"Living in this poorly structured house has been a daily reminder of the dream I've carried with me for so long – to build a better home for my family and myself. It's a dream that has often been overshadowed by the harsh reality of financial constraints. Every penny I manage to scrape together ends up being spent on the most basic necessities, leaving nothing for the construction I yearn for. I've envisioned a cosy and secure place, one where my family could truly feel safe and comfortable. But as the years pass, the gap between that dream and my reality seems to widen. The dilapidated walls and leaky roof of our current home are constant reminders of the struggle I face."

"After receiving the cash, the first thing I did was ensure that my household had a sufficient food supply. Food security had long been a major challenge for me as a single parent, and it was heartwarming to see my family no longer going to bed with empty stomachs as we had done before. As I looked at my children's faces, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief, knowing that they would no longer experience the pangs of hunger. Since I was residing on my father's compound, I decided to invest in the future. I bought a one-acre piece of land for a down payment of $150, with an agreement to settle the remaining amount later. My children were growing up, and it was clear they needed privacy. My father's compound was getting crowded with his own family, so having our own space felt like a dream coming true. I also used a portion of the cash to pay the school fees for my three children, which amounted to $40, ensuring they could study without disturbances. With the remaining amount, I purchased essential building materials like poles, iron sheets, timber, and threads. My intention was to use these materials to build a new house on the land I had purchased. The thought of having our own home, a place where my family could live comfortably, filled me with a deep sense of relief and restored my self-esteem. Building a home with my own hard-earned money, especially considering the challenges I faced with my seasonal charcoal business, would have taken years."

"It was exactly 3 PM when I was doing laundry for my children when I heard my phone ringing so loudly. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly, and my heart skipped a beat. I felt an overwhelming rush of happiness and immediately rushed to inform my husband, who was working in the garden. As I clutched my phone tightly, a wave of hope washed over me. At that moment, I knew that with this unconditional cash transfer, I had the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality. My mind raced with possibilities, and I envisioned the retail shop business I had always dreamed of, where I could provide for my family and secure a brighter future."

"In the coming years, my aspiration is to witness significant growth and success in my hotel and retail shop businesses. My primary motivation behind this endeavor is to secure a stable financial future for my family, particularly to provide my children with access to higher levels of education through the profits generated. This dream serves as a powerful motivator, propelling me to work tirelessly towards the realization of these goals, knowing that they hold the key to a brighter and more fulfilling future for my loved ones."

"I am eager to venture into goat farming, starting from scratch without any goats at the moment. My plan is to gradually invest in these animals, with the flexibility to sell them when needed to generate income."

"In my old age, my primary goal is to ensure that I have an ample food supply. To accomplish this, I intend to continue my regular farming activities, which include cultivating food crops and raising livestock. Besides providing sustenance, any surplus will be sold to generate income."

"My goal for the future is to acquire two bulls, which would be immensely helpful for plowing services. During the planting season, I often need to hire bulls from others to prepare my land, which can become quite expensive. I aspire to have the means to access these services, even if I lack the funds to rent an ox-plow. Additionally, owning my ox-plow would enable me to offer plowing services to others, generating additional income. To achieve this goal, I plan to continue saving a portion of the cash transfers through a self-help group until I can afford to purchase the bulls."

"My goal at the moment is to prepare for my son Onesmus's high school admission, which is scheduled for next year. He will soon be graduating from the eighth grade towards the end of this year. I anticipate that the admission procedure will be costly, so I intend to start saving a portion of the cash transfers to accumulate the necessary funds. Furthermore, I aspire to expand my herd of goats and cows to generate more wealth, which can continue to support my son's high school education even after his admission."

"Before the transfers, I was living in a challenging situation, with no proper home and limited resources to support my family. With the funds from GiveDirectly, I was able to invest in building a decent home, which not only provides shelter but also enhances our overall well-being. Additionally, I used a portion of the money to acquire goats, which have the potential to multiply and serve as a valuable source of income in the future. This assistance has brought about a positive transformation in my life, providing a sense of security and hope for a better future. I am deeply grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, which has enabled me to take significant steps toward financial independence and improved living conditions."

"I have big plans for the future, thanks to the financial stability that the recent transfer has provided me. One of my foremost goals is to save a portion of the money and invest it in livestock, specifically cows and sheep. These animals not only serve as a source of financial security but also have the potential to multiply over time, significantly increasing my assets. Additionally, I'm looking into leasing a piece of farmland. This step would enable me to venture into crop cultivation. By growing crops, I can reduce the expenses meant for purchasing food for myself and my family. Furthermore, any surplus produce can be sold, thus generating an additional stream of income. These plans represent a significant shift in my life. They offer immediate benefits, such as improved financial stability and reduced food expenses, as well as long-term opportunities for income growth and self-sufficiency. I'm excited about the possibilities and am determined to make the most of this newfound income security."