"My greatest challenge currently is the lack of money. Because of my old age I'm unable to take part in many money generating activities and therefore I've been left to depend on casual labour such as washing clothes, fetching water and sometimes burning charcoal. The money I get is not enough to meet my household needs. This has been made even more difficult since I provide for my granddaughter Mercy who is in University."

"I have been thinking a lot about my future in fish trading. Fishing around Lake Baringo is not just my livelihood; it is a part of who I am. Each day, when I catch fresh fish, I dream of selling it directly, instead of handing it off to traders. Selling to them has its downsides as I sometimes face losses and miss out on potential profits. I truly believe that if I could start my own business, I could thrive. I have the knowledge of the market and a passion for what I do. However, the lack of capital holds me back. I want to create a business that not only supports me but also contributes to my community."

"In the coming year and beyond, I plan to invest my transfers in goat rearing. I love goats because they are resistant to diseases, multiply quickly, and are highly marketable. I'm happy to say that I have already purchased six goats using my transfers, and one of them was pregnant and recently gave birth to twins. In the long run, I plan to barter these goats to acquire a dairy cow. I prefer dairy cows because they also reproduce, and if I ever need to sell one, they can bring in a good amount of money. This initiative will serve as my future financial investment, and in case I face any financial crisis, I can sell some goats or the dairy cow to support myself and pay for my children's school fees. With the ongoing food crisis and the need to pay school fees, I will continue to use my GiveDirectly transfers to support these efforts and secure a stable future for my family."

"My goal for the coming year and beyond is to expand my omena business. In addition to the income I receive from GiveDirectly, this business provides financial support, allowing me to earn a daily income. This ensures that my family never goes to bed hungry, as I am able to buy food every day. I am optimistic that by boosting this business, it will not only improve our financial situation but also offer stability and security. To achieve this, I plan to invest part of my transfer into growing the business. Additionally, I have a plan to invest part of my transfer in livestock, specifically goat rearing and poultry. I considered this because I have two children in upper primary school who will soon transition to secondary school. These animals will serve as my future financial security. In case I face financial difficulties, I can sell them to pay for my children's school fees or buy food when needed for family consumption."

"I embarked on a journey to the Middle East as a domestic worker, fueled by the dream of crafting a brighter future for myself and my family. With each transfer I receive and my hard-earned salary, I’m determined to save a substantial portion of my income. My vision is to save enough amount of money that will allow me to return to my homeland and launch my very own business. I dream of opening a vibrant boutique, a place where creativity meets commerce. I can already picture it: shelves filled with beautiful items, a warm atmosphere, and customers who leave with smiles on their faces. I’m committed to pouring my heart and soul into making this venture flourish, turning it into a reliable source of income that will support my family and ensure my children receive the education they deserve. Every day, I hold onto the hope that these dreams will come true, paving the way for financial stability and a life filled with opportunities for my loved ones. The journey may be challenging, but I believe that with determination and hard work, I can turn my aspirations into reality."

"With my house on the verge of collapsing, my goal for the coming year is to build a new home. I am pleased to share that I have already purchased all the roofing materials needed for this housing project. Now, my next step is to buy building poles and cement. To achieve this, I plan to use a portion of my transfers to gradually acquire the building poles necessary for constructing the two-room house I have always dreamed of and start building. Once my house is complete, I intend to redirect my transfers toward buying goats. My hope is that these goats will multiply and increase in both number and value, providing me with a reliable source of income to support my family and educate my children. They will serve as a valuable asset, especially when this program comes to an end. I am truly grateful for the support I have received from GiveDirectly, and I remain hopeful for a brighter future ahead."

"This organization is truly exceptional and stands out as the best I have ever encountered. Its operations are remarkably unique, particularly the direct deposit of funds into our accounts, which is highly efficient. Moreover, the staff members are genuinely kind and approachable, fostering an environment where we feel comfortable asking questions. Their presence in our village was incredibly positive, and their work was completed without any complaints. Therefore, I don't believe there's anything negative that requires immediate attention or necessitates any changes."

"The goal for the coming months and beyond is to finish constructing the two houses that I initially started building for my two sons. We have been staying in the same small house, and I feel they need their privacy and freedom. Since the materials ran out along the way, I have come up with a strategy to start saving from my tap water-selling business to fulfill this goal. As of now, the houses are halfway complete, which makes me believe that I will accomplish them soon. Once I succeed, we will all enjoy the freedom that we have been lacking for so long, and as a mother, this will restore my dignity."

"Now that I have finished building a decent house, my new goal is to own a dairy cow in my compound. I have realized that a dairy cow offers many benefits, especially in providing daily milk. I plan to allow the three goats I already have to multiply and increase in number. I will then sell a few of them and use the proceeds to buy the cow. I believe this dream can be achieved in the coming years, as goats reproduce quickly. Once I succeed, I will have a reliable source of milk for my family and can sell the surplus to my neighbors to generate income. This milk business will help me pay my child's school fees much more easily in the future."

"Currently, my main goal is to witness my children graduate from college. One is currently in her first year, and the other is in their second year. Paying their fees has been a major challenge, as my income is based on farming. My older son has been the one helping to support them. My son and I are working together to gather the necessary funds from various sources to ensure his siblings finish school, and I am confident that we will succeed. We all believe that once they complete their education and secure better jobs, they will be able to fully support us at home, making our lives easier. Education is the key that can break the cycle of poverty that has been hindering our development."