"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."

"Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the transformative impact of GiveDirectly in my life. The financial support not only enabled me to invest wisely but also opened my mind to a future brimming with possibilities for my family.Today, I stand with an investment that promises to sustain us for a lifetime, and for this, I am profoundly appreciative and feel truly blessed. As a token of gratitude, I offer a humble suggestion to GiveDirectly — a cultural gesture that aligns with our norms. It would be meaningful if we could express our appreciation to the staff who played a pivotal role in our journey. In our culture, it's customary to offer something in kind to a visitor, a gesture that symbolizes our gratitude and hospitality. Extending this tradition to those who have done well for us would be a thoughtful way to complete this chapter of generosity and support."

"With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I prioritized securing a stable home by allocating $300 to pay for a piece of land, finally escaping the risky life as a squatter. Determined to invest in a sustainable future, I used a portion of the funds to purchase a plot, a small piece of land that holds promises of stability and growth. Recognizing the need for financial security, especially with my husband's disability after a prolonged illness 16 years ago, I invested $150 in acquiring three goats. They now serve as a vital financial security, providing a semblance of stability in our lives. As the sole provider for my family of four, with my husband unable to handle strenuous jobs, I find myself navigating the challenges of being the primary breadwinner. Currently, I'm in the forest, diligently searching for sisal to sell, which has become my primary source of livelihood, though the daily earnings of $3 may not be sufficient for our daily sustenance. With $110 still at hand, I plan to allocate it wisely, focusing on meeting the immediate needs of food for my family. Unfortunately, my children remain financially unstable, grappling with unemployment, adding to the complexities of our journey towards a more secure and prosperous future."

"The unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly has played a crucial role in enabling children, including my own, to access secondary education. The approach adopted by GiveDirectly is worthy of its honesty and transparency. From the initial stages of selection, there was a commitment to openness, ensuring that the process was free from deceit. What sets GiveDirectly apart is its inclusive and fair selection process. The fact that no payment was required to participate made it accessible to everyone. This fairness in the selection process contributed to a sense of equal opportunity for all, ensuring that those in need had a chance to benefit. The educational component, particularly the session at the baraza, further enhanced the impact of GiveDirectly's support. These gatherings promoted financial literacy and empowered individuals to spend wisely. The freedom of spending allowed people to address their diverse and pressing needs, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-determination. I applaud GiveDirectly for its impactful work and encourage them to continue the same empowering strategies for the betterment of communities."

"We plan to focus on farming by expanding our cultivation area from half or 1 acre to the entire 2 acres available. Our decision to concentrate on the timely planting of vegetables, specifically tomatoes, is based on their high market demand. Brokers frequently visit our farm to purchase these crops. Tomatoes mature quickly, usually within two months, making them suitable for our farming strategy. This rapid growth allows us to mitigate potential water challenges, as we can align planting schedules with favorable weather conditions. Opting for tomatoes brings the added benefit of deterring zebras, which tend to target maize crops. By steering clear of maize and concentrating on tomatoes, we safeguard our produce from destruction and also optimize our yield for a more lucrative market. This comprehensive approach ensures a more efficient and profitable farming operation."

"In the last 2 years now, my life has had challenges because of arthritis problem. This has made me feel so much pain and since my work involves taking care of goats, it is so challenging. Sometimes, doing my daily chores becomes difficult and I have wanted to get treatment, a wish that has not come to fruition due to financial challenges. Hence, my health problem is the biggest challenge that has made my life harder."