In Kenya, the demand for quick and convenient loans has skyrocketed over the past few years. Many Kenyans turn to mobile loan apps and online banks to meet their financial needs due to the fast application processes, minimal requirements, and quick disbursement of funds.
Whether you’re looking to cover an emergency expense or finance a business venture, the following 11 loan apps and banks provide some of the best options in Kenya today. Our rating was based on an article about the best apps for online loans – loans-online.co.ke.
1. M-Pesa by Safaricom
M-Pesa, Kenya’s most popular mobile money service, offers a variety of financial products, including loans through M-Shwari and KCB M-Pesa.
M-Shwari is a collaboration between Safaricom and the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA). With M-Shwari, users can save and borrow money directly from their mobile phones. Loan approvals are based on your transaction history, and the application process is fast and easy.
Advantages:
- Fast disbursement of funds.
- No need for guarantors or collateral.
- Integrated into the popular M-Pesa platform.
Disadvantages:
- Higher interest rates compared to some traditional banks.
- Limited to M-Pesa users.
2. Tala
Tala is one of the most popular loan apps in Kenya. It offers instant, unsecured loans through a mobile app, allowing users to borrow between KSh 500 and KSh 30,000, depending on their credit history. The app analyzes users’ mobile phone usage and financial behaviors to determine their creditworthiness.
Advantages:
- Instant loan disbursement.
- Flexible repayment options.
- Accessible to individuals without a formal credit history.
Disadvantages:
- Higher interest rates for new users.
- Loan limits can be low for first-time borrowers.
3. Branch
Branch is another top loan app that offers quick and convenient loans. The app allows users to borrow amounts starting from KSh 250 up to KSh 70,000. Repayments can be made within a period of 4 to 52 weeks. Branch uses data from your phone to determine your credit score, making it easy for first-time borrowers to access credit.
Advantages:
- No paperwork or collateral required.
- Fast approval process.
- Flexible repayment terms.
Disadvantages:
- Interest rates can be high if payments are delayed.
- Low initial loan limits.
4. KCB M-Pesa
KCB M-Pesa, a collaboration between Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Safaricom, offers a range of loan products for M-Pesa users. Loans can be borrowed based on your M-Pesa transaction history and can be repaid in 30 days.
Advantages:
- Quick access to funds.
- Flexible loan limits and repayment terms.
- Available to all M-Pesa users.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to those who actively use M-Pesa.
- Short loan repayment periods.
5. Zenka
Zenka is a relatively new entrant to the Kenyan loan app market but has quickly gained popularity. With Zenka, users can borrow up to KSh 30,000, with a 61-day repayment period for larger loans. First-time borrowers enjoy a zero-interest loan on their first loan.
Advantages:
- Zero-interest loan for first-time users.
- Longer repayment periods.
- Easy-to-use mobile interface.
Disadvantages:
- Subsequent loans come with higher interest rates.
- Limited loan amounts for new users.
6. Equitel by Equity Bank
Equitel is the mobile banking platform provided by Equity Bank, one of Kenya’s largest banks. Through Equitel, customers can access EazzyLoan, a service that allows them to borrow money directly through their mobile phones. The platform offers loans from KSh 100 up to KSh 3 million, with flexible repayment terms.
Advantages:
- High loan limits.
- Longer repayment periods for larger loans.
- Direct integration with Equity Bank accounts.
Disadvantages:
- Requires an Equity Bank account.
- Interest rates can be higher compared to traditional bank loans.
7. Okash
Okash, a loan app developed by Opay, offers fast and secure loans to Kenyan mobile phone users. Users can borrow from KSh 500 to KSh 50,000, with a 91-day repayment period. The app is user-friendly, and loans are disbursed instantly to your M-Pesa account.
Advantages:
- Instant loan disbursement.
- Higher loan limits for returning customers.
- No need for collateral or guarantors.
Disadvantages:
- Interest rates increase with longer repayment periods.
- Lower loan limits for new users.
8. Timiza by Barclays (ABSA)
Timiza is a mobile loan app developed by ABSA Bank Kenya (formerly Barclays Bank). The app offers loans to both ABSA account holders and non-account holders. With Timiza, users can access loans of up to KSh 150,000 and enjoy a range of financial services, including bill payments and insurance services.
Advantages:
- High loan limits.
- Access to other financial services.
- Available to both ABSA and non-ABSA customers.
Disadvantages:
- Requires an active Safaricom line.
- Interest rates can be high for short-term loans.
9. HF Whizz by Housing Finance
HF Whizz is a mobile app developed by Housing Finance Group (HF Group) in Kenya. It allows users to apply for personal loans, transfer money, and manage their accounts. Loan amounts depend on your credit history and usage of the app, but they typically range from KSh 1,000 to KSh 100,000.
Advantages:
- Easy application process.
- Flexible repayment options.
- Integration with other HF Group services.
Disadvantages:
- Loan limits depend heavily on your credit score.
- High interest rates for late payments.
10. Jumia One
Jumia One is a multi-purpose mobile app that offers several services, including mobile loans. Through its partnership with other financial institutions, Jumia One provides quick loans ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 50,000.
Advantages:
- Multi-purpose app with various services.
- Quick loan disbursement.
- Easy to apply.
Disadvantages:
- Interest rates may vary depending on the lending partner.
- Lower loan limits for first-time users.
11. Fuliza by Safaricom
Fuliza is an overdraft service provided by Safaricom, in partnership with NCBA and KCB. It allows M-Pesa users to complete transactions even when they don’t have sufficient funds in their M-Pesa account. Though not a traditional loan, Fuliza offers instant credit for small amounts, with repayment expected within a short period.
Advantages:
- Instant credit for M-Pesa transactions.
- No need for a loan application process.
- Ideal for short-term, small financial gaps.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to covering M-Pesa transactions.
- Interest rates accumulate daily if not repaid quickly.
The growing demand for mobile loans in Kenya has led to the development of a wide range of loan apps and services. Read more about the list of genuine loan apps in Kenya – https://loans-online.co.ke/list-of-genuine-loan-apps/.
Each of these platforms offers unique advantages, whether it’s the speed of disbursement, flexibility in repayment, or high loan limits.
However, it’s essential to consider the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms before taking a loan from any of these providers.
For those in urgent need of funds, the ease and convenience of mobile loans in Kenya are undeniable, but careful management of borrowing is crucial to avoid falling into debt traps.
1 comment
In Kenya, several apps and banks offer quick and convenient loans, leveraging technology to streamline the lending process. KCB M-Pesa allows users to borrow based on their M-Pesa transaction history. Loan repayments can be made easily through the app, with flexible periods ranging from one month to six months.