Kenya's economy relies heavily on cash transfers with middle to low-income earners relying solely on this mode of exchange for day-to-day transactions. Amid the economic crunch, curfews, and uncertainty of the future, people are stocking up on groceries and household items. Consequently, this has resulted in a surge in the exchange of cash within the country, hence raising concerns over the spread of the Pandemic.
With the cases of coronavirus currently over 50, Kenyans need to be more vigilant in fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation had warned that the virus could be transmitted to customers via banknotes and coins. The news is not surprising as the virus spreads through droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. Various studies have shown money to carry germs, viruses, and bacteria.
As money exchanges hands frequently, medics caution the public to be careful when handling cash and to wash hands regularly. People should also be wary when using ATMs. In addition, the exchange of money encourages proximity hence posing another threat to the society in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Going cashless is now urgent to curb the spread of the epidemic.
In light of these concerns, President Uhuru Kenyatta urged the public to go cashless to curb the spread of the virus. Kenya, which is highly digitized and one of the forerunners in mobile money, has an alternative way of handling money during the Pandemic. Following the president's directive, mobile money providers have lowered their rates, making it possible for people to transition to a cashless mode of payment.
As the Pandemic continues to shake the nation, Kenyans should keep themselves and their families safe through social distancing, and take advantage of cashless modes of payment such as Lipa Solutions. Through cashless payments, people can maintain social distance, reduce travel to collect payments, and reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus in the country.
Lipa Solutions enables businesses to receive payments fast and conveniently. The system works by linking SMS and mobile money, such as M-Pesa making it possible for clients to make payments by simply responding to a text. The system thus eliminates errors related to the wrong number or erroneous amount. The system also has features that enable one to send out invoices to customers via SMS.
Stay safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic by observing personal hygiene, especially regular hand-washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Also, maintain at least one-meter distance from other individuals since you cannot know who is infected. Stay indoors or minimize movement to curb the spread of the virus and finally, go cashless with Lipa Solutions.
By Christine Njoki - Published 31st Mar 2020, 01:19am
