Impact of Mobile Payment Applications and Transfers on Business
Despite Kenya having over 40 banks, only three banks are accessible to the residents of Kibera Slum. Kibera Slum is located on the outskirts of Nairobi and is home to approximately 0.75 million people. A majority of the population in Kibera Slum comprises of either unemployed or casually employed adults whose income levels are considerably low, making it impossible for many of them to operate formal bank accounts. However, the evolution of mobile money technologies has made financial inclusion and innovation possible for Kibera Slum residents. The mobile-banking facility known as M-Pesa enables mobile money remittances and has an outstanding record of financial inclusion and innovation. The objective of this research was therefore to examine financial inclusion and innovation in the Kibera Slum. The study used self-administered questionnaires to answer to two objectives. The study found out that M-Pesa services are accessible and widely used in Kibera Slum. The study also found that M-Pesa business is rated average as a source of income to M-Pesa agent. Ultimately, the study observed that financial inclusion and financial innovation are prevalent in Kibera Slum. These findings have significant implications: the study sheds light on the fact that the slum dwellers have embraced the use of M-Pesa services as a platform to access financial services, establishing more innovative financial services that will help the low income earners expand their businesses and training M-Pesa agents will enhance sustainable business growth and promote innovation.