Reimagining money: Kenya’s digital divide is hampering its mobile money revolution

A new book authored by Sibel Kusimba titled ‘Reimagining Money: Kenya in the Digital Finance Revolution’ looks at how mobile phone-based money transfer applications have radically adjusted the ways in which people manage their money in Africa. To this aim, the book examines the financial roadblocks that hinder a significant portion of the Kenyan population from participating in the digital economy. Digital inequality is a common problem in rural areas that is manifested through the uneven distribution of connectivity and access to digital infrastructure. Phone maintenance is yet another challenge that leads to significant costs. Accessing phones access through social networks, by particularly women, can result in social dilemmas and risks to mobile security (i.e. compromising PIN number), and physical safety. Literacy and numeracy further represent a key roadblock.