Fellows Blog

Stories from the field

Stories tagged with Kenya

May 5, 2014 KE Kenya

 

3 Must-Know Insights on Kenya, Football and the FIFA World Cup

 

Kenya is not one of the first 10 countries that come to mind when you think of a top class footbball team. It didn't qualify for this year's World Cup in Brazil. In fact, Kenya has never qualified to the FIFA World Cup. Rather, Kenya is well known for its world class rugby sevens squad and elite...

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May 5, 2014 GO Global Update
Before coming to Isebania, Kenya, I knew little of the daily struggles of a smallholder farmer in the developing world. How his or her year could be determined by the whims of the weather. In Isebania, there are no irrigation systems, and farmers plan their lives around two rainfall seasons—the “long rains” from February to July and the “short rains” from October to December.

For the majority of families in Isebania and the larger region of Kuria West, it is the outcome of these harvest seasons that determine how much food will be on the table, if school fees can be paid, and if... Continue Reading >>
Apr 4, 2014 KE Kenya
Sidi and I at her produce stall in Malindi!

 

After visiting various Kiva borrowers throughout the lush tea and dense maize fields of western and central Kenya, I now get to work with Milango Financial Services out of the coastal city of Mombasa!  There is a lot to enjoy on the coast.  

You do have to adjust to the heat, and be aware of the sometimes tense environment due to assassinations, violent protests and terrorist activity in the...
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Feb 2, 2014 KE Kenya

 
After a two-week roadtrip visiting Kiva borrowers throughout Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley and western Kenya's rolling tea hills, it's hard to pick one story or moment that stands out the most. But without a doubt one of the highlights was Penina (pictured below) and her bubbly personality, contagious laughter and resilient character. Her Kiva loan helped her not only increase her sales but hire 1 full time employee and 2 seasonal workers. The journey for Penina and her community hasn't always been easy, but they have persevered....
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Dec 12, 2013 KE Kenya

Moses Ojwang grew up in Kibera and experienced firsthand the need to develop leadership and catalyze change among the slum’s youth. In 2008, he made improving his community a full-time career by joining Carolina for Kibera (CFK), an NGO partnered with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Kiva Zip. CFK works to expand opportunity for all residents in Kibera, and more specifically, to help them become economically independent. 

The organization offers three comprehensive categories of service to the...

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Dec 12, 2013 GO Global Update, KE Kenya
"Loans That Change Lives" & "Farmers First!"

Wrapping up my fellowship in Kenya has prompted me to reflect on what I’m finding most valuable about my time here.  Many experiences come to mind but the top two are: (1) being able to meet Kiva borrowers in the field and (2) being able to work closely with Kiva partners on the ground. 
 
We spend a lot of time here focusing on Kiva borrowers and Kiva lenders.  We highlight Kiva...
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Dec 12, 2013 GO Global Update

For much of the world, food is fuel.  But far more than mere sustenance, food draws us together. It slows our pace and brightens each day.  Calling upon all five senses, cusine...

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Nov 11, 2013 KE Kenya


People say the train to Mombasa is a poor choice.  It is a 16 hr. ride on average (bus is 9 hrs), when or if it leaves the station. Nick-named the “lunatic express” the Kenya Railway was built nearly a century ago and got its name after going insanely over budget. During construction over 2,500 workers died (malaria, lions, exhaustion) in an attempt to expand access to East Africa’s interior.  Today the railroad runs between Mombasa, Nairobi and Kisumu. If it leaves the station and you have some flexibility in your schedule, it’s a beautiful way to see the Kenyan... Continue Reading >>
Nov 11, 2013 KE Kenya

Last month, Kiva Zip Kenya proudly hosted the inaugural meeting of our Trustee Advisory board. Six top trustees are now taking on leadership roles as board members, creating more cohesion between key players in the program and helping guide its future.  

The board will provide feedback on product changes and participate in decision-making on topics such as communication practices, borrower-trustees, and trainings. Together with Kiva Staff, they will meet monthly to discuss best practices surrounding the Zip...

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Nov 11, 2013 KE Kenya
One of the essential parts of the Kiva Zip model is the Trustee. Trustees are the organizations or individuals that work directly with Kiva Zip and help identify and support borrowers throughout the loan cycle. What those Trustees all have in common is that they are motivated by helping people and changing lives. Apart from that common vision, Trustees can differ a lot in terms of the services they provide. I have identified another commonality among several Kenyan Trustees, though - they not only help people but also the environment!

The Challenge
One...

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