Best Loan Apps in Kenya 2026: 10 Legit Apps Compared
There are over 200 loan apps on the Google Play Store targeting Kenyans right now. Most of them are garbage. Some are outright scams. A handful are genuinely useful.
This guide covers the 10 loan apps that are actually worth your time in 2026. Every app on this list is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (or operates through a CBK-regulated bank), has a functioning customer support channel, and has been tested by real borrowers. I've compared them on the numbers that matter: interest rates, loan limits, repayment periods, and CRB reporting.
If you just want the answer: Fuliza for emergencies, KCB M-Pesa for the lowest cost, Zenka if you need more money and more time. The rest depends on your situation. Read on for the full breakdown.
Why Kenyans Are Borrowing Through Apps
Kenya is the mobile money capital of the world. Over 30 million people use M-Pesa, and the infrastructure that Safaricom built turned every phone into a bank account. That same infrastructure made it possible for loan apps to disburse cash in minutes, not days.
The Central Bank of Kenya has now licensed 195 digital credit providers as of late 2025. These licensed lenders issued over 6.6 million loans worth KES 109.8 billion through November 2025. That number is growing fast. A year before, the figure was KES 76.8 billion. The demand is real, and it's accelerating.
The reason is straightforward. Traditional banks still require paperwork, collateral, and branch visits. For someone who needs KES 5,000 before Friday to cover a school fee shortfall or a medical bill, walking into a KCB branch is not a realistic option. A loan app that approves you in 3 minutes and sends money to M-Pesa is.
The trade-off is cost. App-based loans are expensive, sometimes brutally so. The cheapest options on this list charge around 7-9% for 30 days. The most expensive ones charge 15-30%. Understanding these differences can save you thousands of shillings a year.
Quick Comparison Table
Here's every app on this list side by side. Rates shown are for typical borrowers. Your actual rate may vary based on your credit profile and borrowing history.
| App | Max Amount | Interest/Fee | Repayment | CRB Check | Best For |
| Tala | KES 50,000 | ~15% service fee | 21-30 days | Yes | First-time borrowers |
| Zenka | KES 100,000 | 14-29% service fee | 61 days - 6 months | Yes | Larger loans, longer terms |
| Branch | KES 300,000 | 17-35% + 6% processing | 1-12 weeks | Yes | Building credit history |
| Fuliza | KES 70,000 | 1.083%/day | Auto from next deposit | No (for access) | Emergency overdraft |
| KCB M-Pesa | KES 1,000,000 | 8.90% flat | 30 days | Yes | Lowest interest rate |
| M-Shwari | KES 50,000+ | 7.5% + 1.5% excise | 30 days | Yes | Savings + loans combo |
| Okash | KES 500,000 | Up to 36% p.a. | Up to 365 days | Yes | Longer repayment terms |
| Timiza (ABSA) | KES 1,000,000 | 1.083% + 5% processing | 30 days | Yes | ABSA/M-Pesa users |
| Berry | KES 50,000 | 9-25%/month | 30-120 days | Yes | Flexible repayment |
| LendPlus | KES 100,000 | ~33% APR (varies) | 61-90 days | Yes | M-Pesa integration |
Important: Maximum amounts shown are theoretical ceilings. Your first loan from any app will be significantly smaller. Most first-time borrowers get KES 500 to KES 5,000 regardless of the app's advertised maximum.
Detailed Reviews
1. Tala
Tala is Kenya's most downloaded loan app with over 6 million installs. It offers instant loans from KES 500 to KES 50,000, disbursed directly to M-Pesa within minutes. The app uses your phone data and M-Pesa history to assess creditworthiness, so there's no paperwork involved.
The cost is approximately 15% of the loan amount as a service fee, charged per cycle of 21-30 days. That's expensive when annualized (roughly 130-180% APR), but it's transparent. No hidden fees, no processing charges, no insurance deductions. Loyal borrowers with perfect repayment records can see rates drop to 11-12%.
Tala is the easiest app to start with. The approval process is fast, the interface is clean, and the customer support is responsive. The downside is the short repayment window and relatively modest loan limit. If you need more than KES 50,000 or more than 30 days, look at Zenka or Branch instead.
Who should use it: First-time app borrowers who want a simple, predictable experience.
Read our full Tala review for a complete breakdown of rates, requirements, and step-by-step application instructions.
2. Zenka
Zenka Finance is the app I recommend when someone needs more than what Tala or Fuliza can offer. It lends up to KES 100,000 with repayment periods stretching to 6 months. That combination of higher limits and longer terms is rare among Kenyan digital lenders.
New users pay a service fee of 25-29% on their first loan. Repeat borrowers with clean records can get that down to 14-18%. Zenka also charges a processing fee of 2-5% deducted from the disbursed amount. The total cost is higher than KCB M-Pesa or M-Shwari in absolute terms, but when you spread a 14% fee over 6 months, the monthly cost is actually lower than Tala's 15% for 30 days.
Zenka works on both Android and iOS, which is a real advantage if you use an iPhone. Most competing apps are Android-only.
Who should use it: Borrowers who need KES 30,000-100,000 and want 2-6 months to repay.
Read our full Zenka review for detailed rate tables and application requirements.
3. Branch
Branch International has been in Kenya since 2015, making it one of the oldest digital lenders in the market. The app offers loans from KES 500 up to KES 300,000, though reaching that ceiling takes a long history of consistent borrowing and repayment.
Interest rates range from 17% to 35%, with an additional 6% upfront processing fee. Late payments incur a 6% rollover fee. The rates are not cheap, but Branch rewards loyalty more aggressively than most. Borrowers who stick with the platform and maintain a clean record see meaningful rate reductions over time. Loan terms range from 1 to 12 weeks.
Branch has also evolved beyond lending. The app now includes a wallet feature and savings product, positioning it as a broader financial tool rather than just a loan app. The app is well-designed, the disbursement is fast, and the repayment process through M-Pesa is straightforward.
Who should use it: Borrowers who want to build a credit history with one platform and gradually access larger amounts over months.
4. Fuliza
Fuliza is not a loan app. It's an M-Pesa overdraft facility that kicks in automatically when your balance is too low to complete a transaction. That distinction matters because the cost structure is entirely different from traditional lending apps.
Fuliza charges 1.083% per day on your outstanding balance. If you borrow KES 5,000 and repay it in 2 days, you pay about KES 108 in fees. Repay in 30 days, and you're paying KES 1,625, which is 32.5% for the month. The speed at which Fuliza costs escalate is its biggest danger.
The advantage is instant access with no application process. If you've been using M-Pesa for more than 6 months, you probably already have a Fuliza limit. There's no CRB check required to access it, and money is available the moment you need it.
Fuliza limits go up to KES 70,000 depending on your M-Pesa usage patterns. Repayment is automatic: when money comes into your M-Pesa, Fuliza deducts what you owe first.
Who should use it: Anyone who needs to cover a short-term gap (1-3 days) and will have funds coming in soon. Do not use Fuliza as a 30-day loan. The math doesn't work.
Read our full Fuliza guide for detailed fee calculations and tips on managing your limit.
5. KCB M-Pesa
KCB M-Pesa is the cheapest loan product on this list, full stop. The interest rate is 8.90% flat for a 30-day loan. On a KES 10,000 loan, you pay KES 890 in interest. Compare that to Tala's KES 1,500 or Fuliza's potential KES 1,625 for the same amount over the same period.
The product is a partnership between KCB Bank and Safaricom, accessed through the M-Pesa menu (not a separate app). Loan limits theoretically go up to KES 1,000,000, though most users have limits between KES 1,000 and KES 50,000 depending on their M-Pesa transaction history and savings behavior.
To qualify, you need to have been on M-Pesa for at least 6 months and activate the KCB M-Pesa account through the Safaricom menu. Saving money in your KCB M-Pesa account is the fastest way to increase your limit.
The only real drawback is the 30-day repayment window. If you need more time, Zenka or Okash are better options. But if you can pay back within a month, there's no reason to use a more expensive product.
Who should use it: Anyone who can repay within 30 days and wants the lowest possible cost. This should be your first choice if you qualify.
For a detailed comparison, read our guide on Fuliza vs M-Shwari vs KCB M-Pesa.
6. M-Shwari
M-Shwari is the original M-Pesa loan product, launched in 2012 as a partnership between Safaricom and NCBA Bank. It charges a facility fee of 7.5% plus 1.5% excise duty (9% total) for a 30-day loan. That puts it just above KCB M-Pesa in cost.
What makes M-Shwari different is the built-in savings account. Your savings balance directly affects your loan limit, and the savings earn interest. This dual function makes M-Shwari useful as both a savings tool and a credit line. If you save KES 5,000 in M-Shwari, your loan limit increases accordingly.
Loan limits typically range from KES 100 to KES 50,000, though some long-term users with significant savings report higher limits. Loans that aren't repaid within 30 days are rolled over with additional fees, which gets expensive quickly.
M-Shwari recently shifted loans below KES 2,000 to Fuliza, meaning the minimum M-Shwari loan is now KES 2,000. For smaller amounts, you'll be directed to Fuliza automatically.
Who should use it: Disciplined savers who want a combined savings-and-credit product with relatively low interest.
7. Okash
Okash (formerly OKash) is operated by a company with roots in China's fintech market. It's CBK-licensed in Kenya and offers loans up to KES 500,000 with repayment terms stretching to 365 days. Those are among the highest limits and longest terms available from any app-based lender in the country.
The stated interest rate is up to 36% per annum. In practice, new users receive small loans (KES 1,500-5,000) at higher effective rates, with better terms unlocked after consistent repayment. Late payments trigger a penalty of 2% per day, which is severe. Don't be late with Okash.
The app works on both Android and iOS. Disbursement is to M-Pesa, and the interface is functional if not particularly polished. Customer support is mixed: some users report quick responses, others describe long waits.
Who should use it: Borrowers who need a longer repayment period (3-12 months) and can commit to on-time payments to avoid the steep late fees.
8. Timiza (ABSA)
Timiza is ABSA Bank Kenya's digital lending product, accessed through a dedicated app or USSD. It charges 1.083% interest plus a 5% processing fee upfront. On a KES 10,000 loan, you'd pay about KES 608 in total charges for 30 days, making it competitive with KCB M-Pesa and M-Shwari.
Loan amounts range from KES 50 to KES 1,000,000, though reaching the upper limit requires an extensive M-Pesa history. Typical first-time limits are KES 1,000-5,000. The repayment period is 30 days, with a 5% rollover fee if you miss the deadline.
Timiza's edge is its connection to ABSA Bank. If you already bank with ABSA, Timiza can factor in your banking history alongside your M-Pesa data, potentially offering higher limits faster than standalone apps.
Who should use it: Existing ABSA customers or anyone who wants a bank-backed product with competitive rates.
9. Berry
Berry targets borrowers who want more flexibility in repayment. Loans range from KES 1,000 to KES 50,000 with repayment periods of 30 to 120 days. The monthly facilitation fee ranges from 9% to 25% depending on your credit profile and Berry history.
Berry checks CRB records and reports defaults to Metropol and Credit Info. However, the app is known for being more lenient with minor negative listings compared to some competitors. It won't approve you with active severe defaults, but a paid-off historical listing may not disqualify you.
The app is Android-only. Disbursement goes to M-Pesa, and the process is similar to Tala or Branch: install, grant permissions, get assessed, borrow. The user interface is basic but functional.
At the higher end of its rate range (25%), Berry is one of the more expensive options on this list. At the lower end (9%), it's competitive. Your rate depends heavily on your repayment behavior within the app.
Who should use it: Borrowers who need 60-120 days to repay and can build up a good record within the app to access lower rates.
10. LendPlus
LendPlus is operated by Aventus Technology Limited, a CBK-licensed digital credit provider. The app offers loans from KES 1,000 up to KES 100,000, though first-time borrowers typically qualify for up to KES 15,000. Repayment terms range from 61 to 90 days.
The stated APR is 32.85%, though effective rates vary. Daily interest ranges from 0.9% to 2.2% depending on loan amount and term. LendPlus works on both Android and iOS, and disbursement goes directly to M-Pesa.
LendPlus is a newer entrant compared to Tala or Branch, which means it has less user data and a smaller track record. On the flip side, newer lenders sometimes offer better introductory terms to attract borrowers. The app is functional and the approval process is fast.
Who should use it: Borrowers comfortable with a newer platform who want a 2-3 month repayment window and M-Pesa disbursement.
How to Choose the Right Loan App
The "best" app depends entirely on what you need. Here's a decision framework:
Need money TODAY and can repay within a few days?
Use Fuliza. It's instant, automatic, and cheap if you repay quickly. Don't let it sit for weeks.
Want the lowest possible interest rate?
Use KCB M-Pesa (8.90%) or M-Shwari (9%). Both require you to repay within 30 days, but the savings are significant compared to every other option.
Need more than KES 50,000?
Your realistic options are Zenka (up to KES 100,000), Timiza (up to KES 1,000,000 with history), or KCB M-Pesa (up to KES 1,000,000 with history). Branch can go up to KES 300,000 but that takes months of building credit within the app.
Need more than 30 days to repay?
Zenka (up to 6 months) and Okash (up to 12 months) are your best options. Berry offers up to 120 days. Most other apps on this list cap you at 30 days.
Have a bad CRB record?
Fuliza doesn't require a CRB check for access (it's based on M-Pesa usage). Berry is more lenient with minor negative listings. For everything else, you'll need to clear your CRB record first.
First time borrowing through an app?
Start with Tala or Branch. Both have straightforward onboarding, small first loans to limit your risk, and clear fee structures. Once you've established a repayment record, you can graduate to apps with higher limits and better rates.
Loan Apps to Avoid
Not every app on the Play Store is safe. Kenya has a serious problem with unlicensed and predatory digital lenders. Here's how to protect yourself:
Check the CBK license. The Central Bank of Kenya maintains an official directory of all 195 licensed digital credit providers. If an app is not on that list, it's operating illegally and you have no regulatory protection if something goes wrong. We maintain an updated list of CBK-licensed digital lenders you can check.
Red flags that signal a scam app:
- Requests an upfront fee before disbursing your loan. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from the loan amount or add them to the repayment. They never ask you to pay before receiving money.
- No physical address or verifiable company information. Real lenders have registered offices and company registration numbers.
- Threatens to contact your phone contacts about your debt. This is illegal under CBK regulations, even if you've defaulted.
- Charges interest rates above 100% per month. Even the most expensive legitimate app charges 15-30% per month. If you're seeing 50%+ monthly rates, walk away.
- Not on the CBK directory. This is the single most important check.
For a detailed blacklist and verification guide, read our article on scam loan apps in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which loan app has the lowest interest rate in Kenya?
KCB M-Pesa at 8.90% flat for 30 days. M-Shwari is close at 7.5% plus 1.5% excise duty (9% total). Both are significantly cheaper than standalone apps like Tala (15%) or Branch (17-35%). The catch is that both KCB M-Pesa and M-Shwari have 30-day repayment limits and require 6+ months of M-Pesa history.
Which loan apps don't check CRB?
Fuliza does not perform a CRB check for access. Your limit is based on your M-Pesa usage patterns. However, most standalone loan apps (Tala, Zenka, Branch, Okash, etc.) do check CRB records as part of their credit assessment. Having a negative CRB listing doesn't automatically disqualify you from every app, but it will reduce your limit or increase your rate. If you're listed, consider clearing your CRB status first.
Which is the fastest loan app in Kenya?
Fuliza is instant because it's an automatic overdraft, not a loan application. Among actual loan apps, Tala and M-Shwari are the fastest, typically disbursing within 2-5 minutes of approval. KCB M-Pesa is similarly fast for existing account holders. Branch and Zenka take 5-15 minutes. The first time you use any app will be slower due to the registration and data assessment process.
What is the maximum loan you can get from a mobile app?
KCB M-Pesa and Timiza (ABSA) both advertise limits up to KES 1,000,000, but reaching that ceiling requires years of history, high M-Pesa transaction volumes, and significant savings. Realistically, most active borrowers access KES 5,000-50,000 from any given app. Okash advertises up to KES 500,000, and Branch up to KES 300,000, but again, these are theoretical maximums.
Are loan apps safe in Kenya?
CBK-licensed loan apps are regulated and must follow consumer protection rules: they can't harass your contacts, must disclose all fees upfront, and must use licensed credit bureaus for reporting. Unlicensed apps have no such obligations and have a documented history of data abuse, hidden charges, and contact harassment. Always verify an app is on the CBK licensed lenders list before using it.
How many loan apps can I use at the same time?
There's no legal limit, but I wouldn't recommend using more than 2-3 simultaneously. Every loan app reports to CRB, and having multiple active loans signals high risk to lenders. Your limits will drop, your rates will increase, and you risk falling into a debt cycle where you borrow from one app to repay another. If you find yourself doing that, stop and read our guide on improving your loan eligibility instead.
Can I get a loan if I'm blacklisted on CRB?
Yes, but your options are limited. Fuliza doesn't check CRB for access. Some apps like Berry are more lenient with minor negative listings. The better strategy is to clear your CRB listing first, which costs around KES 2,200 per bureau. Once cleared, you regain access to all apps at better rates. Read our step-by-step CRB clearance guide for the full process.
Which loan app gives the highest amount?
On paper, KCB M-Pesa and Timiza both go up to KES 1,000,000. In practice, Okash (up to KES 500,000) and Branch (up to KES 300,000) offer the most realistic paths to six-figure loans for borrowers who build history within the platform. Zenka's KES 100,000 limit is achievable within a few months of consistent borrowing and repayment. For amounts above KES 100,000, a SACCO or bank loan may actually be cheaper.
The Bottom Line
There's no single best loan app. There's only the best app for your specific situation. If I had to narrow it to three recommendations:
- KCB M-Pesa for the lowest cost on 30-day loans. If you qualify, use this first.
- Zenka for larger amounts or when you need more than a month to repay. The 6-month option is genuinely useful.
- Tala for getting started. It's the most user-friendly app for first-time borrowers, and the transparent fee structure means no surprises.
Whatever you choose, stick with CBK-licensed lenders, repay on time to build your limit, and never borrow from one app to repay another. That path leads nowhere good.
For a broader look at all loan types available in Kenya (including SACCOs, bank loans, and government programs), read our complete guide to loans in Kenya.