Farming and adding more stock to my packing business

Andrew

Kisumu, Kenya

37% repaid

Entrepreneur

Name

Andrew

Member since

November 2015

On-time repayments

126 installments  •  71%

About Me

I am the 6th born in a family of nine siblings of whom six are alive that is four gentlemen and two ladies. My father was a cobler in the city - Nairobi but later changed to be a peasant farmer in the country side Koru. My mother was a fish monger till she got involved in a grisly road accident in 1978 and was the only survivor. My dad died three years later when I was 11years. She was to live with disability for 19 years upto 1997 when she died. From her I picked up one thing that business was the only sure way to make it through if formal employment was not coming forth. I have been on and off temp jobs and self employment.
I have five children three boys and two girls. The elder boy and his follower have the desire of making it big in business and thus the need to set the business rolling before they finish school.

My Business

My business involve selling and distribution of packaging materials to kiosks/shops and vegetable vendors. However the barn on polythene affected my operation for a short duration. The new packaging materials have even proven to be very good and environment friendly. The demand for this is very high. I need to expand to a level where I am able to wholesale. I have been able to undertake to wholesaling of the products and even intend to expand further. The profit is between 20% to 30% gross depending on distance of distribution. At the moment I am reinvesting the revenue collected in order to expand the business and even get to merchandise other products. My long term objective is to be able to meet the educational needs of my children besides meeting family needs and growing to big shop merchandise.

I am glad to put it I got a partial loan which I paid before schedule. I did apply again but was not funfed . I do have an intention of adding new stock and paying the school for my sons in form three and one and my daughters in class one and eight. I also have an elder son who sat his KCSE and is meant to join college this year 2018. Also uploaded is my last born daughter who joined class one at the Catholic Parochial primary school in Nairobi and my son who joined form one. The fee for term two and three for all of them is about $330.
Considering that I am able to make close to 30% profit I should be able to pay up this loan within its term. From November 2015 to date my volume sales has increased from $40 to $120 per day which translates to $840 a week from $280 per week. With the increase in amount of funding I expect to do even much better. This increased volume in sales will also improve the standard of living of my family and also be able to meet the basic needs of my children's education.

Through zidisha I have been able to venture into farming, And I now have one and half acre land coverage of beans. On the same strength I have been able to play major social rolls in my community through the contribution of funeral, wedding activities amongst others. I feel empowered.

Loan Proposal

As we get into the year 2019 I aspire to farm maize, beans and Irish potatoes. On the same note I will be expanding my packaging business. One big challenge I have in the year 2019 is the education fee for my kids. It is because of them that I ventured into farming so as to increase my income in the long run.

Feedback

3

None

None

  • Margaret    Apr 1, 2018

    The loan was paid off perfectly!

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  • Mary    Dec 1, 2017

    Andrew had a tough time when Kenya outlawed plastic bags, the basis of his business. He has done a remarkable job in paying off his loan with the challanges he has faced. I recommend funding any future loan for this honest and hard working man!

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    • Andrew    Dec 26, 2017

      Thanks a lot Mary. I appreciate you for your encouragement and being interested in my growth. This is wonderful. I believe with the help of God through the support of the lenders I will be able to scale the heights. Thanks once more.

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  • Kitty    Apr 8, 2017

    fully paid thank you

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    • Andrew    Mar 2, 2018

      Hello Kitty, I am appealing for your support same to other lenders. Thanks.

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Loan Info

Project Type

Classic Loan

Disbursed amount

$623.89

Date disbursed

Jan 9, 2019

Repayment status

Late

Projected term

2 months

Lenders

W

Walter

Victoria BC, Canada

S

SueB1

Los Alamos, United States

MarktheMormon

Sandy, Utah, United States

G

guenter

Bremen, Germany

Tavin

Ottawa, Canada

F

florian

Mettmenstetten, Switzerland

Cloudways

Malta, Malta

G

Goodwill

Oakland, United States

Ingela

Falun, Sweden

JOKer

Weisendorf, Germany

stever

Cape Coral, United States

JonB

London, United Kingdom

lizandsteve

guelph, Canada

N

nycjen

United States

C

ColoradoEmac

United States

lyalljellyman

Wellington, New Zealand

utdream

United States

D

ddm08

United States

HL

Holly Laird

Austin, United States

Mark

Nijmegen, Netherlands

W

Wade

United States

SK

Stefan Kruell

Muenster, Germany

Craig

Memphis, TN, United States

V

Vivek

Arlington, VA, United States

WE

Wendy Emlyn

Devon, United Kingdom

Paul Smithson

Leeds, United Kingdom

Rosario von Li

San Jose, Ca, United States

Amanda Orson

Stamford, Ct, United States

A

Adam

United Kingdom

P

Peter

Bratislava, Slovakia

Eugen Stamm

Zurich, Switzerland

CM

Craig McCoy

United States

MC

United States

Christopher Hey

Sudbury, Canada

EB

Ellen Batten

Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

NR

Nina Roth

United Kingdom

B

Bramlage

United States

SH

Steven Huntington

London, United Kingdom

Dan Michael

Oslo, Norway

Thomas

Sweden, Sweden

CC

Chris Cutter

United States

LD

Luã de Souza

Sydney, Brazil

M

michelle

United States

Max B

Saint Louis, United States

Stanislas L

London, United Kingdom

JC

Justin cohan

United States

R

Rolands

Taichung, Taiwan

PR

Priscilla Rathbone

Seattle, Washington, United States

V

Vidar

Oslo, Norway

I

isaac

United Kingdom

RC

Rudi Chen

United States

NG

Nick Gorrell

Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia

N

Nancy

United States

G

Gil

Portugal

E

EABF

Netherlands

GC

Greger Cronquist

Göteborg, Sweden

HPK

Switzerland, Switzerland

BW

Betty Waweru

United States

David

Mantua, Ohio Usa, United States

D

Diane

United States

Joseph Abell

Brisbane, Australia

Jes-c

United States

V

Vasil

Belarus

I

ixeldog

atlanta, United States

JA

Jan Andresen

Hamburg, Germany

Larissa

Germany

AS

Aida Smith

United States

SM

Sachet Marion

United States

Rick

United States

Bart Vogelzang

Ladysmith BC, Canada

James

London, United Kingdom

SA

Shar Alamdari

Los Angeles, United States

MP

Matt Patton

United States

L

Lucy

Australia

EP

Emerald Pham

United States

Martin Kraus

Traiskirchen, Austria

S

Suzannah

New York City, United States

Craig Travis Provyn

Bradenton, Florida, United States

M

Marama

Australia

Benjamin Kniaz

Boston, United States

MO

Mark Owens

United States

SH

Stephanie He

United States

ES

Evan Simons

United States

JS

Jason Strauss

United States

MF

Mike Frawley

United States

JA

Joshua Axtell

United States

IC

Ian Coutts

Chicago, USA, United States

VC

Victor Chong

United States

Grégoire

Zurich, Switzerland

Shane Bugeja

Mankato, Minnesota, United States

R

Ryan

Albuquerque, NM, United States

R

Ralf

Germany

Ellen

Michigan, United States

SS

Sara Sobota

United States

Ken

Mequon, WI, United States

NK

Navid Kiassat

United States

L

Lastoni

United States

D

Dalton

San Francisco, United States

CJ

Chris Jones

Seattle, United States

HCPSPIRIT

Helsinki, Finland

Haroon S

United States

Betsy

United States

Dean Suminski

Portland, Oregon, United States

Diane U

Olympia, Wa, Usa, United States

Colin Marks

London, United Kingdom

Jean Wren Chan

United States

S

Southbanker

Reading, United Kingdom

ED

Eunan Doherty

donegal ireland, Ireland

Bo Rosén

Eslöv, Sweden

Paul Thompson

York, United Kingdom

S

seahillpark

United States

Doron Elinav

Ramat Gan, Israel

JU

jeremy upsal

United States

Philipp Lehmann

Zurich, Switzerland

Christian

Vienna, Austria

Peter

Neu-ulm, Germany

MM

Mike McGary

United States

Mike

Indianapolis, United States

DW

Dan Winetsky

United States

Martha Fleury

Bethesda, MD, United States

WC

Walter Clarke

Phoenix, United States

W

Will

United States

L

Liam

New Zealand

AS

Andreas Schäfer

Basel, Switzerland

AH

Antioch House Church

Kansas City, Kansas, United States

TH

Tyler Harris

United States

S

Sarah

Arlington, United States

afaness

Germany

BN

Bence Nagy

Czech Republic

A

Alex

United States

ZS

Zach Silveira

Asheville, Nc, United States

John Barnett

United States

Ask Andrew a question about this project, share news and photos of your own, or send a simple note of thanks or inspiration.

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  • Lotus Flower    Oct 13, 2019

    Dear Andrew,

    The next time you post a loan request, then at the very top of your profile page, please try to replace the photo that's currently posted there with one in which your face is clearly visible and centered in the frame. That also would help to ensure that your face would appear centered in the little circle to the left of your name, just above each of your comments here on your borrower-lender Discussion page.

    Borrowers are supposed to do that for the second loan request and for each subsequent loan request. (Lenders are not required to post a photo of themselves.)

    The system will allow you to change the photo at the very top of your profile anytime you create a new loan request and for as long as your loan request still is in fundraising.

    If you encounter any technical problems, please report that in the
    "Borrower Questions" section of the Forum for the Staff (a/k/a the Team: www.zidisha.org/team) to see, as they almost never visit any borrower-lender Discussion pages. (They likely won't reply to you in the Forum, but they *will* see your report there, so just keep checking your account every few days for a solution to any technical problem that you report there.)

    In any event, all other photos, you can post lower on your Discussion page, along with a comment about each photo for your lenders.

    Thank you.

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  • Andrew    Oct 13, 2019

    I am so surprised to see zidisha give an indication that I have borrowed more than one hundred thousand shillings. The highest loan amount I have been disbursed is 42000/= after the deductions from a loan application of 63000/=approx. Could this be an error?

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    • Lotus Flower    Oct 13, 2019

      Andrew, please don't confuse your lenders with the Staff,
      a/k/a the Team (whom you can see here: www.zidisha.org/team).
      Although the two (2) current members of the Staff also are lenders,
      most lenders are *not* on the Staff.

      For all technical and administrative issues, please
      always click on the HELP link in your account,
      as your borrower-lender Discussion page
      *isn't* the correct place to try to reach them.

      Thanks, and best wishes.

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  • Andrew    Aug 10, 2019

    To zidisha lenders, it has been very difficult for me in the past year. I have not been able to meet my financial obligations. This is given by virtue that i experienced serious crop failure during the second harvest of last year. When I made a second attempt by culvating maize I did not achieve my expectations. For one the monkeys destroyed the maize when they were weaning beside the thieves got on to the land placked almost half of what was left by the monkeys' destruction. I am now reorganizing myself to it that I repay my loan. Thanks for assistance that you have granted me.

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  • Wendy Emlyn    Feb 20, 2019

    Hello Andrew.
    Are you able to make any more payments yet?
    God bless you,
    Wendy

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    • Andrew    Mar 8, 2019

      I would like to review my payment due to low financial financial flow in my business. This has been attributed by decline in business performance and family obligations before me.

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  • Andrew    Feb 3, 2019

    I am not able to keep to this payment. Beside I made an error when I made the selection on the instalments I was suppose to make which was suppose to run for close to ten months.

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  • Andrew    Dec 15, 2018

    To all my lenders this is wonderful, I thank you all for your contributions. It is God given. I look forward to making the best of the funds. As things stands now I am in the process of getting my farm tools ready and in high gear preparing for January for land preparation. Besides I am having to deal with school fee matters for my kids. All this will be put in place in regards to the progress of my business. Thanks again and may you all be blessed.

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  • Andrew    Nov 6, 2018

    Through the zidisha loan I was able to venture into farming and i now have one and half acre coverage of beans which is to be harvested in December.

    I have also been able to have school fee for my children paid on time

    besides i have been able to take part in the social activities in the community without less difficulty.

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  • Mary    Aug 9, 2018

    I am glad to see your business is doing well. I hope all your children are able to learn and find successful careers in there futures!

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    • Andrew    Oct 24, 2018

      Thanks Mary, I am happy that all has been going on well even if there have hitches here and there. Beside my business of distribution I am in now in small scale farming where I have two hectares of beans. The beans would be harvested in December. The children are now almost closing for the holidays. They have had a smooth year in learning, thanks to zidisha community.

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  • Andrew    Jul 10, 2018

    Kindly update my payments

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  • Andrew    Jun 5, 2018

    Its with great sincerity that I wish to express my gratefulness to the zidisha lending team. I have been able to clear school fee for my sons high school and purchased for the basic nessecities for school. On the strength of the same I travelled to Kampala, Uganda for high quality non woven bags. It's my believe that "sky is the limit".

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  • Andrew    May 27, 2018

    Thank you so much the zidisha lending family. I am glad to have received full loan funding for my business. In regard to this i pray that I be able to clear this loan before the term expiry and also see improvement on my family and personal lifestyle improvement.

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  • Andrew    May 26, 2018

    Thanks lenders for funding my loan. Its my prayer that i shall be able to pay it within schedule.

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  • shena    Apr 2, 2018

    Hi Andrew, was your Feb 2018 loan for $31? If not, wrong data is showing up in your borrowing history.

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    • Andrew    Apr 3, 2018

      Oh yes it was Shena. Thanks, I have already repaid it.

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  • Andrew    Mar 25, 2018

    To my lenders, I wish to thank you for the lending exercise you have offered me. I do look forward to great response. Thanks in advance lenders.

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  • Mary    Mar 16, 2018

    Zidisha has changed the rules so partially funded loans can be disbursed. This change will impact how funds flow into and out of the lending pool. I have already seen an improvement in loans being funded. I will encourage you to reapply for your loan Andrew.

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    • Andrew    Mar 20, 2018

      Thanks Mary. I got a partial loan amount of $31 which I used in purchasing a few things for my son who is in form one. I am going to repay this amount then apply.

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    • Andrew    Apr 15, 2018

      Hi Mary. There seems to a problem with my history data. May you please advise on it. Thank you,

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    • Andrew    Jul 18, 2018

      Mary I need your help on my loan repayments updates. Please assist.

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  • Andrew    Feb 27, 2018

    Thanks for your contribution Margaret. I am looking forward to other lenders to come forward to help me realize my dream. I pray that this loan get to full funding.

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  • Andrew    Feb 12, 2018

    It's now a third time that I have submitted my application and seeing it expire before funding is fully done. I wish to thank Kitty who funded 10% of the first application, Mary who funded 18% of the second application before expiry. Its my prayer that this application goes through to full funding.

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    • Mary    Feb 15, 2018

      Zidisha has made it possible to accept partially funded loans. Please read this link www.zidisha.org/forum-threa... . I think it will help borrowers and lenders more than ever! I will encourage you to try again for a loan.

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  • Mary    Jan 25, 2018

    Please read this Zidisha announcement Andrew. www.zidisha.org/forum-threa.... It explains why their have been many loans which have not been funded. Please do not feel discouraged. Your loan will be funded once the capitol is back in the Zidisha managed funds. Many loans have not been funded due to the error. Do not take this as lack of confidence in your abilities. I know you have a bright future with Zidisha!

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    • Andrew    Feb 1, 2018

      Thanks Mary, I believe all will be well and I am not giving up any time soon. These are part of the challenges that we experience. I pray the situation will normalize soonest.

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  • Andrew    Jan 22, 2018

    I wish to thank Mary for the contribution she has made and I pray that more lenders would come by to support my course. As the situation stands now have my last born daughter at the Catholic Parochial Primary school Nairobi, where I am expected to pay a fee of $200 for term one. Attach is her photo in school uniform and track. Kindly note I have taken her to a private institution for a strong basic foundation.

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  • Andrew    Jan 15, 2018

    Due to ZIDISHA loan fund I would say that I have been able to make a great stride in my development programs and majorly on my family. Last week on Jan 9th, 2018 I was able to pay my son's fee and purchase all the school requirements for form one. I am however, yet to pay my daughter's fee who has just joined standard one.

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