Did you know that you can send or receive money through your mobile phone wherever you are? You can also buy airtime, pay for your shopping, pay your bills . This is all possible thanks to Mpesa.
Mpesa is a mobile phone based money transfer platform that is owned by one of the biggest service providers in Kenya Safaricom. It is the first of its kind and it has changed the financial sector since it was launched back in 2007. The banking sector has been forced to include it in their money disbursement processes. Micro finance institutions have also adopted it as a way to give loans and to receive payments for the same.
The best thing about it is that literally everyone with a mobile phone and is registered with Safaricom is able to access the services as you don't really need a smart phone. The sim cards come pre-installed with the platform. This is why Kenya is currently leading in the world for mobile money.
When you come to visit Kenya, the best thing is to get a Safaricom line so that you are able to use Mpesa services. It will make your life so much easier than carrying cash or using credit/debit cards.
If you have some Bitcoins in Kenya and you want to buy or sell them, you can trade them in the market place and the money is sent to you via Mpesa.
You can read more on Mpesa platform here:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/05/economist-explains-18
