Adoption of mobile banking services by Nairobi county Saccos
Abstract
Mobile money providers have partnered with commercial banks in Kenya to offer mobile based
financial products that aim to reach the unbanked. However, as compared to commercial banks in
Kenya, the penetration of M-banking in SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations)
has been very slow. The purpose of this study was to assess the adoption of mobile banking
services by Nairobi County SACCOs. The study was also seeking to find out mobile banking
services that can be offered through mobile banking; to determine the factors that influence
adoption of Mobile Banking in Sacco’s in Kenya; and to develop a model that can be used to
evaluate mobile banking adoption.
This study used a descriptive research design. In this study, the target population was all the 44
SACCOs operating FOSA (Front Office Savings Activity) services in Nairobi County. The study
made use of primary data and targeted 3 respondents in each SACCO. 10 SACCOs responded to
the study. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Data analysis was
quantitative as well as qualitative. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution,
percentages, measures of central tendencies (mean) and measures of dispersion (standard
deviation) were utilized to analyze quantitative data. The findings were then presented in tables
and graphs. On the other hand, qualitative data was coded thematically and was analyzed by use
of thematic content analysis. The results were then presented in a prose form. This study used
factor analysis to identify underlying factors and to screen the variables. Inferential statistics such
as ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis were used to test the association between the
independent and the dependent variables.
The study found that SACCOs in Nairobi County had adopted mobile banking and were offering
services such as requesting mini statements, checking account balance, cash withdrawals, buying
airtime, loan repayments, paying Bills (Paybill), cash deposits, money transfer, loan applications
services and buying SACCO shares, selling SACCO Shares, opening accounts and ATM Card Pin
Change services on mobile banking platforms. The study also found that perceived benefits,
external environmental factors, organization readiness and security perceptions influence the
adoption of mobile banking positively and significantly. The study recommends that SACCOs
should create awareness to the members on the perceived benefits of using mobile banking, which
include convenience, accessibility and affordability. The top management of SACCOs should
show support and campaign for the adoption of mobile banking so as to reduce resistance to
change.
Publisher
University of Nairobi