"Since the arrival of heavy rains in June this year, my house has fallen into a state of disrepair. The force of the rainwater caused significant damage to the mud walls, leading to weakened supporting poles and resulting in the house tilting to one side. Furthermore, the iron sheets covering the roof have rusted over time, leading to severe leaks. Given the circumstances, my objective is to utilize the funds from the transfer to construct a brand-new house. The financial support I have received thus far has allowed me to purchase ten pieces of iron sheets, marking a significant step towards achieving my goal. The prospect of having a new house fills me with immense joy and gratitude, as it promises a safer and more comfortable living environment for myself and my family."

"My daughter Precious who is 9 months old was diagnosed with a heart problem a few months ago. This prompted us to sell all our cattle together with a few goats. Despite all our efforts we still have a hospital bill of about $120. This is our greatest and biggest challenge."

"Receiving cash assistance from GiveDirectly made a significant impact on my life. My husband had been unwell for a long time, and we couldn't afford the medical care he needed. Upon receiving the transfer, I didn't hesitate. I used $100 to get him the medication he required. Today, I am so thankful and happy because he's finally on the path to recovery. Before, our living conditions were far from comfortable. Our bed was old and broken, and our bedding was worn out. But with $110, I was able to purchase a modern standard bed and a comfortable mattress. Now, I sleep well and wake up refreshed, and it's made a big difference in our lives. Additionally, I invested in our family's security by buying a grill door for $55, giving us peace of mind. I also decided to start a goat-rearing project by purchasing two goats for $80, which I hope will provide a steady income for our family in the future. With the remaining funds, I bought enough food to ensure our family was well-nourished and saved some for our future needs. Thanks to GiveDirectly, our lives have improved significantly, and we are filled with gratitude for the support we received."

"My primary goal is to construct a more comfortable and secure two-roomed house for my family of five, consisting of my husband, three children, and myself, by May of next year. Our current dwelling is in a deteriorating state, and every time it rains, we endure discomfort and inconvenience. To achieve this goal, I am committed to allocating a portion of my monthly salary towards a dedicated savings fund for the construction project."

"My goal is to realize my long-standing dream of becoming a successful livestock farmer. I've taken the initial step by acquiring two cows, but my ultimate aim is to expand my livestock portfolio by steadily increasing the number of animals in my care. To achieve this, I've made a strategic plan where I'll purchase a goat every month whenever I receive my transfers. Over time, I intend to sell some of these goats to reinvest in acquiring more cows, steadily growing my livestock business and ultimately establishing a thriving venture in livestock keeping"

"My primary objective is to construct a new toilet for my family. The current toilet we use is nearing its capacity, posing hygiene concerns for our household. To address this issue, I am committed to building a new toilet at the beginning of next year. I plan to achieve this goal by diligently setting aside a portion of my monthly transfers specifically for this purpose. This endeavour will ensures the health and well-being of my family."

"It was around 3:20 in the afternoon when I was diligently preserving my maize after a long day of harvesting under the scorching sun. As I carefully stashed away each ear of corn, my phone chimed with an incoming MPESA message from GiveDirectly. A rush of excitement washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of what this message contained. With this financial boost, I knew that I could finally realize my long-held dream of starting a poultry business, a venture that would not only secure our future but also bring prosperity to our lives."

"As the clock struck 3 in the warm afternoon sun, I had just returned from the shop and was settling into a moment of respite when the notification chimed on my phone. My heart raced as I read the message confirming the arrival of my first unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. A surge of happiness washed over me, and tears welled up in my eyes, for I knew this meant I could finally complete the construction of my permanent house. It was a dream I had nurtured for so long, and in that instant, it felt within reach, filling me with profound gratitude and an overwhelming sense of hope for the future."

"I have been sickly for the last 3 years. This has affected my ability to work. I was infected with Kala-azar. It left me with a long term effect, meaning I cannot walk for long distances or do heavy lifting.It has led me to depend on my grandson most of the time. He works most of the time and I only help in hearding the livestock. It has affected our ability as a family to provide optimally for ourselves."

"Since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly, the most significant change in my life has been the newfound hope that comes with the goats. I firmly believe that as their numbers increase, I will be able to sell some and generate the income necessary to support my children through their education until they graduate. Before this support, it was a constant struggle to make ends meet, and I often worried about how I would afford my children's school fees. But now, with the goats, I see a path towards securing their future, and it brings me immense relief and optimism. These goats represent more than just livestock; they are a symbol of resilience and progress. With each addition to the herd, I am one step closer to ensuring that my children receive the education they deserve, breaking the cycle of poverty that has held my family back for generations. It's not just about the goats themselves; it's about the opportunities they represent and the dreams they are helping me turn into reality. Thanks to GiveDirectly's support, I have a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence that my children will have a brighter future."