Rush for Loans: Safaricom Unveils New M-PESA Credit Tools Amid Growing Demand - Urban Pulse Kenya

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Rush for Loans: Safaricom Unveils New M-PESA Credit Tools Amid Growing Demand


A silent financial revolution is unfolding across Kenya as Safaricom rolls out a fresh wave of credit solutions through M-PESA, targeting thousands of struggling traders and small business owners. Behind the innovation lies an urgent bid to close the financing gap threatening many enterprises.

The telco has introduced three new products—Taasi Pochi, Fuliza Biashara, and Taasi Till—promising up to KSh 400,000 in unsecured loans. Taasi Pochi offers loans of up to KSh 250,000 for traders who have actively used Pochi La Biashara for over six months. Fuliza Biashara extends overdrafts of up to KSh 400,000 to Lipa na M-PESA merchants, while Taasi Till targets merchants with consistent till usage, also offering up to KSh 250,000.

“Loans are instantly disbursed to the Pochi wallet or till accounts, and repayment is either automatic or within flexible terms of 14 to 30 days,” Safaricom said in its announcement. The company says its aim is to provide reliable, real-time credit to enterprises previously excluded from formal lending.

Loan applications can be made via the M-PESA App or through USSD codes (3348# for Pochi and *234# for Till and Fuliza Biashara). No collateral is needed, and disbursement takes seconds—making the products ideal for fast-moving businesses such as boda boda services and retail kiosks.

This bold move comes months after small businesses voiced frustration over limited access to credit from banks and SACCOs. Analysts believe Safaricom's tailored lending strategy could shift the balance of SME financing in Kenya.

Still, questions linger over potential default risks, data transparency, and how long-term sustainability will be managed. As the dust settles, all eyes now turn to how these products perform on the ground—and whether they truly empower or entrap.


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