Safaricom Expands MSME Credit Solutions: M-PESA Loans to Support Small Businesses in Kenya

Safaricom is shaking up business lending in Kenya with an upgrade to its MSME credit solutions, designed to give small and medium-sized enterprises better access to credit, right from their phones.

The move, made in collaboration with financial institutions, introduces more flexible loan options for business owners using M-PESA. Whether you’re running a shop, a kiosk, or a digital hustle, Safaricom now offers tools to borrow, repay, and grow—without visiting a bank or filling out paperwork.

New Credit Options Built for Everyday Business

Two credit facilities are at the heart of the revamp: Fuliza Biashara and Taasi Till. Both are available through the M-PESA Business App or via USSD *234#.

• Taasi Till offers short-term loans from KES 1,500 to KES 250,000, depending on your business history. The funds go straight to your M-PESA till, and you get up to 30 days to repay.
• With Fuliza Biashara, businesses can now access overdrafts starting at KES 1,000 and up to KES 400,000. What’s new? Repayments are now linked to incoming payments, giving you more breathing room to run your operations.

And if you’re using Pochi la Biashara, there’s something for you too. Taasi Pochi extends credit between KES 1,000 and 250,000 directly to your Pochi wallet via USSD *334*8# or the M-PESA App.

No Collateral, No Hassle—Just Credit That Works for You

To qualify for these loans, you need an active till or Pochi account that’s been running for at least six months. Once approved, the loan is disbursed instantly, and repayments are scheduled over 14 to 30 days—giving you the flexibility to manage your cash flow.

“Small businesses power Kenya’s economy,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. “We’re using technology to make credit more accessible so that MSMEs can keep growing without disruption.”

Why It Matters

For many small business owners, access to credit is a daily struggle. Long queues at banks, endless paperwork, and strict terms often make borrowing out of reach. Safaricom’s solution brings credit closer into the hands of entrepreneurs who need it most.

It’s not just about money. It’s about enabling traders to restock inventory, keep shops open, and seize growth opportunities without delay.

The Bigger Picture: Financial Inclusion by Design

Safaricom says this initiative aligns with its long-term goal of deepening financial inclusion. And it’s working. M-PESA has played a massive role in transforming Kenya into a leader in mobile finance, with over 34 million users and financial inclusion rising from 26.7% in 2006 to 83.7% by 2021.

As of March 2025, M-PESA had generated KES 161 billion in revenue, underlining just how vital digital money has become in the everyday lives of Kenyans.

More Than Just Telco

Safaricom continues to expand its impact—not just through connectivity but by offering financial tools that support real people and real businesses. With a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a growing footprint in Ethiopia, the company is positioning itself as a regional tech and finance powerhouse.

For MSMEs across Kenya, these new credit solutions could be more than a product—they might just be the turning point.

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