Running low before payday? You can borrow a small amount to keep going. Just remember to pay it back once your salary hits.
Running low before payday? You can borrow a small amount to keep going. Just remember to pay it back once your salary hits.
M‑Shwari gives you access to quick mobile loans from KSh 100 up to KSh 50,000, repayable within 30 days, with a flat 3% interest, plus a 7.5% setup fee and 1.5% tax on the facility. It’s built into your M‑PESA line — no forms, no queues — just money when you need it, and a savings account that earns up to 6.3% per year.
I’d vouch for M‑Shwari as a lifesaver when you’re short — fast, flexible, and built for the everyday mwananchi.
With KCB, you can borrow up to KES 10.5 million for a mortgage and repay over a solid 25 years, with interest currently sitting at a lowered 13.85% per year. They’ll finance up to 90% of your home’s value if you’re moving in yourself, 80% for rental properties, and 70% if you’re buying land.
I’d go for it — KCB is offering real value right now, especially with that high financing limit and lowered interest.
With Equity, you can borrow from KES 2 million upwards, and stretch your repayment for up to 15 years, making it manageable even if your income has ups and downs. They’ll finance up to 80% of your home’s value, and the current base rate stands at 14.39%, with a risk margin depending on your creditworthiness.
I’d go for Equity’s mortgage — it’s structured for the working Kenyan, not just headline numbers but real flexibility where it matters.
Absa is giving out home loans of up to KES 10.5 million, payable over 25 years, with flexible terms depending on your income and location. In Nairobi, your house must be worth at least KES 2 million to qualify, and they’re charging around 17.5% interest on a reducing balance — but if you qualify for the Sharia plan, you could lock in a lower 9.5% flat rate through KMRC.
I’d definitely consider Absa’s offer — especially if you want a long-term loan without the hassle of raising a massive deposit upfront.
With Co-op Bank’s Good Home Mortgage, you can borrow in KES, USD, GBP or EUR, repay across 20 years, and get up to 80% of the home’s value covered. For KMRC-supported loans, the deal gets even sweeter — interest drops to 9.9%, and you can walk away with 100% financing if the house is already built.
I’d go with Co-op if you’re eyeing a ready-built house and want a mortgage that won’t drown you in the first few years.
Stanbic lets you borrow up to 105% of the property value, which means they’ll not only finance the house but also help you sort stamp duty (4%) and a chunk of the legal fees (1%). If you qualify under their KMRC plan, you can lock in a fixed 9.5% interest rate and repay comfortably over 25 years.
I’d take this mortgage deal seriously — getting help with the full cost of buying plus a fixed rate makes Stanbic one of the more thoughtful lenders right now.
HF Group is offering up to 90% financing on home purchases, with repayment stretched over 20 years, and a special fixed rate of 9.5% for buyers using their partner developments. You’ll need to budget for upfront costs like stamp duty (4%), legal fees (1–2%), commitment (1.5%), and valuation (0.5%).
I’d go for HF if I wanted peace of mind with repayments and a simple, clear path to owning without playing games with fluctuating rates.
Family Bank offers up to 80% financing on home purchases or construction, with repayment spread over 25 years, and interest starting from their base rate of 16.15% plus a risk-based margin. You’ll also need to plan for upfront costs like stamp duty (4%), legal fees, valuation, and a 1% appraisal fee.
I’d go with Family Bank for its flexibility and long repayment window—it’s structured to work with how Kenyans actually build and buy.
It’s a small, short-term loan meant to help you manage urgent expenses before your next salary arrives. People often use it when something unexpected comes up — like a medical bill or school fee.
The process is usually straightforward. You’ll need an ID, a working phone number, and in some cases, proof that you have a steady income — applications can often be done online or via mobile.
That depends on the lender and your income, but first-time amounts are usually modest. If all goes well and you repay on time, you might qualify for more in the future.
Yes — aside from interest, some lenders add fees for things like processing, late payments, or even reminders. It’s smart to ask for the total repayment amount upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
It can, both positively and negatively. If you pay on time, it shows you’re responsible and can improve your credit profile. But missing deadlines might damage your record or limit future access to credit.
You could look into alternatives like salary advances, saving groups, or short-term help from trusted friends or family. These might offer more flexibility and fewer fees — especially if your need isn’t urgent.
| Lender | Institution Type | Loan Amount (KES) | Loan Term | Interest Rate / Fee | Bonuses/Promotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-Shwari (NCBA Bank & Safaricom) | Bank / Mobile Money | 1,000 – 50,000 | 30 days | 7.5% one-time fee | Loan limit increases with savings & good repayment history. |
| KCB M-Pesa (KCB Bank & Safaricom) | Bank / Mobile Money | 500 – 150,000 | 30 days | ~8.9% one-time fee | Instant access via M-Pesa menu. |
| Equity Bank (Eazzy Loan) | Bank | Up to 3,000,000 (based on credit score) | 1 – 12 months | ~2% – 10% per month (risk-based) | Available to Equity Bank account holders. |
| Absa Bank (Salary Advance) | Bank | Up to 50% of net salary | 1 month (repaid on next payday) | ~6% – 9% per month | For Absa account holders with regular salary. |
| Co-op Bank (Salary Advance) | Bank | Up to 500,000 or 1.5x salary | 1 – 3 months | Competitive bank rates (~3-5% p.m.) | Must have a Co-op Bank salary account. |
| Stanbic Bank (Salary Advance) | Bank | Up to 50% of net monthly income | 1 month | Interest and fees applied on application. | Convenient for Stanbic customers. |
| HF Group (Salary Advance) | Bank | Up to 50% of salary | 30 days | ~5-8% per month | Requires salary to be processed via HF Group. |
| Family Bank (Salary Advance) | Bank | Up to 50% of net pay | 1 month | Competitive pricing for account holders. | Fast and easy access for employees of listed companies. |
| Fuliza (NCBA & Safaricom) | Bank / Overdraft Service | 1 – 70,000 (overdraft limit) | Continuous (repaid on deposit) | Daily fee + 1% access fee. First 3 days free on loans under 1,000 KES. | Enables M-Pesa transactions with insufficient funds. |
