I am a Kenyan aged 29 years and hold a Bachelor of Arts (Economics, with IT) degree from Maseno University. On top of this I have CPA Section five qualifications. Previously, I have served as Accounts Assistant at Stoke Insurance Agency and as a Research Assistant at Digital Archives LTD. Most recently, I served as Agent Banking Consultant with Kenya Commercial Bank stationed at Gilgil Branch. I resigned from employment to start a business which is my passion and also make a positive impact to the local community. The experience that I have acquired during my working life has sharpened my entrepreneurial skills.

I started engaging in business while still in college where I would offer printing and photocopying services to students. After college, I became actively employed in different organizations until I realized that I had a passion in business and not employment and hence my resignation. Currently am engaged in dairy farming at the outskirts of Nakuru town. The population of Nakuru town has risen tremendously especially after Post election violence of 2008. The high population has made the demand of milk to go high; the current production do not satisfy the market. Having realized that, I sought ways of increasing production of milk and hence my income. The most important thing is to improve my herd by rearing high quality breed of cows and feeding them appropriately. The greatest challenge I am facing in dairy farming business is high cost of dairy feeds especially during dry periods. If I could access cheap funds, I will purchase hays and keep stock to feed my cows during dry spells. I, therefore request for a credit facility that would not only see my dream come true but also create employment opportunity for youths in my locality. Revenue from the sale of milk for 2 cows per month is Ksh. 35,000. Total expenses per month include salaries and wages Ksh. 4,000, Dairy feeds Ksh. 10,000 and medicines and pesticides Ksh. 3,000. The net cash flow from dairy farming business is Ksh. 18,000.

Dear lenders,

First and foremost is to thank you for the wonderful job you doing in Kenya. For those who may not know, Kenya is a country in sub Saharan Africa. As it is in most of African countries, unemployment rate especially the youths is more than 70% thus any intervention to alleviate this suffering will go a long way. Agriculture remains a key source of employment among the youths.

Personally, I have engaged in dairy farming since the year 2011. although farming is becoming quite unpredictable due changes in climatic conditions and global warming, farming still provides source of livelihood to many families. I have to admit it has not been easy but with the help of Zidisha, I have managed to source funds to buy good breed of cows, make good shelter and store dry feeds for my cows especially now we are experiencing drought.

I am requesting a loan of about $408. The loan will be used to make bio-gas digester that will be a source of clean fuel for me and my family. Currently, the main source of fuel is from charcoal and firewood that is becoming scarce and thus expensive not to mention the health implications as a result of smoke from woods and charcoal.

The money will be used as follows; $ 250 to make the bio-gas digestor, $100 for piping and $100 for making a jua kali cooker.

Thank you once again for working with me in this journey and may God bless you as you fund my business.

Warm Regards.

Paul