GRADE 9 Pre-technical ENTREPRENEURSHIP – FINANCIAL SERVICES Notes
ENTREPRENEURSHIP — FINANCIAL SERVICES
Pre-technical | For learners aged ~14 (Kenyan context)
Financial services are the tools and services that help people and businesses manage money — to save, borrow, pay, get insurance and invest. As a young entrepreneur in Kenya, knowing these services helps you start and grow a small business (e.g., a school tuckshop, farm produce sales, or a barber stall).
- Keep your money safe (savings accounts, SACCOs).
- Help you pay or receive money quickly (M-PESA, bank transfers).
- Give loans so you can buy stock or tools (banks, digital lenders).
- Protect you from loss (insurance for goods, health).
- Help you plan for the future (saving plans, investments).
Main types of financial services (simple)
Put money aside safely. Examples: bank account, SACCO, chama, M-Shwari. Helps for emergencies and business costs.
Borrow money to buy goods or equipment. Examples: bank loans (Equity, KCB), digital lenders (Tala, Branch), SACCO loans. Remember to check interest and pay on time.
Send and receive money quickly. Example: M‑PESA (Paybill, Till), bank mobile apps, USSD banking (*334# etc.). Useful for sales and paying suppliers.
Protects against loss (theft, fire, illness). Example: small business insurance, health cover. It can stop business collapse after a loss.
Help grow money long-term (stocks, government bonds, group investments). Advisory services give business advice and training.
Kenyan examples you might meet
- M-PESA (Safaricom) — mobile money for payments, sending cash, buying airtime.
- M-Shwari, KCB M-PESA — savings and small loans from mobile wallets.
- Banks — Equity, KCB, Co-operative Bank (accounts, loans).
- SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations) — local groups where members save and borrow.
- Chama — informal savings groups among friends or families.
- Digital lenders — Tala, Branch (quick loans on phone; check interest rates).
pays (M-PESA)
receives money
(Bank, SACCO or M-PESA)
Safety & smart use — simple rules
- Keep your PIN secret. Do not share M-PESA or bank PINs even with friends.
- Check interest rate before taking a loan. High rates mean you pay a lot back.
- Save regularly — even KES 50 a week helps. Use M-Shwari, bank account or chama.
- Use official paybill/till numbers for business payments — confirm before sending money.
- Be careful with quick digital loans — read terms and repayment dates.
- Write down transactions (sales and expenses) to know profit and loss.
How to access basic services (easy steps)
- To open a bank account: Visit a branch or use a mobile banking app. Bring ID (ID card or birth certificate for minors with guardian).
- To use M-PESA: Register with a Safaricom agent with your ID. Learn to send, withdraw and paybills.
- Join a SACCO or chama: Find a trusted group, agree on rules, start saving regularly.
- To borrow: Compare lenders, ask about interest, repayment length and penalties.
Quick classroom / home activity
Plan a small business (e.g., selling samosas). Write a short money plan:
- Start-up cost (ingredients, equipment): KES _____
- Expected daily sales: KES _____
- Savings goal after one month: KES _____
- Will you use savings, a loan, or a friend’s support? Why?
Mini quiz (check what you learned)
- Give two examples of payment services used in Kenya.
- Why is it risky to borrow from a lender without checking the interest rate?
- What is a SACCO and how can it help a young entrepreneur?
Start small, keep records, save often, and learn how money moves in your business. Use trusted services like banks, SACCOs, and registered mobile services (e.g., M-PESA). Ask a parent, teacher or a trusted adult for help when you need to sign forms or apply for services.