure home for those I care about."

"Initially, I perceived GiveDirectly's promise as a jest, but my joy knew no bounds when the Mpesa message arrived. I am immensely grateful for turning my dream of owning cows into a reality. Initially having only one cow, which fell ill and had to be sold, the funds from GiveDirectly enabled me to acquire two. Your support has uplifted me from a distant place to a better one, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude. May your compassionate spirit persist in aiding those in need within the community."

"GiveDirectly has been incredibly impactful, significantly aiding me in completing my house and expanding my business. Without their assistance, I would still be struggling with the challenges of completing my home and wouldn't have had the means to grow my business. I hope that GiveDirectly remains steadfast in its current approach, consistently providing cash support to individuals in need. My wish is for them to continue their invaluable work without any changes, positively impacting the lives of many."

"I LOOK GOOD THESE DAYS BECAUSE WE ARE ABLE TO EAT GOOD FOOD, I WAS ABLE TO IMPROVE MY HOUSE"

"My primary goal for this year is to complete the construction of my children's house. The current living space is inadequate, prompting the need for a more spacious house. I have already started the process by purchasing the necessary materials such as iron roofing sheets, and I am in the process of acquiring building poles. I intend to use upcoming transfers to fulfill this objective and am happy about the prospect of a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead."

"I faced the unfortunate closure of my hotel business due to challenges in raising the rent from its own proceeds. This led me to seek an alternative income source, and I secured a job as a nanny. While contemplating my next steps, I am mindful of the program's imminent conclusion and aspire to create a lasting memory from it, coupled with the establishment of a growing investment. In light of this, I have decided to invest in livestock, specifically goats, which thrive in this environment. Upon receiving the cumulative savings from my monthly savings plan, I plan to allocate them towards the purchase of goats. Having sufficient time on my hands now allows me to care for and nurture them effectively. These goats hold significant value for me. They serve as a financial resource during emergencies, providing a safety net. Moreover, when I finalize a new business idea, the goats can be sold to generate the necessary capital. This strategy ensures that the investment continues to yield returns even after the program concludes, offering both stability and the potential for future entrepreneurial pursuits."

"As my livelihood depends solely on livestock keeping and farming, my primary objective for the year is to enhance my agricultural endeavors by reducing expenditures associated with hiring tractors for farm cultivation. To achieve this goal, I aim to acquire bulls, commonly utilized in this region for such activities. Currently, I own two goats, but to purchase a substantial bull, I need at least five goats, valued at a cumulative $200. However, for two bulls, I would require ten goats. Given my current financial situation, raising enough funds for a bull directly is challenging. Therefore, my strategy involves initially buying goats, which are more affordable. Once I accumulate ten goats, I plan to sell them to generate sufficient funds for acquiring the bulls. Having the bulls not only allows me to cut down on farming expenses but also presents an opportunity to generate income. I can offer ploughing services to other farmers in the area, charging $20 per acre. Bulls are preferred over tractors due to their cost-effectiveness. With the bulls, I gain the flexibility to cultivate a larger portion of my land, eliminating previous limitations. This, in turn, translates to increased food production for my family and surplus for selling. In essence, I envision a future with elevated income and an improved standard of living for my entire family, stemming from the successful integration of bulls into my farming practices."

"My objective for the current year is to facilitate my son's enrollment in Form 2 at Mazeras Secondary School. Financial challenges have arisen with the simultaneous enrollment of my other children in junior secondary school, but I remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved. Given that my son is also a beneficiary, we plan to pool our received transfers, aiming to accumulate a significant amount to cover his school fees and acquire essential supplies. The prospect of ensuring that all my children have access to education brings me a profound sense of accomplishment. I am truly grateful to GiveDirectly for their assistance."

"Looking ahead to this new year, my aspiration is to establish a livestock business with a primary focus on goats. Given their cost-effectiveness and adaptability to our local climate, goats emerge as a strategic choice. To realize this ambition, I intend to utilize subsequent transfers and allocate funds from my salary. Reflecting on my journey this far, I am content and happy with the progress I have made and I eagerly anticipate the positive developments the future holds."

"Upon receiving my recent transfer of funds, totaling $550, I strategically allocated the money for various purposes. Primarily, I used $500 to continue the construction of the six-room rental houses I had initiated earlier. The decision was rooted in the realization that our home's proximity to a secondary school presented a high demand for rental accommodations among teachers. Despite facing financial constraints in completing the construction, I saw this as a wise investment for the future, not only providing much-needed housing but also serving as a lasting remembrance to the GiveDirectly.Furthermore, demonstrating a compassionate touch, I allocated $20 to support my late brother's children. Left orphaned after their mother's departure and their father's demise, the siblings had been surviving on the assistance received from relatives. The $20 aimed to provide them with a bit of financial relief and support during challenging times.Lastly, with $30 remaining, I chose to celebrate Christmas with my family of eight. This decision was driven by the fact that the initial funds had been entirely invested in the rental housing project. Taking a moment to share joy and festivities with my loved ones became a meaningful way to balance financial prudence with the spirit of the season."