"The memory of receiving the funds from GiveDirectly is etched in my mind. It happened on a bustling market day when I was out running errands. Suddenly, a neighbor urgently called me, urging me to check my phone if I had received funds GiveDirectly. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone and quickly opened my messages. There it was, a message confirming that GiveDirectly had indeed sent me money. The sheer elation that washed over me at that moment is indescribable. I knew right then and there that this financial support would pave the way for my dreams to become a reality. It brought an overwhelming sense of happiness into my life. Without wasting any time, I immediately started devising a plan to make the most of this transfer, now that I had the necessary funds to pursue my aspirations."

"I enrolled in college a few months ago to pursue a certificate in plant operation. I spent over $430 as a result because I had a balance that needed to be paid. I am confident that after receiving my papers, I will be suitable for employment. Despite this, I continue to work as a boda boda taxi and attend school as well because my wife and son still depend on me. I can now see some relief after such a difficult time thanks to this support. Even if I was hopeless before, I am quite certain that by investing in school, I am getting much closer to establishing my destiny. Since food insecurity has been a persistent issue as a result of the extended drought in my region, I had to purchase food with the remaining cash."

"I've wanted to have a dairy cow for a very long time, but I couldn't afford the cost. As soon as I got my transfer, I went ahead and paid $200 for the cow. I chose it because, in addition to considerably empowering my family, it is one of the investments that can thrive so well in my area. Once it reproduces, I can choose to sell some to cover any unexpected expenses, such as fees for my four school-age children, which has been an immense challenge in the past. In addition, I'm certain I'll be selling milk, which costs $1 per litre. As a result, even after GiveDirectly moves to another village, I will always remember this investment. After completing that, I was able to purchase a two-acre land. The current one is owned by my in-laws, and despite their generosity, I needed a place that I could safely farm and call home. Additionally, it was small, and occasionally I had to lease my neighbours' farms, which was expensive for me. I sometimes fail to put my gratitude to GiveDirectly into words. I'll always be grateful."

"My son, who is my helper, had my phone when I received the first transfer confirmation message from GiveDirectly via Mpesa. It was an incredible feeling since I had been looking forward to this opportunity to carry out my plans. He informed me at 4:00 PM, and the excitement was evident, driving me to share the news with my other family members who were there at the time. Their excitement matched mine since our approach to spending the money was a collaborative endeavor in which we discussed ideas and prioritized. We picked up the money the next day at a neighboring shopping center."

"Over the course of a decade, my livelihood has relied heavily on farming. However, due to inadequate rainfall, the income derived from farming has been steadily decreasing. As I approach the end of this year, my objective is to expand my herd by purchasing more goats. This endeavor will provide me with an alternative source of income in case my farming activities yield no financial returns."

"While I await the maturation of the maize crops for harvesting, my intention is to utilize the funds from my transfer to purchase food. Due to the difficulties my mother and I face in finding sporadic employment, there are occasions when we lack the necessary funds to buy food. Once we have successfully harvested the maize and acquired an abundance of food, my plan is to invest in livestock. This strategy will provide a reliable fallback option for me in the future."

"Receiving the first transfer from GiveDirectly has had a profound impact on my daily life, particularly in terms of the availability of food for my family. Previously, we faced challenges in providing an adequate and nutritious diet for ourselves and my grandchildren. However, thanks to GiveDirectly's support, we now have access to a wider range of healthy food options. This ability to eat healthily has not only improved our physical well-being but also brought a relief. I am immensely thankful to GiveDirectly for their support, as it has made a significant difference in ensuring that my family can enjoy nourishing meals on a regular basis."

"At approximately 2:00 pm, I received a message from the Mpesa service provider confirming the receipt of the first transfer. Reading the message made it evident, and I felt a sense of gratitude. However, since I was still in school, where I worked as a teacher at the time, I couldn't collect the money right away. Instead, I waited until the weekend when I had time off from my duties, and that's when I made a visit to the nearby shopping center."

"The expansion of my husband's clothing business proved to be a game-changer. The injection of capital allowed us to increase our stock, attracting a larger customer base and generating higher revenues. Our daily income soared from a mere $20 to a promising $100. One of our priorities was upgrading our kitchen utensils. We invested in good quality utensils that not only enhanced our cooking experience but also allowed us to cater to visitors with pride. Sharing a meal with loved ones became a delightful affair, as we served them with grace and sophistication. Furthermore, We had previously relied on manual labor to plow our fields, a time-consuming and physically demanding task. However, with the increased income, we now had the means to invest in a plowing machine. This not only saved us time and effort but also increased the productivity of our farming endeavors. Our fields were tilled with precision and speed, resulting in better yields and improved profits. As our income grew, we found ourselves in a position of greater financial security. The burden of living paycheck to paycheck was lifted, and we could envision a brighter future."

"The financial assistance I received without the burden of debt has provided me with a unique opportunity to allocate the funds according to my priorities. This flexibility has brought a sense of relief and empowerment, allowing me to make decisions that align with my long-term goals and aspirations. Moreover, this assistance has opened up avenues for personal and professional development. I have the means to invest in my own growth and unlock my full potential. The fact that this support comes without the burden of debt brings a sense of gratitude and responsibility. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, utilizing the funds wisely and making choices that align with my long-term goals."