Kenya slum dwellers battle Covid-19 downturn with virtual currency

Signage for Sarafu on the streets of Mukuru Kayiaba slum in Nairobi. Odhiambo said KRCS is currently working with the Danish Red Cross and Innovation Norway, the government’s business development agency, to roll out Sarafu across Kenya. — Thomson Reuters Foundation

NAIROBI: Sitting on a low bench at her shop in a Nairobi slum, Grace Wangari sifted through a handful of grains that a waiting customer had just ordered.

As she poured them into a shopping bag, the customer scrolled through her phone to pay for the purchase.