About My Blog

Welcome to my blog – Jambo Nairobi!  This blog documents my experiences in Kenya and beyond. My name is Ben Wallingford and I hold a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University.  In Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, I am working as Program Manager with an innovative microfinance institution – Maono Initiative.

Let me tell you the story of how I found myself in Kenya! I have a passion for economic development and poverty alleviation. In November of last year, an OWU alum, Scott Bellows, came to lecture about “Financing the World’s Poor.” I felt that I should meet the guy, given my interests.  After he finished a session in one of my economics classes, I spoke with him and he offered me an internship in Africa pending a review of my resume and graduation from OWU! Needless to say, I took him up on the offer.

I encourage interaction/comments. Hope you enjoy! Feel free to share my blog with anyone who would find it entertaining.

For those wishing to contact me, my e-mail is ben.r.wallingford@gmail.com. Cell is 0705914436 – add +254 before the number if you’re calling from outside of Kenya.