Discussion Assignment_U4
Why does the M-Pesa work so well in Kenya? Do you think that such a system could work in your country? Please state your reasons.
The M-Pesa worked so well in Kenya because of the good support and supervision given to the program through the country's policy, this allowed innovators and entrepreneurs to come in and make effort to achieve success. Added to that was the system developed from one stage to another starting from mobile money transfers within the country to cross-border payment. Eventually, international remittances and cross-border payments based on the M- Pesa technology was developed and brought into use (Ndung'u, 2017). It is possible to have such a system in my country but there is no policy in place, and we are not ready to give enabling support to innovators and investors. My country does not seem to support innovation.
As mobile phones, Internet access, and tech hubs differ greatly throughout the African continent, how can these key pieces of technology be made not only more accessible to patrons, but more affordable?
Making these pieces of technology more affordable will involve engagement with both the regulatory institution and the financial market for better planning and implementation. The regulatory institution will create the enabling environment by reforming and remodelling things to fit what is on the grounds, and the financial market will provide increased accessibility, reliability and efficiency of services so which will help to make products more affordable for even the least groups in the society.
How can Konza Technology City make a positive impact in Kenya? Are there any pitfalls in this tech city, in your opinion?
The Konza Technology City can make a positive impact in Kenya by providing job opportunities for its people not only in the technology and digital areas but all works of life Providing jobs for people will make them independent and able to cater for themselves and this will help in the reduction of poverty in the country and as well support the economy as more revenue will be generated for the government. Making sure that technology and digital jobs assist in assisting individuals in escaping poverty and enhancing their digital and physical mobility. (Ndung'u, 2017).
How can regulating technology improve society?
Regulating technology can improve society by providing access to technological and digital services such as internet facilities, money transfer services and so forth. It provides opportunities such as learning through the internet, businesses done online and provides quality of service delivery system in a country such as online banking system and the use of credit cards.
References
Ndung'u, N. (2017). Regulatory environment and technological innovation in Africa: Any tension? (Chapter 3). Foresight Africa 2017 Report. Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu/wp- content/uploads/2017/01/global 20170109 foresight_africa_chapter-3.pdf