traciyoshiyama    Apr 29, 2013

Dear lenders,

My name is Traci Yoshiyama and I am a Client Relationship Manager for Zidisha.

Gladys Kagunda, a volunteer mentor for Zidisha, has spoken with Richard and has found out that he is still currently unable to find steady work. He does work as a casual laborer, but any income made from this goes towards trying to feed his family and pay for their education. He is uncertain of when he can resume payments, but thanks everyone for their patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Mr. Mwathi, on behalf of the entire Zidisha team, we hope that work picks up soon and the rainy season does not affect or delay construction in Embakasi.

Best regards,
Traci Yoshiyama

Richard    Jan 27, 2013

Thank you Tracey Yoshiyama

Tracey first i would like to wish You and the entire Zidisha Organisation a happy and prosperous new year 2013 from me and my family, Thank you very much for your official duty and tour here at Utawalla.

I know that i am behind the schedule, things here are not as i antisepated as u are aware am relying on Construction sites and due to the Political condtions no construction is taking place as we wait to see the next Government hopping for the best with the new government.

I kindly request you and Zidisha Organisation to bare with me as i am trying my level best to balance family school fees and the loan plus the hardship of life.

Thanking you again and again.

Richard    Jan 27, 2013

Thank you Tracey Yoshiyama

Tracey first i would like to wish You and the entire Zidisha Organisation a happy and prosperous new year 2013 from me and my family, Thank you very much for your official duty and tour here at Utawalla.

I know that i am behind the schedule, things here are not as i anticipated as u are aware am relying on Construction sites and due to the Political condtions no construction is taking place as we wait to see the next Government hopping for the best with the new government.

I kindly request you and Zidisha Organisation to bare with me as i am trying my level best to balance family school fees and the loan plus the hardship of life.

Thanking you again and again.

traciyoshiyama    Sep 29, 2012

September 26, 2012

Hello, my name is Traci Yoshiyama, Zidisha’s Kenya Client Relationship Manager. I am currently visiting Zidisha borrowers in and around Nairobi.

Knowledge is power. As the leading mantra here in Kenya, it comes as no surprise that the enrollment rate for primary education stands above eighty percent; literacy among youths a whooping ninety-three percent! Parents making meager wages will sacrifice almost anything to ensure their children have an education that they themselves did not get. As my visits to Zidisha borrowers grow, a trend in loan impact reveals itself, for although microfinance was initiated to provide services to uplift small businesses, many see it as a way to empower their children through education.

Richard Mwathi, former owner of a kinyozi (barbershop) in Lanet, Nakuru is the proud father of three teenage boys. With one in Form 4, another in Standard 8, and the eldest enrolled in Egerton University studying natural environment, paying for school fees is no easy feat. Richard’s Zidisha loan was used to pay for tuition, and although he intended to pay back his loan with the revenue acquired through his kinyozi, sales dropped and he decided to close his business.

Seeing better opportunities in Nairobi, Richard is currently living with his sister and nephew in Utawala, while his children continue to attend school in Nakuru. Hoping to accrue enough money to pay back his loan, Richard is working odd jobs at the many construction sites in Utawala. Construction work being on a need only basis and one of the only options for many without additional employment, Richard waits eagerly to be called upon. With elections so close at hand, many construction sites are also at a standstill, lying in wait to see what the new government will bring.

Richard’s struggles are apparent on his face, but his optimism for the future is also unyielding. Making repayments more manageable, Richard has decided to make small weekly installments starting in October. He will continue to stay in Nairobi until the end of the year, seeking opportunities in the growing town of Utawala. My visit with Richard ends on a light-hearted note while we take photos outside and I get a grand tour of a new house his sister is in the process of building. Thank you Richard and family for inviting me to your home, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Richard    Sep 26, 2012

Hey my good people leaders. Ihave been having serious economic consrine as in i had to cater for my children fees, as ihad told you earlier my first born is in university and second born in high school and the ather primary primary level.The other problem is that am the bread winner of my family as well as clothings.

Richard    Aug 9, 2012

i would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the good work you have been doin to us the less fortunate, i must agree that since i joined the Zidisha i have started to feel and look good my kids are now attending the classes without being chased away for school fees like before,
in light of the above i humbly request for your patience i know that am a bit late in repaying the loan but due to the many fees ahead of me am requesting you to allow me to pay 1000/= every end month starting end of this Month August till i complete my loan.
i thank you again for your kind heart and may God continue Blessing the good work of your hands.

Richard    Apr 1, 2012

My children are in secondary school and the school fees is making it difficult for me to pay 3864 shillings per month. Also my business is not working too well these days. I think the business will become better in the coming months. In the meanwhile 1500 shillings will be easy for me to afford and pay on time. I don’t want to disappoint the lenders and will try my best to be on time with my payments from now on

• E

  Errol    Aug 3, 2012

  Richard,
  
  Thanks for keeping us updated about your situation. I hope your business improves!
  
  Errol

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Richard    Feb 18, 2012

Dear lender,

Business is a bit low and I had to sent my chirdren to school two of the to high school and another who is joining University. I manage to pay Ksh 2000 I hope you will bear with me as I look for more money to bring my loan payment to date.

Richard    Nov 21, 2011

thank you for bidding my loan

Richard    Nov 21, 2011

thank you for bidding my loan

Richard    Nov 17, 2011

Thanks for biding my loan may God bless you all.