ICTs and survival tactics for the day-labour workers: Implications for design

In this paper, we show how results of data collected on the survival tactics of day-labour workers with regard to the cost of using mobile phone services played a role in software systems design. The paper uses findings from Nairobi Kenya. The results showed that workers, depending on the choice of available network tariffs adopt different survival tactics which range from being personal to involving others. In conclusion, workers as mobile phone users adopt the different survival tactics depending on what the market provides. The competitiveness of the market dictates the options available. Lessons from this research were used in making software design decisions for the day-labour market. They can also be used, among other things, by Information and Communication Technology researchers who wish to intervene for the poor in society. Other uses include for policy formulation, especially those that touch on reducing the digital divide gap.