Purity Ndegwa, one of our new members in Nyahururu, Kenya, shared this simple update with us yesterday:
“Hi lenders, i dont know how I can thank you for at this far. indeed let me say i got this cash at the very best time time because i have been given an order to photocopy like 7,000 copies of exams for my neighboring school this will give me like 14,000 Ksh. [about US $175] thats why i have no words to thank you. i would wish i knew Zidisha some times back, but also am so so thankful to you. Because you have helped me create business and expand it.”
However it is her own story that is really remarkable – a tale of growing up cut off from basic educational and employment opportunities, and indomitable grit and determination over the years to obtain training, manage family responsibilities, and finally start, and restart, her own business which will support her children’s education – and she tells this really admirable life story in such a matter-of-fact way.
It is an incredible privilege to be able to help such entrepreneurs achieve their goals for a better life.
By Purity Ndegwa, Zidisha member in Nyahururu, Kenya
My Story
I am a mother of two living in manguo location, nyahururu district Which is a slum within Nyahururu town where I have a rented house . i did my ksce education in 2006 and joined a computer class in 2008, since then I dint manage to join another course because I came from a poor background and they could not manage paying my school fees and feed my young brothers. That is when I decided to acquire a job for my upkeep.
With much regard to my computer tutor who tought me tirelessly and willingly he introduces me to my first employer Anne wambugu who employed me as cyber assistant. Due it was a new business the pay was still small . here I worked till 2011 when my boss Madam Anne vacated to Nyeri town and we had to close over the business. I hereby Thank Madam Anne because she gave me some 2 computers which have build my life to date though they are out dated. In 2011 with the two computers in August I started a college still here within Nyahururu but I could not manage because the same month thats when I got my second born chil, where my business lacked support and management I can remember the town councils harassed me to the fullest because I has not paid the business permit I latter closed down the business and I got employed in another cyber café within the same town here I was stable and I at least maintained some customers where when I vacated to my new place they joined me and made my business grow… ..
For 6 years being employed and having a good flow wherever I go that’s when i decided i can have my own business and serve my customers. it wasn’t easy to start because of lack of capital but lastly I started something however small it is. This business has maintained me to now and I am happy for the lord. All what I need is to expand it so that I can improve my living and give better education to my kids.
About My Business
Internet, unlike a typical cafe, will provide a unique forum for communication and entertainment through the medium of the Internet. Internet is the answer to an increasing demand of our todays living which in now a necessity to everybody it being a farmer, a business person, or anybody else who is living. The public wants access to the methods of communication and volumes of information now available on the Internet, and access at a cost they can afford and in such a way that they aren’t socially, economically, or politically isolated. Internet’s goal is to provide the community with a social, educational, entertaining, atmosphere for worldwide communication.
I work with ict and an instructor and also i offer services. Since I lest school i gained in interest in ict and I did that course which am so much interested even for expanding mu business to a bigger company. I offer services like printing, income tax application, KRA pin certificates, motor vehicle insurance forms which are found in the internet. In printing i make posters, wedding cards, eulogy, invitation cards , certificates, receipts etc. I also offer computer classes. The risk of this is the electricity shortage, there is always electricity interruption within the country which also contributes to destroying computers and printers. I make a minimum of ksh 500 [about US $6] per day an a maximum of 700 [about US $8] per day where if i can improve my business i will earn more and get more profit. With this I would like to expand and buy other like 9 computers, photocopier, fax, CP infuture to make it more demanding and a solution to all computer problems. Also I would like to have a computer shop where you can get all the computer accessories
The objectives of my business is The creation of a unique, upscale, innovative environment that will differentiate internet from local coffee house, Educating the community on what the Internet has to offer, formation of an environment that will bring people with diverse interests and backgrounds together in a common forum, Affordable access to the resources of the Internet and other online services.
As the popularity of the Internet continues to grow at an exponential rate, easy and affordable access is quickly becoming a necessity of life. Internet provides communities with the ability to access the Internet and share Internet experiences in a comfortable environment. People of all ages and backgrounds will come to enjoy the unique, upscale, educational, and innovative environment that internet provides.
The risks are which I encounter are like Will there be a demand for the services I offer ? ,Will the popularity of the Internet continue to grow? , Will individuals be willing to pay for the service I offers? Also there is an issue of electricity shortage in our county hence on and off of electricity which fails many of us in business with this regard I future I would like to have a generator or a solar to make my business more stable. I love the business.
Purity Ndegwa received a first loan of $100 on July 17, 2013. You may read more at her Zidisha Microfinance Loan Profile Page.
