Entrepreneur
Name
Elijah
Member since
March 2016
On-time repayments
263 installments • 50%
About Me
I was born in rural Kenya, Laikipia County. It was apparently on a season well known for the drought that had struck the land then - 1984. I attended primary school in the 90s, and later High School and college between 2000 & 2008. Education in Rural Kenya was not taken really seriously while I was in Primary, but just a formality. I completed college as an average student, being that the foundation I had was not up-to standard, and by then securing formal employment was not a walk in the park.
After searching for a job tirelessly, I secured a job which did not meet my expectations, and on contract basis. After the contract was over, I decided to venture into business, Agribusiness for that matter. This way, with the little savings I had, I managed to start dairy and chicken farming in my parents’ rural land. My return to the village made my mother, who was a widow already, feel secure since in my community, sons are expected to take a lead in ensuring that property as well as family affairs is well governed.
My Kids really love assisting my wife and I with farm chores. My son however loves gadgets so much, and he is an above average tech-savvy kid. Her younger sister borrows so much from him. While I would wish that they get the best education possible in the best schools, I hope to instill in them a business mind right from the onset, so that in future, they can be able to run the enterprises that my wife and I are putting up now.
When I am not held up in my routine chores, I like spending time with my family while they are available, otherwise I visit friends to learn from their undertakings as well as share knowledge with them.
My Business
I have a stock of chicken which I'm currently disposing. These chicken were meant to be layers, but apparently they have not been productive as such owing to a couple of factors. At the same time, I have one dairy cow, which has one calf. The cow has been really productive over the last few months since it calved.
Both milk and eggs are in demand in my home area and in towns surrounding us. Rearing Chicken and Dairy cows, especially having been brought up by peasant farmers, was a task I considered surmountable and expected minimal challenges from these undertakings.
Due to climate changes in the region where I operate from, grasslands which have been the common food for cattle are no longer sustainable. The cost of chicken feeds and cattle feeds from local feed outlets has skyrocketed in the recent years as well. However, with some small land to cultivate, it is cost effective to always plant feeds on the garden, though to succeed in it, a reliable source of water must be established. Alternatively, modern farming technologies such as Hydroponics must be adopted.
The proceeds I gain from my venture are largely used to support my family’s basic needs as well as paying school fees for my children’s pre-school/ Kindergarten.
Loan Proposal
Upon securing the loan, I intend to acquire a Dairy Cow;
1 Dairy Cow @ $502 (extra cash will be raised from proceeds received from sale of chicken) - $1 = Ksh. 99.7107
Since I intend to buy a heifer that is ready to calve, I expect that sooner than later, the milk production in my farm will go up. This eventually, means that income from my farming venture will go up.
Feedback
Positive
None
Neutral
None
Negative
None
Loan Info
Project Type
Classic Loan
Disbursed amount
$200.00
Date disbursed
Mar 23, 2016
Repayment status
On Time
Projected term
8 months
Other loans
Lenders
United Kingdom
Ask Elijah a question about this project, share news and photos of your own, or send a simple note of thanks or inspiration.