What Kenya can teach its neighbors — and the US — about improving the lives of the “unbanked”

A dollar sign forms one of the columns of a stately building

From Kelsey Piper / Vox: Mobile banking in Kenya has increased economic mobility for families living in poverty. The mobile money system is not connected to bank accounts, making it accessible to the overwhelming majority of Kenyans who don’t have bank accounts but do have cell phones. Mobile banking allows deposits and withdrawals as well as transfers, and has allowed families to save money to use when their income, often from farming, takes a hit thus creating a security net for themselves and allowing them to receive funds from friends and family. Savings allow families to meet basic needs and access medical care if necessary.

Read the original story here.

Read more articles about increased economic mobility.

More Resources:

Mette Beckhof co-leads the local chapter of The Economy for the Common Good in Cologne/Bonn, Germany, which advocates an alternative economic model – one that is beneficial to all stakeholders in an organization. Mette Beckhof spoke with Ashley Hopkinson on...

Ledama Masidza is an emerging young Kenyan leader in marine conservation and community empowerment, fueled by an unwavering love for the ocean. Advocating for sustainability, Ledama drives transformative initiatives that champion community-led conservation and sustainable policies. Ledama Masidza spoke with...

From Frank Ntarindwa / The New Times: ‘Kigali’s “Car Free Day” not only boasts an increase in residents’ activity levels, it also creates a space for more knowledge and service sharing for health conditions including Malaria.’ Screenings for non-communicable diseases...

From Thiago Alves / Brazil Reports: Bolosa Famila, a social welfare program in Brazil aims to help bring Brazilians out of poverty. Paying R$ 600 ($119 USD) per month enables families to cover basic monthly costs such as food. The...

From Oscar Perry Abello / NextCity: In Louisville, community organizers are betting that a guaranteed income program will reduce community violence in disinvested neighborhoods – and protect against displacement of residents. Read the original story here. Find other articles about...

From John Michael McGrath / TVO Today: Local government staff members in Zorra can choose to opt-in for longer workdays four days a week in exchange for three-day weekends. The change allows for more flexibility, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Read...

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.