Onesmus Mavindu

Onesmus Mavindu is 30 years old and married with one child. He lives in Komarock town on the outskirts of Nairobi city. Young Onesmus takes care of his aged parents. He also pays the school fees for his 19 year old nephew, who is currently in high school, because Onesmus's sister is unemployed and has no means with which to earn income. His younger 21 year old brother is also dependent on him.

Onesmus started his business in 2006 after attending Universal College where he attained a diploma in pharmacy. He was thereafter employed by a pharmaceutical company know as Peterson. He worked there from 2003-2005. The owner then decided to change his business to the transportation industry, laying off most of his employees, including Mavindu. Since he had saved about 200,000 Kenyan Shilings ($3075.00), Mavindu just moved ahead and opened his own pharmacy in 2006.

His business picked up quite well and has continued to grow. He now has many customers and feels that he is not serving them as well as he would like because he does not have enough stock of all the drugs that his customers require. He is also in need of a microscope, which he can use to diagnose customers and prescribe the right medicines (at the right price). Onesmus is therefore requesting for a loan of Ksh 70,000 ($1,125.00). With this loan, he will be able to purchase additional drugs and a microscope. These will greatly improve his services to his clients. He thanks the Kiva lenders in advance. The repayment period for his loan will be 12 months.

Disclaimer: Due to recent events in Kenya, the security situation in many communities remains unsettled, affecting many local businesses. Lenders to this entrepreneur should be aware that this loan may represent a higher default risk, and should be willing to accept this additional risk in making their loan.