InterMedia is joining forces with the Population Studies and Research Institute (PSRI) of the University of Nairobi to further explore financial inclusion amongst poor populations in the region and contribute to building the capacity of research infrastructure in East Africa.

Dr. Ana Mirzoyants-McKnight, left, with new intern Loice Cherwon (immediate right of banner) and the Director of PSRI, Prof. Lawrence Ikamari.

InterMedia and the University of Nairobi signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor’s office on March 28.

Through this partnership, PSRI students will have the opportunity to intern with InterMedia’s Nairobi office, do hands-on field research and learn from some of InterMedia’s top experts. PSRI students will be working on the Financial Inclusion Tracker Survey (FITS) project.  Funded through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, FITS fills knowledge gaps about trends in and social impact of mobile money in the developing world, looking at Uganda, Pakistan and Tanzania.

After Safaricom’s launch of M-PESA in Kenya half a decade ago,  mobile money gained prominence as a safe, convenient and affordable way to manage money, especially for people at the bottom of the pyramid. Today, mobile money services are available in some 70 countries. But there is still much to learn about how to successfully expand access and use, especially to the most poor and vulnerable.

“It is a chance for students to take what they have learned from PSRI and apply it to real-life situations in the fast-developing field of mobile money,” said Dr. Ana Mirzoyants-McKnight, FITS Project Director and the Head of InterMedia-Africa office.

“InterMedia brings a strong history of research in digital finance, health issues, audience research and impact evaluation across the African continent.” continued Dr. Mirzoyants-McKnight.  “This partnership allows us to execute a broader research agenda, and harness expertise from one of the top research institutions in the region.  It is an opportunity for students to learn, and for InterMedia to help shape the next generation of researchers.”

“This partnership will enhance our capacity and participation in impact evaluation and will provide our students with opportunities to gain practical experience in a wide variety of contexts,” said Prof. Lawrence Ikamari, PSRI Director.

“PSRI students have the reputation of being some of the regions brightest, and we are excited to begin this partnership,” added Dr. Mirzoyants.

We welcome Loice J. Cherwon and Kaaria Lucy Mukami as the first interns in this joint venture.