Many immigrants to the United States from Kenya and Uganda get higher paying jobs to finance a higher standard of living for themselves and their families who remain in Africa. To send money back to family members in Africa one option is to use a Web site such as Mama Mikes. This Nairobi-based service allows individuals to purchase vouchers online. Their family members are then notified that their vouchers can be picked up at various locations in Kenya and Uganda and used to purchase goods and services at participating merchants throughout those African nations.

In what ways do these vouchers issued through Mama Mike’s service function as money?