In Kenya, the Shilling is the government backed currency in the area, and while most citizens use it, they also wish they had more. Enter a California native who knew there was a problem and developed an alternative currency to fix it.

Instead of creating a virtual or barter currency, Will Ruddick printed up the Bengla-Pesa, and it began circulating in a village outside Mombasa. Trade picked up quickly, but rumors that the currency was associated with Islamic extremists sent police door to door looking for whoever was linked to the currency.

After spending some time in jail and getting out on bail, Ruddick went on the offensive and started publicizing the benefits of the currency and eventually all charges were dropped. The currency is now back in circulation and doing what alternative currencies do best, augment the ability of local people to trade with one another.

You can read more at http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201312271630/b

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Tyler Seamons

alternative currency, barter