O texto é elaborado para um curso de inglês para executivos, visando aprimorar a compreensão de diferentes sotaques enquanto proporciona conhecimento sobre o Quênia. Ele aborda a economia diversificada do país, o impacto do setor de fintech e destaca o sucesso da empresa M-Pesa, um serviço revolucionário de dinheiro móvel.
O texto a seguir seguido da prática, feito para o nível C1.
Este texto faz parte da série: Global Voices: Dominando o Inglês Comercial ao Redor do Globo.
Kenya
Kenya, located in East Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes that range from vast savannahs rich with wildlife to vibrant cities like Nairobi. Its coastal region, along the Indian Ocean, is famous for beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Kenya has a dynamic cultural heritage, encompassing more than 40 ethnic groups, each with its unique languages and traditions. Economically, Kenya is the largest economy in East Africa, with agriculture, tourism, and recently, technology, playing significant roles in its growth. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism continues to draw visitors from around the globe, while its efforts in technology-driven sectors are setting a benchmark in the region.
Kenya facts
Kenya's population is approximately 53 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in East Africa. The nation's economy is robust, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around $95.5 billion as of 2020. This translates to a GDP per capita of about $1,800. The economy is diverse, with agriculture playing a vital role, employing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing a substantial share to the GDP.
Watch the following interview with William Ruto, the President of Kenya:
Fintech in Kenya
Kenya's fintech sector is rapidly advancing, significantly enhancing financial inclusion. High mobile penetration and a youthful demographic have propelled the rise of mobile money platforms, enabling users to transact financially without traditional bank accounts. Innovations extend to micro-lending and insurtech, attracting substantial local and international investment. Regulatory support from the Kenyan government further bolsters this growth, creating a favorable environment for fintech expansion.
Kenya FinTech has even been covered in Harvard Business Review, on of the most important business magazines in the world.
M-Pesa
M-Pesa, launched in 2007 by Safaricom, Kenya's largest mobile network operator, is a revolutionary mobile money and micro-financing service that has transformed financial access in Kenya and beyond. It allows users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money, pay for goods and services, and access credit and savings, all through a mobile device.
Watch an interview with an Executive of Safaricom
As of 2021, M-Pesa has over 51 million active users across seven African countries. In Kenya alone, it boasts over 30 million active users. M-Pesa processes over 1.7 billion transactions each quarter, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and use. The platform contributes significantly to Safaricom's revenues, with a substantial portion of the company's earnings derived from M-Pesa transactions. This service has not only facilitated greater financial inclusion but also spurred economic activities in regions with limited access to traditional banking services.
Watch what clients think about M-Pesa. Observe that it was recorded in 2011.
Conclusion
This content is part of the series Global Voices.