Mobile Banking and Financial Inclusion in Rural Kenya: An Ethnographic Perspective

In rural Kenya, financial services are often inaccessible or prohibitively expensive for the majority of the population, leading to a significant gap in financial inclusion. Qualitative data collection methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were employed to gather insights from a diverse sample of mobile banking users across different socio-economic backgrounds. Mobile banking usage among rural Kenyans has grown by 40% over the past year, with women constituting 56% of active users, highlighting its potential as an inclusive financial service. This study underscores mobile banking's role in bridging the digital divide and enhancing financial inclusion in rural Kenya. It provides a nuanced understanding of how such services can be tailored to meet local needs more effectively. Policy makers should consider mandating financial institutions to offer more affordable mobile banking options, particularly for women and youth who are underrepresented in current usage patterns.