"I have wanted to build on the animals I own. I would never have owned goats had it not been for Givedirectly. I now own 6 goats in addition to chicken and ducks. I want to buy more animals. For me animals are like an emergency fund. If I get an emergency whether its school fees, or someone being sick I can sell an animals get the money depending on how much is needed. I want to add more animals and increase my security for money."

"My wife and I used to plant and sell tomatoes back in 2019 before the persistent drought that has seen our lands unproductive for about four years. We both did casual labour but have none of this jobs now to make income. We started the chicken project that we now rely on. The recent rains have allowed us farm food for use in our home which has helped us with access to food. We however want to go back to our tomato selling business. We now have a big family as we now have 4 children who all depend on us. We want to go back to tomato farming to make more income and take care of the children. As a family we are also planning to open both our separate bank accounts where we will save monthly proceeds from the transfers and chicken farming to reinvest into our children schooling."

"I sell food, this are native coast inspired snacks. My husband is a teacher in a local secondary school. our earnings always go into taking care of family needs but will usually not be enough to cover all our needs. My business has greatly benefitted from the group we formed to save money and I plan t continue in it to ensure I can grow my earnings further. By increasing income we will be able to ensure our children attend school without struggles in terms of paying school fees."

"I make fried pastries and sell them for cash. My husband is a night guard at a local school. We do not make much from this sources to ensure all our 6 children get an education. My oldest got married as they could not go to college. I then vowed toe ensure my children can get a chance to get to college. My second born joined college thanks to my savings in the Village savings group. I plan to continue with the group and save enough to ensure my children get the best in education."

"I tap coconut wine. This is a business many of us in the village engage in. It is not as lucrative as it was years before. I have a child on the way as I have impregnated a lady I was living with and this means my responsibilities will be more. I hope to use this transfers in the new year to start a vegetable stall which will make enough income to provide for my child as well as myself."

"As I said I am the only breadwinner in my house supporting my mother, wife, and child. This has been difficult since I no longer make as much as I used to before fuel prices were hiked. I have wanted to help my wife set up a business to help increase our monthly income. I plan to help her open a vegetable stall which will cost me approximately $100. I plan to save from my transfers and my work till I get this amount so that we can start this business."

"Receiving our second transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly was a cheerful moment for my husband and me. Education has always been a priority for us, especially for our two children in high school—one in Form one and three. We cleared their school fees arrears amounting to $300.Our livelihood is tied to small-scale farming, mainly focusing on perishable crops and charcoal production as a side hustle. It's been a constant challenge to sustain our family of 10 with these means. Apart from our children in high school, we also have another child joining high school and five in primary school. This support came at a crucial time when finances were stretched thin. The struggle to put food on the table has been relentless. Thus, we dedicated $60 to ensure there's food. Additionally, our living conditions have been far from ideal. For years, we shared a latrine with neighbors due to not having our own. With this support, we were able to purchase the remaining materials—two bags of cement for $14 and paid $20 for labor—bringing our latrine close to completion. With $56 left, we decided to reinvest it into our farming activities. We bought 10 sachets of vegetable seeds, including collard greens, spinach, and black nightshade, spending $10, and $46 was used to acquire generator oil, essential for irrigation purposes. We extend our gratitude to GiveDirectly for their support. It's not just about financial aid but about empowering us to create sustainable solutions for our family's future."

"Opened a shop, hope to buy land and relocate there next year using money from her investment from the shop"

"First on my agenda is acquiring chickens—a small but significant step towards expanding my livestock. Alongside my current herd of goats, this addition will not only diversify my resources but also boost their numbers over time. The vision goes beyond mere self-sufficiency; I dream of slaughtering a chicken to warmly welcome visitors, turning moments of hospitality into cherished memories. As the poultry population grows, so does the potential for meeting not only my family's needs but also contributing to the welfare of my extended family through sales. It's a gradual process, but I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work, these endeavors will pave the way for financial stability, bringing me closer to realizing these goals and securing a prosperous future."

"GiveDirectly changed my life in a way I could only dream of. The cash transfer they provided wasn't just money; it was the key that unlocked the door to my aspirations. Their services were not just good but they were exceptional, demonstrating a level of care and dedication that exceeded my expectations. The confidentiality surrounding the transfering the transfer through an mpesa was a testament to their respect for the recipients' privacy, allowing me to navigate this transformative journey prudently. Looking back, I can confidently say there's nothing GiveDirectly should change. They've not only given me financial support but also a renewed sense of hope and the belief that dreams, no matter how big, are within reach with the right support."