traciyoshiyama    Apr 12, 2013

Dear lenders,

My name is Traci Yoshiyama and I am a Client Relationship Manager for Zidisha. I have spoken to Mr. Njoroge and he has informed me that due to two deaths in his family, life has been a struggle. After these tragedies, his business went down and he is doing all he can at the moment to pick it back up.

Being in constant contact, I am confident in Mr. Njoroge's commitment to Zidisha. The entire Zidisha team gives their condolences and wishes Mr. Njoroge and his family the best.

Best regards,
Traci

Admin    Mar 14, 2013

Greetings lenders, my name is Neil and I am a Client Relationship Manager with Zidisha in Kenya.

I have spoken with Mbugua Njoroge today, and he was quite adamant that I assist him by posting a comment for you on his behalf. The town he lives in, Karunga, is some 10 kilometers away from a cyber cafe, so posting a comment entails a significant cost in terms of time (and a not-insignificant expense for transport).

Mr. Mbugua asked me to give you his apologies for lack of payment. He informs me that the family is planning on making a large lump-sum payment to catch up for missed payments, and in fact his wife, who is also a borrower, did just this. I don't have much other information for you, but he was extremely pleasant to talk with, and invited me to visit his house if I am in his area again, something I'll surely do.

Best wishes,
Neil

Julia Kurnia    Feb 14, 2013

Dear lenders,

Mr Njoroge informed us by SMS message today that the delay in his repayments was caused by a death within his family. The passing of a family member in Kenya is typically a cause of financial hardship as well as tragedy, as life insurance is rare and family members assume funeral expenses and care for any dependents of the deceased.

We will keep you informed as we are able to learn more. Regards,

Julia Kurnia
Director, Zidisha

dcembrola    Sep 23, 2012

September 20, 2012

Hello, my name is Dan Cembrola, one of Zidisha’s Kenya Client Relationship Managers. I am currently visiting Zidisha borrowers in Nakuru and its outskirts.

It evident immediately upon meeting Mbugua, that he is a man with a wealth of conviction and charisma. He has an adept knowledge of and interest in politics on local, national, and international levels. It comes as no surprise that his general store sells a vast array of goods, and he is well versed in the usefulness and application of each item he sells. Mbugua’s neatly organized store has sections devoted to foodstuffs, clothing, fertilizers, kitchen appliances, metals, bedding, and mattresses.

In addition to managing the general store in partnership with his wife and the occasional assistance of his four children, Mbugua also runs a side business selling animal hides. He collects the hides of goats and cows from local butchers, sanitizes them, and then resells them to dealers who will eventually use the hides to make leather. He profits about 80 Kenyan Schillings for each goat hide and 300 Kenyan Schilling for each cow hide. With the help of the Zidisha loan, he was able to fully repair his motorbike so that he is able to reach additional butcher shops in the surrounding area of his home in Karunga Center.

With his next loan, Mbugua plans to continue to expand his general store and possibly hire an employee to assist in his animal hide business.

Mbugua    Jun 6, 2012

Thank you for lending me, at least I have hope of uplifting my business soon because i will get the full amount. once again thank all those who have lent to me.