My names are Daniel Gikonyo Juddy aged 27 years. I was born in Baringo County in 1987. I attended primary school in Majimazuri Forest Primary School from 1993 to 2002. The experience in primary school was quite challenging since I had to trek every morning on bare feet, a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Due to financial constraints at home, I was sent home on several occasions due to unpaid fee balance. Nevertheless, I was able to overcome these problems through the help of well wishers who saw a great potential in me. After clearing primary school with good grades, I managed to secure a place at Moi Ndeffo High School where I worked hard with an ambition to join college. One good thing about the county i come from is that a hardworking student attracts support from all corners since education is highly valued. After four years of hardwork in high school, I was not fortunate enough to get a sponsor who would pay my college fees. This came at a time when my parents were struggling to educate my two younger siblings. As such, my prospects of joining college faded. Left with few options, I decided to travel far from my village in search for a better life. Nairobi City was my first stop since people back at home considered it a city with great opportunities. My search for a job was not easy as I only had a high school certificate. After many frustrations, I was employed by a gas dealer who needed someone to supply gas to his customers. Though I was not paid much, I learnt that the business was quite profitable. After two years working at the gas business, I decided to venture into the same business, this time, as my own boss. This was after toiling so hard to save since my siblings back at home also depended on me. Working as a gas dealer has not been easy particularly due to limited sources of funds to expand the business. At this juncture, I am determined to take my business to the next level through the assistance of Zidisha lenders. I am married with one kid who has the ambition to become an entrepreneur when he grows up. My hobbies include visiting primary and high schools to motivate students.

The name of my business is Pretty Gas. It is located along a busy street in a town called Kayole in Nairobi County. The main reason I chose gas supplying business is because the majority of people in Kayole use gas for cooking in their homes. Moreover, Kayole has a high population, majority of people being middle class. As such, the demand for gas has always remained high. I also chose gas supplying business because of the great potential for making profit and the fact that gas is not perishable, nor does it require maintenance. As such, the costs involved are lower compared to other businesses. The monthly typical costs of my business include the cost of transportation which I pay the gas dealer delivering gas to my premises. This amounts to $30. In addition to this, the business incurs the cost of supplying gas to my customers. Since I use a motorbike, I have to buy fuel and also pay two of my assistants who help in supplying the gas. This amounts to about $136. Since the space I use is rental, I also have to pay monthly rent of $50. In terms of revenue, my business generates a monthly income of $421. This means that on average, the business generates a net profit of $205. With this income, I am able to pay school fees of my son and also reinvest some money to grow the business.

Once my loan proposal gets fully funded, I intend to use the money to buy additional gas cylinders as I make gradual steps to expand my business. With the first loan of $200, I will be able to order additional 22 cylinders by striking a deal with my main dealer. Since the cost of gas in the 6kg cylinder is about $9, I will be able to order 22 cylinders with gas and then pay the cost of empty cylinders later. This will be a milestone towards satisfying the high demand of gas in 6kg cylinders. With the extra profit, I will be able to pay the balance to my dealer, generate extra profit, and keep my customers happy by ensuring that they get gas any time they need it. After about 2 months, I anticipate the profit margin of my business to increase by 20% courtesy of the first loan. By reinvesting this profit, my business will be on a sure path to expansion.