Mobile Banking Adoption Among Low-Income Households in Nairobi's Informal Settlements: A Qualitative Exploration in 2003 Context

In recent years, mobile banking has become increasingly popular in urban areas of Kenya, including Nairobi's informal settlements. However, little is known about its adoption among low-income households, who often face unique challenges and barriers to technology integration. The research employed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants who were selected based on their willingness to engage with mobile banking services. Focus groups and documentary analysis supplemented the qualitative data collection approach. Participants expressed varying levels of interest in mobile banking, with some indicating significant barriers such as lack of financial literacy and mistrust towards digital transactions. However, those who adopted mobile banking found it particularly useful for small savings and emergency payments. Mobile banking adoption among low-income households is influenced by a combination of socio-economic factors and technological challenges. Future interventions should address these issues to enhance accessibility and acceptance of the service. Community-based financial education programmes are recommended alongside improvements in bank infrastructure to support mobile banking services within Nairobi's informal settlements.