Upliftment', friends and finance

Everyday exchange repertoires and mobile money transfer in Kenya

Bibliographic Data

ID4250292
AuthorsSusan Johnson (0000-0002-4302-7903, University of Bath, corresponding author), Froukje Krijtenburg (Leiden University)
Year2018
Volume56
Issue4
Pages569-594
Publication date2018-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Modern African Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-278X • E-ISSN: 1469-7777
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0022278x18000435
OpenAlexW2885390107
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited18

The rapid and massive adoption of mobile money transfer (MMT) services in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, stands in stark contrast to historically low use of formal financial systems on the continent. Its 'fertile grounds' therefore require in-depth analysis to understand the implications for African financial systems. This paper argues for the need to examine the underlying conceptual environment that enables low income and poor people's MMT adoption. It innovatively combines anthropological with ethnolinguistic analytical approaches to distinguish two repertoires around resource exchange. First, is a relational financial repertoire where relationships are developed and consolidated to create support and 'upliftment'. A contrasting resource-focused repertoire is more like that of the formal financial sector. Identifying the conceptual features of relationality, the study offers a new perspective on the adoption and use of MMT in Africa and highlights the potential for disjunctures with policy efforts to increase financial inclusion

Business · Conceptual framework · Financial inclusion · Financial services · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Repertoire · Resource (disambiguation) · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Finance · FinTech, Crowdfunding, Digital Finance · Microfinance and Financial Inclusion · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare

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