Joyce Waithira

Joyce Waithira is 25 yrs old. She is married and has one child, aged 3 years. Apart from her family she is taking care of her four siblings who were left under her care after her father died.

Joyce’s business is located at the Kenyatta Market area of Nairobi. She used to be employed in a salon before she ventured into her current business. She was inspired to start a telecommunication business by her sister-in-law and she thought it was a great idea. She then decided to quit her job and start her own business and with the saving from her previous employment she bought a community mobile phone that the people can use to make a call for a fee, locally known as Simu Ya Jamii.

In 2007, she expanded her business and started selling mobile phone top-up scratch cards and this gave her business a tremendous boost. Since then she has seen a drastic increase in the number of customers, including the ANK office and staff, who have always purchased the credit top-up for the office from her business.

Despite the achievements, Joyce has had one problem. As the earnings that she gets mostly go out to take care of her family and additional dependents, she has been unable to re-invest her profits to expand her business further. She is now requesting the Kiva lenders to grant her a loan of Ksh 50,000 to enable her to purchase additional scratch cards and telephone accessories. This will be of a benefit to her, as she will not be waiting for her supplier to supply her with a new stock after the old supply is completely has finished. This will keep the flow in sales hence grow her business. Joyce believes that the loan will help her in a big way. She will be able to maintain her customers by always having something to sell, unlike previously when she runs out of stock and has to wait for a new supply. She is thanking the Kiva lenders in advance as they help her to grow in the business world. This loan is repayable within a period of 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.