Need Quick M-Pesa Loans? 8 Best Loan Apps in Kenya

Do you need a quick loan to help you start your freelance writing business in Kenya? Perhaps you need quick M-Pesa loans to get you through the rough patch.

I understand, sometimes a lack of funds to purchase the necessary equipment to start online writing can be stressful.

Here, I’ll take you through eight of Kenya’s best mobile loan apps in this article. 

Let’s dive in.

8 Best Loan Apps in Kenya 

#1→Branch 

Branch was the first loan app to enter the Kenyan market, and courtesy of that, it remains the leading app based on the number of downloads; over 10 million.

With a current average rating of 4.5 from over 500,000 reviews, Branch has stood the test of time to deliver Kenyans’ best quality loan services. 

It offers loans from 250 shillings to 100,000 over tenure terms ranging between 4 and 52 weeks.

Its interest rates vary between 17% to 35% depending on several factors, including the loan type, your payment history, and Branch’s lending cost. 

It charges no late or rollover fees, and you don’t need collateral to access the loans.

If you’re looking for established and reliable loan apps in Kenya, Branch is the way to go. 

#2→Tala

Tala loan app was another early entrant into the Kenyan instant loan market.

It currently boasts of over 5 million Google Playstore downloads and the highest rating in the industry; 4.7/5.

Here’s what’s excellent about Tala.

First, the application process is fast and straightforward.

All you need is a national ID to get instant approval, and you can qualify for a loan between 500 to 30,000. 

Second, you can double your loan limit in two months and quadruple it in six months if you consistently pay your loans in time. 

Third, the loans have as low as 5% interest rates, and there are no hidden charges.

Lastly, you can earn 500 shillings off your next loan by inviting other people to join Tala.

Considering its average rating from over 400,000 reviews, Tala might as well be crowned the best mobile loan app in Kenya. 

#3→Okash 

Closely behind Tala in terms of the number of downloads is Okash, with over 5 million downloads. 

Okash is an innovative and aggressive competitor in the micro-lending industry.

As a product of Opera Group, it’s constantly finding solutions to provide fast, easy, and more secure loan services. 

In December 2019, it won the Best Mobile loan app award at the Digital Tech Excellence Awards. 

Launched in 2018, it’s among the top loan apps in the country, with over 1.5 million customers.

Among its most attractive offers are;

• Loan amounts of up to 500,000.
• Fast loan disbursements.
• Loan repayment periods of up to 365 days.

Okash interest rates are up to 36% per annum, and later payments attract a late fee of 2% per day.

#4→iPesa

iPesa makes it easy for Kenyans to access loans at any time from anywhere.

It currently holds an enviable average rating of 4.4, meaning 88% of its reviewers believe it’s the perfect loan app. 

But really, what does the iPesa loan app have to offer?

Loan amounts between Ksh 500 to Ksh 50,000 Kenyan, loan repayments periods between 91 days and 180 days, and a service fee of 36%. 

The last part essentially means when you borrow 1000 shillings you will repay 1,000 + 1,000 * 0.36 = 1,360 after 180 days. 

Like most loan apps, iPesa scans the data in your phone, including your SMS, especially M PESA messages, to verify your identity and create a credit score.

So if you make large transactions regularly, you’re likely to attain high loan limits and vice versa. 

#5→Kashway

A product of Wakanda Credit, the Kashway loan app has been downloaded from Google Playstore more than 1 million times. 

It has a considerable percentage of the Kenyan micro-loans market, and with a 4.4 rating, most of its customers are happy with the services. 

Kashway offers loans ranging from Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 10,000, where increments in loan limits depend on repayment behavior.

During disbursement, the loan amount you receive initially is less than the approved amount due to origination fee deductions. 

The loan app offers a loan tenure of 14 days and charges interests between 21% and 32%. 

Although most people find Kashway convenient, you should take note of its high-interest rates charged over short tenure periods and costly penalties over delays. 

#6→Zash Loan 

Known as KopaKash, Zash Loan is rated 4.2 by over 93,000 users.

It has more than 1 million Google Play downloads, making it one of Kenya’s most popular mobile loan apps. 

Among its offers are loan amounts between Ksh 500 and Ksh 50,000, a loan tenure period between 7 and 90 days, fast application process processing, and data privacy protection.

As long as you are between 18 and 60 years of age and have a national ID, you are eligible for a loan application with the Zash loan, and you can get the funds within minutes. 

However, if you fail to repay on time, you incur a late fee of 2.5% per day.

This compound interest can be very costly within a short time. 

If you fail to meet the repayments deadline but later settle your loan, you can reapply for another loan after seven days. 

#7→Zenka Loan 

Launched in 2018 Zenka loan app has been at the forefront to provide fast and convenient loan services for Kenyans.

Its relentless marketing campaigns have seen it become a popular loan app in Kenya with over 1 million Google Play downloads. 

It has an enviable rating of 4.1 from over 66,000 reviewers, which suggests most people find its services worth recommendation.

To access Zenka loan services, you must be over 18 years of age.

The app charges a one-time processing fee of between Ksh 45 and Ksh 870 during application.

Loan amounts awardable range between Ksh 500 to Ksh 30,000, and you have between 61 days and 180 days to fully repay your loan. 

Zenka charges an annual interest rate of between 70 and 224%.

For instance, a loan of 1000 shillings for 61 days attracts an annual percentage rate of 180%. Hence your loan repayment will be 1000 + 1000 * 61/365 * 180% = Ksh 1,300

#8→CashNow 

Another popular loan app that has surpassed 1 million downloads on Google Play Store is CashNow, a product of Payloan Investments. 

All you need to secure a loan from CashNow is to be a regular M-Pesa user with a valid ID.

The app offers loans between Ksh 2,000 and Ksh 50,000, depending on the individual borrower’s credit score and history. 

CashNow loan interest rates vary between 5% and 30%, and it has a repayment period of 14 days.

Late payments attract a rollover fee of 2% per day for a certain period, after which they submit your name to the CRB.

CashNow has over 14,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.0, making it a good contender in our list of best loan apps in Kenya.

Finally, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about loan apps in Kenya.

Which app gives loans immediately in Kenya?

Tala, Branch, and Zenka can disburse loans within 5 minutes after registration.

Loan apps only require a national ID to approve a loan application.

After signing up, the app scans your financial history to give you a credit rating before determining your loan limit.

Which is the most trusted loan app?

The Branch is the most trusted app in Kenya, with 4.5/5 from over 500,000 reviewers and millions of customers.

Tala is also a reputable loan app with the highest rating in the industry.

Which is the cheapest loan app?

The cheapest loan apps in Kenya are Tala and CashNow, which charge as low as 5% for 21 days.

However, KCB Mpesa, a loan service offered by KCB bank, provides an even lower interest rate of 6.3% per annum.

Which are the best loan apps without CRB checks?

Okash, Tala, and Branch are the best loan apps in Kenya that do not require a CRB check to approve a loan application.

They build a credit profile from your MPesa transactions. 

Customers who regularly transact significant amounts of money can easily qualify for high loan limits.

Other apps that don’t require CRB references include Zenka, iPesa, Kashway, and Fadhili.

Loan apps without registration fees

Most loan apps don’t have a registration fee.

Instead, they will either deduct a service fee before disbursing an approved loan, for instance, Kashway, which deducts an origination fee.

Alternatively, they will transfer the service cost to the interest rate.

Conclusion 

Loan apps help in financing Kenyans during times of economic duress. They offer fast and convenient loans, which are inaccessible from traditional bank loan services. 

Nonetheless, not all apps offer excellent loan services. Hidden charges, irregular interest rates, and unwarranted listing with a CRB are some of the typical terrible features of the worst loan apps in Kenya. 

This list of best loan apps in Kenya should guide you to select loan servicers from reputable credit companies.

If you are ready to kick-start your online writing in Kenya, you can grab my free email course to help you.

Do you have experience with any of the above loan apps in Kenya? Share your experience in the comments!