Finding a good loan in Kenya isn’t just about quick cash — it’s about knowing who to trust. Here, you’ll find real comparisons of lenders, from fast mobile loans to larger personal credit offers with fair terms. Need to know how fast you can get money or what affects your approval chances? We break it all down simply.
Absa Bank Kenya’s online personal loan opens access to amounts as high as KES 6 million, repayable over periods stretching up to 96 months. Borrowers benefit from competitive interest rates starting at 17.79% per annum, with no need to offer collateral.
I view Absa’s personal loan as a smart choice for anyone looking for sizeable funding under transparent terms — the long repayment horizon especially works in its favour.
I&M Bank Kenya extends unsecured personal loans ranging from KES 50,000 up to KES 10 million, with flexible repayment terms of up to 96 months. Recent rate adjustments have made their lending rates more attractive, while approval remains quick and straightforward, aimed at providing customers with timely financial solutions.
I see I&M Bank’s personal loans as a well-rounded offering — high ceilings, decent rates, and quick access make it a compelling choice for serious borrowers.
At Standard Chartered Kenya, individuals can secure personal loans between KES 50,000 and KES 7 million, repaid over terms stretching from 12 to 96 months. Interest rates start at 19% per annum for check-off loans, while non-check-off loans are priced slightly higher at 20%.
“I find Standard Chartered’s personal loan a smart pick for those needing higher limits and more repayment flexibility — the bonus of multi-currency options is rare and valuable in Kenya’s lending market.”
KCB M-PESA, a collaboration between KCB Bank Kenya and Safaricom, delivers quick loans and savings services straight to your mobile phone. With loan amounts ranging from KES 100 up to KES 1 million, users get money in minutes through the familiar M-PESA platform, repaying within 30 days at a total cost of around 8.9%.
“I recommend KCB M-PESA for its sheer speed and simplicity — it’s an ideal fix for short-term cash crunches, provided you stay disciplined about repayment.”
Through MCo-opCash, Co-operative Bank of Kenya makes it easy for salaried Kenyans to access loans right from their phones. Borrowers can take out between KES 1,000 and KES 500,000, repaying within one to three months depending on the selected term, with interest rates set at 8%, 10%, or 12% respectively.
“I like how MCo-opCash strips down the borrowing process — it’s quick, clear, and fits well for salaried folks needing a financial boost without the stress of collateral.”
Family Bank’s PesaPap platform makes getting a short-term loan as simple as a few taps on your phone. Whether you bank with Family or not, you can borrow instantly, with loans repaid over 30 days and a clear facility fee of about 6.62% all-in.
“I’d say PesaPap is a smart pick for those who need quick cash without the long paperwork — just make sure your repayment plan is tight since 30 days go by fast.”
Branch International runs one of Kenya’s most popular mobile lending apps, offering quick loans straight to your M-PESA account. Loan amounts range between KES 500 and KES 300,000, with repayment periods stretching from 62 days to a full year, and interest rates adjusting based on your repayment history — anywhere from 1.7% to 17.6% monthly.
“I see Branch as a go-to option for Kenyans looking for fast credit without the paperwork, but smart borrowers will pay close attention to rates and deadlines.”
Tala has carved out a strong presence in Kenya’s mobile lending space by offering quick, low-hassle loans. Borrowers can access between KES 1,000 and KES 50,000, repayable over 15 to 61 days, with daily interest rates ranging from 0.3% to 0.6% — no hidden charges or processing fees.
“Tala hits the mark for fast, straightforward loans — perfect for bridging short-term gaps, but borrowers should keep an eye on the repayment clock.”
Stawika Capital has built a name in Kenya’s mobile lending space by focusing on fast, no-hassle loans for individuals and small businesses. Through the Stawika app or by dialing 872#, users can borrow amounts between KES 500 and KES 50,000, repaid over 7 to 61 days, with flat interest rates ranging from 7% to 21% depending on the loan
“Stawika does exactly what it promises — quick cash for those who need it fast, but it’s important to borrow smart, especially with the short repayment terms.”
Mwananchi Credit rolls out online loans between KSh 50,000 and KSh 25 million, locking in interest from 1.5% per month. Payouts move fast, and borrowers get up to 168 months to clear the balance.
“I’d trust Mwananchi Credit for big, fast loans — their low rates and long repayment period are a real game changer in the market.”
Oya Microcredit hands out unsecured loans to hustlers and SMEs, needing nothing more than a Kenyan ID to get going. Approval comes fast — usually under 48 hours — and cash lands straight into your M-Pesa wallet.
“I’d recommend Oya Microcredit to any small business owner in Nairobi who wants fast cash without the headache of collateral — just be smart and get clarity on the charges before you dive in.”
Hustler Fund is a government-backed kitty that dishes out loans from KSh 500 to KSh 50,000, tailored for hustlers and small traders. Loans come with a pocket-friendly 8% annual interest and must be repaid within 14 days, straight from your M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or T-Kash.
“I see Hustler Fund as a sharp tool for quick, cheap credit — but the short repayment window is brutal if you’re not ready.”
M-KOPA is flipping the script by giving Kenyans an easy way to own smartphones without breaking the bank. You start with a small deposit, then hustle it out with daily payments through M-Pesa till the phone is fully yours — all while quietly building a credit record in the background.
“I like how M-KOPA puts smartphones within reach for many Kenyans, but it’s smart to check the fine print so you don’t end up paying double without realising.”
Zidisha is flipping the script on microlending — no banks, no middlemen — just you telling your story to lenders across the globe. With a one-time joining fee of around KSh 1,200 and a 5% service fee on each loan, Kenyan hustlers get cash to grow their businesses or sort out life emergencies, while quietly building a credit profile.
“I like how Zidisha cuts out the bank noise and connects borrowers straight to lenders — but once you’re in, discipline in repayments is everything.”
SMEP Microfinance Bank has carved its name by giving Kenyans a lifeline through loans — from as little as KSh 3,650 for medical insurance all the way up to KSh 3 million for biashara expansion. Whether you’re solo or part of a chama, applying is easy — online or by walking into any of their branches dotted across the country.
“I like how SMEP Microfinance Bank balances flexible loans with extra services, but borrowers need to step carefully and fully understand their obligations before jumping in.”
If you’re looking for quick approval, mobile loan apps like Tala, Branch, and M-Shwari are among the fastest options. They usually don’t ask for a lot of paperwork — a smartphone and good repayment record are enough to get started.
You can get unsecured personal loans ranging from KES 50,000 up to KES 10 million, depending on your salary and credit history. Big banks often offer these loans, but be ready for a thorough review of your finances.
It depends on where you apply. Mobile lenders can send the money in a few minutes, while banks and bigger lenders might take a couple of days. Some, like Ngao Credit with their logbook loans, promise fast processing — sometimes in just six hours.
Yes, it might. Every time you apply, the lender checks your credit, and too many checks in a short time can lower your score. It’s better to apply only where you’re confident of approval.
You can. Some mobile lenders don’t focus heavily on credit scores; instead, they look at your phone usage or past payment behavior. Just keep in mind, they might offer you a smaller amount at a higher interest rate at first.
Some lenders include extra costs like processing fees or insurance charges, which are not always obvious upfront. Always ask for a full breakdown of costs before agreeing to anything, and read the fine print carefully.
| Company | Loan Amount | Loan Term | Interest Rate | Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absa Bank Kenya | Up to KES 6,000,000 | Up to 96 months | From 17.79% p.a. | Credit life insurance included |
| I&M Bank Kenya | Up to KES 10,000,000 | Up to 60 months | From 19.80% p.a. | Reduced rates since March 2025 |
| Standard Chartered Kenya | Up to KES 7,000,000 | Up to 84 months | From 19.50% p.a. | Checkoff loans at lower rates |
| KCB M-PESA | From KES 1,000 | 1 month | 8.96% flat fee | Instant disbursement via M-PESA |
| Co-op Bank (MCo-opCash) | Up to KES 500,000 | 1–3 months | 8–12% per term | Apply via *667# |
| Family Bank (PesaPap) | Up to KES 50,000 | Up to 30 days | 14.95% p.a. | Available to all customers |
| Branch | Up to KES 70,000 | 4–52 weeks | Varies by customer | Referral bonuses available |
| Tala | Up to KES 50,000 | 21–30 days | 0.3%–0.6% daily | No collateral required |
| Stawika | Up to KES 50,000 | 1–30 days | Fixed rate | No hidden fees |
| Mwananchi Credit | Up to KES 10,000,000 | Up to 168 months | From 1.5% per month | Refinancing discounts |
| Oya Microcredit | Up to KES 70,00 | 1–30 days | Competitive rates | No CRB check required |
| Hustler Fund | Up to KES 50,000 | 1–30 days | 8% p.a. | Government-backed program |
| M-Kopa | Up to KES 60,00 | Up to 12 months | Installment-based | Device financing options |
| Zidisha | Up to KES 50,00 | 1–30 days | 0% | Peer-to-peer lending platform |
| SMEP Microfinance | Up to KES 60,00 | 1–30 days | Competitive rates | Support for small businesses |
