Scams in Nairobi have been on the rise. A previous article about hyped investments on this blog remains relevant today. Beyond financial scams, there are other scams that still negatively impact an individual’s bottom line. In her book, Happiness for all?, Carol Graham states that costs of poverty go beyond lacking physical resources and are […]
Gender Norms and Financial Inclusion for Women
We spent most of our time last week doing market activations and talking to government staff in one of the slums in Nairobi. We talked about our objective to empower women groups with the aim increasing financial inclusion. On one of those days, a key official – on seeing the brochure – challenged us by […]
Consumer Protection for the Vulnerable
Recently, my grandmother went to refill her Total gas cylinder and was conned on the way. A friendly young man approached her and convinced her that the red/ orange gas cylinder was bad. He exchanged it for a beige one that was of ‘better quality’. My grandmother profusely thanked the guy, believing he had saved […]
What’s the value of your financial pre-commitments?
There are various profit-driven business models in the market competing for our money. Free basic products that promise value if upgraded to a premium account, recurring low subscription payments, status signalling goods that we can buy in instalments, cheap fast fashion with a short life span, that daily Starbucks coffee amongst others. Such commitments are […]
Rethinking Savings Interventions
Getting a short loan a decade ago meant privately talking to a close friend to help you out. Social capital was at stake and most people were keen not to default and risk embarrassment in their social circles. A shylock was also an option if you needed a large amount desperately and couldn’t get it […]
Economic Inclusion at Base of Pyramid
According to Kenya Economic Report 2020, national access to financial inclusion in Kenya is at 82.9 percent, an improvement from 26.7 percent over the past decade. This is a great feat for our country. Access to credit has also increased due to the numerous digital loans available in the market. However this is only helpful […]
Consumerism, clutter and your financial health
We are living in times where we are exposed to hundreds and thousands of ‘peers’ instantly on social media. These are people in different countries, cultures and with different financial obligations and resources. Some of them are influencers. Hired to mention or showcase a product to boost sales, others are your high school mates. Majority […]
Hyped investment options? Think twice
What is the buzz or unicorn investment you have heard about lately – IPO? Bitcoin? Real estate? Quail farming? Take a step back and do your research. Seek professional advice and don’t be too quick to be an early adopter of a market/ industry or an investment that is being hyped. We are living in […]
The risk of raising financially illiterate children
According to OECD, financial literacy is a combination of financial awareness, skills, attitudes and behaviors necessary to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve financial wellbeing. The joy of a parent is being able to provide for the needs of their children. The cost of raising children is at an all-time high and this largely […]
Why is BoP excited about gambling and not insurance?
Last year, we participated in a financial inclusion summit – Seamless 2018 – to share on how we can use financial literacy to accelerate financial inclusion at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). Mostly, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of people not embracing financial products is lack of resources. People […]