"The changes brought about by our decisions following the transfers have filled us with excitement and gratitude, reshaping our family dynamics and our position in the community. One of the most profound shifts occurred when we allocated funds to pay dowry. This pivotal step carried financial significance and, also held deep cultural and familial implications. By fulfilling this obligation, we gained a sense of peace with my parents, solidifying our position as a united family with their blessings. This harmonious resolution marked the beginning of a new chapter, where we can confidently move forward, secure in our relationships and free from the looming pressures that once clouded our interactions. The decision to invest in goats has had a ripple effect beyond our expectations. These animals, beyond their economic value, have bestowed upon us respect within our community. In societies where livestock is esteemed, owning goats signifies stability and resourcefulness. This elevated status enhances our sense of self-worth and strengthens our role within our community's social fabric. The transformation in our daily life is particularly evident in our improved access to food. Previously, the struggle to secure food was a constant challenge. Now, with the ability to allocate funds directly for food purchases, our family has been liberated from the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanied our efforts to source sustenance."

"In the coming years and beyond, my plan is to establish a grocery business within my village. This endeavor holds great potential as an additional income source, considering the convenience it would provide to my neighbors. Observing them travel some distance to obtain supplies, I believe that offering these essentials nearby could be a beneficial opportunity for both the community and myself."

"It was around 3:00 p.m. and I had just returned from gathering firewood in the nearby bush. I was in the process of kindling a fire to prepare porridge for my two young children, aged 3 and 1. They had been crying due to hunger since morning, and I wanted to soothe their hunger with some porridge, as it was the only meal we had at the moment. We were awaiting my spouse's return in the evening, hoping that he would bring flour for a proper supper. Suddenly, my phone alerted me with a notification, indicating the arrival of an SMS. Without delay, I reached for my phone and eagerly opened the message. To my astonishment, it was an Mpesa SMS confirming the receipt of GiveDirectly transfers. A surge of joy overwhelmed me as I realized that my children would no longer have to go hungry. I wasted no time in calling my husband to share the wonderful news with him."

"Upon receiving the second transfer from GiveDirectly, I promptly started using it to cover the goals that I had set. On the very first day, I settled a milk debt of $42 by immediately forwarding the money to the shop owner's account. In addition, I sent $31 to my husband, who was working in Thika along with our three children, to cover their living expenses. Their joy at the arrival of the long-awaited funds after enrolling was heartening. I then allocated $27 to purchase 50kg of maize for my family of four, who were at home at the time. Furthermore, I cleared a $16 wage owed to my maid, who had been caring for my child. Recognizing the urgency of these needs, I considered these expenditures vital. About a week later, I visited my husband and two sons at his workplace in Thika, spending $20 to cover the transportation cost. After prioritizing these essentials, I saved the remaining $63, which has since been useful in replenishing our household consumables. The support from GiveDirectly has significantly assisted in managing our immediate needs and enhancing our overall well-being."

"From the very beginning, my spouse and I were crystal clear about how we intended to utilize the transfers we expected from GiveDirectly, just as we did with the first one. As someone who earns a living as a motorcycle rider, my income hinges on providing transportation services to our local community. Although recent months had brought about increasing challenges, the moment we enrolled in GiveDirectly's program, we knew that this cash would alleviate a significant portion of our debts. We decided to allocate $100 into my spouse's account, earmarked specifically to amass funds for our two children's private primary school tuition—an expense that had consistently weighed heavily on us, particularly when the school denied them entry, necessitating their stay at home. Recognizing the urgency, I invested $50 into repairing and servicing my trusty, well-worn motorcycle, which had been my reliable companion for a considerable stretch of time. This measure not only ensured its continued functionality but also enhanced its overall efficiency. Furthermore, I allotted $35 towards purchasing essential food supplies for our family of four, using the remaining funds to procure a few sets of clothing for my children, who had been grappling with a limited wardrobe selection. The relief and gratitude I feel for this support are immeasurable, and I eagerly anticipate the possibilities that the forthcoming transfers will unfold, enabling us to accomplish even more."

"Upon receiving my second transfer from GiveDirectly, I immediately addressed a pressing issue that had been causing me significant losses—animal intrusion on my farm, leading to crop destruction due to the absence of a perimeter fence. Prioritizing this concern, I invested $120 to purchase five chainlinks and successfully erected a robust fence that now ensures the safety of my crops in the upcoming planting season and promises improved harvests. I also repaired my motorcycle taxi business, which had been temporarily halted due to worn-out tires that I could not afford to replace. Allocating $40, I purchased and installed new tires, enabling me to resume offering transportation services to individuals and goods between the shopping center and various destinations. In addition, I allocated $12 to deworm my 29 goats and set aside $16 to acquire 20 poles for the construction of a goat house. To sustain my family's well-being, I used $70 to purchase essentials such as sugar and maize flour, which continue to be beneficial."

"For over three years now, my family's livelihood has revolved around my small-scale tailoring business, primarily catering to local customers for clothing repairs, with a special focus on school uniform mending, which has consistently provided valuable income for our family of six. The unwavering support from GiveDirectly has been a game-changer, enabling me to embark on projects that were once beyond reach and can supplement the tailoring business. With the second transfer, I invested $100 in acquiring four rolls of chainlink, which allowed me to erect a protective fence around my land, safeguarding my crops from livestock intrusion. I also allocated $100 to cover school fees for my two children—one in secondary school and the other in primary school—ensuring they completed the term without disruptions. Additionally, I purchased essential food supplies worth $50, while prudently saving the remaining $200 with the intention of acquiring a cow. This endeavor aligns with my aspiration to expand our livestock farming; by engaging in breeding, I foresee opportunities to sell offspring, thereby addressing various expenses, including my children's school fees, in the future. I am truly appreciative of GiveDirectly's role in enabling these positive changes in my family's lives."

"As I continue to reside in my grass-thatched hut, my hope for the upcoming year and beyond is to initiate the construction of a new house to replace my current hut. My goal involves utilizing the proceeds from my farm to gradually accumulate the necessary construction materials. While I might not be able to acquire them all at once, I hold the belief that procuring these materials in bits will eventually result in the realization of my dream—a new and improved home that surpasses the limitations of the grass-thatched hut I currently inhabit."

"I am grateful for the second transfer from GiveDirectly, which has had a significant impact on my life. From the first day I received the transfer, I was intentional about how I spent the money. Before receiving the transfers, I was living alone in a small room made of iron sheets, which could not accommodate any additional person in the household. With the $367, I spent $182 on buying 20 iron sheets, $160 on building poles, and $25 on nails. I was also able to pay a labor charge of $80 to complete the construction work. Initially, I had planned to construct the same-sized room as the old one I was living in, but I changed my plan and bought more materials to construct a spacious house with an extra room that serves as a bed space. I am happy and grateful for the generous support from GiveDirectly, and I hope to do more with the final transfer."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to open another small shop within the village to sell charcoal. Since I live along the road, I hope to tap into the travelers who visit nearby tourist attractions like lakes and sell the charcoal to them. This is because most of them buy locally produced goods, and we have been producing charcoal but not selling it to the community members who are capable of producing it too. I intend to use the profits accrued from my retail shop to start the charcoal production and selling business. This will help me to expand my income-generating activities and provide more employment opportunities for the community members"