M-Akiba

M-Akiba is the marketing title of a government bond issued by the government of Kenya. At the time it was issued, the M-Akiba bond was unique in that it was made available to the public via mobile channels.

Lenders can buy M-Akiba bonds directly from their mobile phones and complete the investment using prepaid mobile credit and receive yields and repayment of principal (at maturity) as prepaid mobile credit.

By issuing the M-Akiba bond, the government of Kenya aimed to provide the option of buying government bonds to residents which did not have access to government bond retail outlets. Akiba is the Swahili word for savings.

See also: M-Pesa