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Development Economics - Vending Machines and Retailing in Kenya

Graham Watson

14th December 2021

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CK Prahalad wrote about "The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid" and this is a lovely example of where it exists.

Some Kenyan shopkeepers have started using vending machines to sell milk; it has allowed them to sell in smaller quantities and tap a market that hasn't always been accessible.

Vending machines have been popping up across Nairobi's numerous informal settlements - selling milk, cooking oil, clean renewable cooking fuel and sanitary pads.

Of course, there are difficulties, not least in guaranteeing tamper-proof distribution and a constant and affordable supply of electricity but is technology allowing small shopkeepers to finally access this elusive market.

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Graham Watson

Graham Watson has taught Economics for over twenty years. He contributes to tutor2u, reads voraciously and is interested in all aspects of Teaching and Learning.

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