Effect of Mobile Money on Money Demand in Kenya: Time Series Regression Analysis

Abstract

The unprecedented growth of mobile phones to make transactions has become a dependable form of payment for low-income earners living in rural and urban Kenya, increasing demand for goods and services and stimulating demand for money. However, its effect on money demand and subsequent effect on monetary policy is inconclusive as observed from past empirical studies. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of mobile money has generated new data needs and growing interest in understanding its contribution to the money demand function. It is against this background that time series data and ordinary least squares technique are applied to review the effect of mobile money on the demand for money in Kenya for the period from 2007 to 2020. The results of the regression model indicate that an increase in mobile money leads to an increase in demand for money in the economy. The study has established that mobile money has a substantial influence on money demand growth in Kenya attributed to the low transaction cost and payment habits of Kenyans, they are more convenient than carrying cash and business people feel safe managing cash flow. The empirical estimates of this study imply that the central bank and the financial stakeholders need to put in place policies such as providing affordable smartphones, cheap mobile internet services, licensing new mobile operators and reducing tax on transaction costs to increase money transfer through money mobile systems.

Keywords: mobile money, money demand, digital financial services, time series

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/15-3-02

Publication date: February 28^th 2024