The Use and Impact of M-Shwari as a Financial Banking Product in Urban and Rural Areas of Kenya (Final Report)
Abstract
In Kenya, the rapid increase of mobile money technology presents an opportunity for increased financial inclusion. However, little is known about the use of mobile money by Kenya’s informal sector, the Jua Kali. This study focused on the mobile money technology product M-Shwari offered by Safaricom as an extension of the successful M-Pesa platform. It explored the Jua Kali’s experiences and perceptions with M-Shwari.
Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a demographic survey. The research was conducted in eight Study Sites across four regions of Kenya. The Sites represented semi-urban and semi-rural areas. Overall, 156 in-depth interviews were collected with 84 M-Shwari users and 72 non-users. In addition, 12 focus groups were conducted with both users and non-users.