You can borrow between KSh 1,000 and KSh 50,000 from M‑Shwari, repayable in 30 days, with a flat fee of 7.5% plus a 1.5% excise duty. Everything happens inside the M‑PESA menu—no apps, no long forms, just straight-to-the-point lending.
M‑Shwari is clean and reliable, but you better plan your repayment to the date—there’s no room for delay here.
You can unlock up to KSh 50,000 straight to your M-PESA with M-Tala, paying a daily interest of 0.3% to 0.6% plus 20% tax. First-time users usually start with KSh 1,500 or so, and you choose how long you need—anywhere from 15 to 61 days.
“I’d say M-Tala works best if you’re sharp with money and know you’ll repay on time—otherwise, it gets expensive quickly.”
With M-Branch, you can borrow anything from KSh 500 all the way to KSh 300,000 straight to your M-PESA. Repayment runs between 2% and 18% monthly interest (plus 20% tax), and you get to choose a period between 2 months and 1 year, depending on your limit and history.
“M-Branch can be helpful for short-term cash gaps, but the high cost means it should never be your everyday solution.”
KCB lets you access up to KSh 4 million in personal loans without needing collateral, and repayment can stretch up to 4 years depending on your salary or business profile. For faster, mobile-based borrowing, their KCB M-PESA loan gives between KSh 1,001 and KSh 1 million, with repayment periods ranging from a single day to 12 months.
“KCB’s loan system works well for disciplined borrowers looking for structure and decent rates, but you need to keep your eye on the repayment schedule and the fine print.”
Equity lets you borrow anything from just KSh 100 all the way to KSh 3 million through the Eazzy Loan service, with repayment terms of up to 24 months straight from your phone. For salaried workers, Equiloan offers even bigger limits—up to KSh 5 million repayable over six years, deducted straight from your payslip.
“Equity loans are powerful tools for those who plan ahead, but without a clear repayment strategy, you might feel the pinch sooner than expected.”
You can borrow from KSh 1,000 to KSh 150,000 through the Timiza app or USSD code *848#, and the loan runs for 30 days flat. The total cost comes in at about 7.25% of the borrowed amount, made up of 1.083% interest, a 5% processing fee, and 20% tax on that fee.
“Timiza works well when you treat it like a one-month fix, not a long-term solution—borrow smart and repay fast.”
At Faulu, you can borrow anywhere from KSh 5,000 to KSh 6 million, with repayment periods going up to 8 years, depending on your income and loan type. Interest rates sit around 19% per year, and for salaried workers under check-off arrangements, loans can be processed and disbursed in less than 12 hours.
“Faulu gives real access to serious money for real goals, but the key is to stay disciplined—big loans come with big responsibility.”
Faulu offers loan amounts starting from KSh 5,000 and stretching up to KSh 6 million, with repayment periods of up to 96 months depending on your profile and the type of loan. Most products come with interest rates around 19% per annum, and salaried borrowers under check-off agreements can get their funds within 12 hours.
“Faulu is good for serious borrowers who’ve done their maths and know they’re building something, not just spending.”
Zenka gives you access to loans starting from KSh 500 all the way to KSh 200,000, and you choose how long to repay—anywhere between 7 and 61 days. The total cost includes interest from around 2.45% to as high as 39%, plus a one-time service fee, all shown upfront before you hit “Accept”.
“Zenka works well if you’re disciplined, but that convenience isn’t free—borrow wisely or it’ll burn your pocket.”
Okash dishes out loans starting from KSh 500 all the way up to KSh 60,000, with repayment periods of 4 to 12 weeks. You’ll pay around 1.2% interest per day plus a processing fee, and if you delay repayment, there’s a 2% daily penalty that kicks in hard.
“Okash can save your day in a tight spot, but only if you repay on time—because the penalties are brutal if you don’t.”
You can borrow up to KSh 2 million using your car logbook as security, with cash hitting your account in just about 16 hours. For smaller, quicker loans, their mobile option “Ezua Chapaa” sends money to your phone in under 6 hours, with terms shared clearly before you commit.
“Momentum’s logbook loan is a solid option for people who need real cash fast, but once you borrow, stick to your plan—these are not loans to mess around with.”
With Jijenge, you can get a loan of up to KSh 10 million if you’re ready to use your car logbook or land title as security. Interest starts at around 3.75% per month, and they give you up to 5 years to pay it back, with smaller unsecured loans also available from KSh 100,000.
“Jijenge gives you real money fast, but once your car or land is on the table, you better treat repayment like rent—non-negotiable.”
With Ngao, you can borrow from KSh 100,000 to KSh 4 million by using your car logbook as security. The money hits your account in as little as six hours, and you get up to 24 months to repay, with all charges and interest made clear upfront.
“Ngao Credit is a good call when you need big money in a hurry, but once your car is involved, paying back on time isn’t a suggestion—it’s a must.”
KWFT gives out loans starting from around KSh 10,000 all the way up to KSh 45 million, with repayment periods stretching up to 5 years. Interest is charged at a flat monthly rate of 1.67% to 1.8%, plus a one-time processing fee and loan insurance—all clearly broken down before you commit.
“KWFT is a solid lending partner for anyone scaling a business or building a home—but you have to plan smart, because these loans come with structure and commitment.”
Carbon gives loans starting from KSh 2,500 up to KSh 1 million, with repayment options between 2 and 12 months. Interest rates vary from 4.5% to 30% monthly, and you see the full cost upfront before you take the loan—no hidden maths.
“I’d recommend Carbon to anyone who’s sharp with money and sticks to deadlines, because while it’s fast and flexible, the cost of delay is brutal.”
Berry gives out unsecured loans from KSh 500 to KSh 50,000, with repayment periods ranging between 65 to 120 days. The total cost of borrowing falls between 9% and 27%, clearly displayed in the app before you commit—no hidden costs, no last-minute surprises.
“I think Berry is useful for short-term gaps if you’re sharp with your finances—but if you slack on repayment, it bites back hard.”
Lender | Loan Amounts (KES) | Loan Terms | Interest Rate | Key Features / Method of Receipt |
---|---|---|---|---|
M-Shwari (Safaricom) | 1,000 – 1,000,000 | 30 days | 9% one-time fee | Cash sent instantly to your M-Pesa account, available for withdrawal 24/7. |
Tala | 500 – 50,000 | 21 – 30 days | From 0.3% daily | Fast cash loans disbursed to M-Pesa in minutes via mobile app. |
Branch | 500 – 100,000 | Up to 12 months | From 1.7% monthly | Get cash directly in your mobile wallet with flexible repayment options. |
KCB Bank | Up to 8,000,000 | Up to 60 months | Competitive bank rates | Cash available via M-Pesa (KCB M-Pesa) or over-the-counter at branches. |
Equity Bank | Up to 3,000,000 (mobile) | Up to 24 months | Competitive bank rates | Instant cash to your phone via EazzyLoan or withdraw from extensive agent/branch network. |
Timiza (Absa Bank) | 100 – 1,000,000 | 30 days | 6.17% one-time fee | Instant cash service on your phone from a major bank. |
Faulu Microfinance Bank | Varies | Up to 96 months | ~19% p.a. | Cash loans available through mobile banking or at physical branches. |
Zenka | 500 – 30,000 | Up to 61 days | Fee from 9-29% | Quick cash for emergencies, first loan often free. Disbursed to M-Pesa. |
Okash | 1,500 – 80,000 | Up to 365 days | APR from 36% | Reliable app for getting quick cash loans anytime. |
Momentum Credit | 5,000 – 3,000,000 | 1 – 60 months | From 2% per month | Provides cash against salaries or logbooks, disbursed to bank/mobile wallet. |
Jijenge Credit | 5,000 – 2,000,000 | Up to 12 months | From 5% monthly | Fast secured cash loans. Apply online, get cash quickly. |
Ngao Credit | Up to 5,000,000 | Up to 24 months | Competitive rates | Specializes in logbook loans, providing large amounts of cash against your car. |
Kenya Women Microfinance Bank (KWFT) | From 5,000 | 6 – 60 months | ~20-22% p.a. | Cash loans for women entrepreneurs, available through their branch network. |
Carbon | 500 – 50,000 | Up to 64 weeks | From ~5% monthly | Mobile app for instant cash loans with flexible repayment. |
Berry | 500 – 50,000 | Up to 65 days | Service fee 9-25% | Simple and fast cash disbursed to your M-Pesa account. |