My name is Richard Momanyi. I was born in Kisii county which is in the western part of Kenya. The main occupation there is farming and my parents are small scale farmers. I grew up helping them in the farm and we also used to keep some domestic animals like cows and goats.

I am married and looking forward to starting a family with of two children.

I do business in the coastal town of Mombasa city where I sell household items in a small shop. I sell items such as cooking oil, maize and wheat flour, sugar etc. I serve people who live in my neighborhood.

I make around $100 per month but I am hoping to increase this amount as I keep expanding the business. This amount will inch upwards due to continued support I am getting from Zidisha.

I will use the money to buy sugar (100kg) for about $180 and use the remaining balance to buy cooking oil. I will then weigh them into smaller quatities to sell at my retail shop. I will use the money from the sales to repay this loan and to grow my business.

The increased income will help me in my responsibilities as the head of my family.

Thank you.