Branch Kenya Review 2026 – Instant Loans KES 1,000 to KES 70,000
Comprehensive Branch Kenya review: loan limits up to KES 70,000, flexible repayment (4-52 weeks), automatic M-Pesa deduction, and how to qualify. Compare Branch vs Tala and see real customer experiences.
Branch Kenya Overall Rating
Based on limits, flexibility, and customer satisfaction
Branch Kenya quick facts (2026)
| Loan Range | KES 250 – KES 70,000 |
| Interest Rate | 16-22% monthly (APR 192-264%) |
| Repayment Terms | 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, or 52 weeks |
| Approval Time | 5-15 minutes (instant for repeat customers) |
| Disbursement | Automatic to M-Pesa (5-10 minutes) |
| Repayment Method | Auto-deduction from M-Pesa at 6 AM on due date |
| Collateral | None (unsecured) |
| CRB Check | Yes (uses alternative scoring) |
| Regulation | CBK licensed digital lender |
| Founded | 2015 (Kenya operations since 2016) |
Branch Kenya loan limits (KES 250 to KES 70,000)
Branch uses a tier-based limit system that increases with repayment performance:
📈 Branch Limit Growth Path
Limit increase tip: Borrow small amounts initially, repay 2-3 days early, and wait 10-14 days between loans to maximize limit growth.
Branch Kenya interest rates & total cost
Branch charges monthly interest that varies by loan term and creditworthiness:
| Loan Term | Monthly Interest | Example (KES 10,000) | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks (1 month) | 16-22% | Repay KES 11,600-12,200 | KES 11,600-12,200 |
| 8 weeks (2 months) | 16-22% | Repay KES 13,200-14,400 | KES 6,600-7,200 |
| 12 weeks (3 months) | 16-22% | Repay KES 14,800-16,600 | KES 4,933-5,533 |
| 52 weeks (12 months) | 16-22% | Repay KES 19,200-26,400 | KES 1,600-2,200 |
⚠️ Cost Warning: Longer terms reduce monthly payments but dramatically increase total cost. A KES 10,000 loan over 52 weeks can cost KES 19,200-26,400 total (nearly 3x the borrowed amount). Only use long terms if monthly cash flow is tight.
How Branch Kenya works (step-by-step)
- Download Branch app – Available on Google Play (Android 4.4+) or App Store (iOS 10+)
- Create account – Enter phone number, verify via OTP SMS
- Grant permissions – Allow M-Pesa access, contacts, location (used for credit scoring)
- Complete profile – Name, ID number, date of birth, residence, employment status
- Get credit limit – Branch analyzes data and assigns limit (KES 250-70,000)
- Select loan details – Amount, repayment term (4-52 weeks), view total cost
- Confirm loan – Review terms, tap "Borrow" to submit application
- Instant approval – Decision in 5-15 minutes (instant for repeat users)
- Receive funds – Money auto-sent to M-Pesa within 5-10 minutes
- Auto-repayment – Branch deducts from M-Pesa at 6 AM on due date
Branch vs Tala Kenya comparison
| Feature | Branch | Tala |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum limit | KES 70,000 | KES 50,000 |
| Repayment terms | 4-52 weeks (8 options) | 7-30 days (4 options) |
| Interest rate | 16-22% monthly | 15-30% per term |
| Approval speed | 5-15 minutes | Instant (5-30 sec) |
| Repayment | Auto-deduction (M-Pesa) | Manual payment required |
| First loan limit | KES 250-1,500 | KES 1,000-3,000 |
| Best for | Longer-term loans, high limits | Quick short-term loans |
Verdict: Choose Branch for higher limits (up to KES 70,000) and flexible long-term repayment. Choose Tala for faster approval and short-term borrowing (7-30 days).
Branch Kenya advantages & disadvantages
✅ Pros
- ✓ Highest limits in Kenya (up to KES 70,000)
- ✓ Flexible terms (4-52 weeks, 8 options)
- ✓ Auto-repayment (no manual payment needed)
- ✓ Fast approval (5-15 minutes)
- ✓ No collateral or guarantors
- ✓ Early repayment allowed (no penalty)
- ✓ Alternative credit scoring (CRB-friendly)
- ✓ Transparent fees (shown upfront)
❌ Cons
- ✗ High total cost for long terms (up to 3x borrowed amount)
- ✗ Auto-deduction can drain M-Pesa unexpectedly
- ✗ Strict late penalties (up to 5% daily)
- ✗ Fast CRB reporting (7-14 days after default)
- ✗ Low first-time limits (KES 250-1,500)
- ✗ Requires extensive app permissions
- ✗ No grace period for late payments
- ✗ Interest compounds monthly (not flat fee)
Compare Branch with other lenders
See personalized offers from 8 mobile apps in Kenya. Compare limits, rates, and approval odds in 2 minutes.
Compare loans nowFrequently asked questions
1. What is the maximum loan on Branch Kenya?
Branch Kenya offers loans from KES 250 to KES 70,000. First-time borrowers get KES 250-1,500. After repaying 2-3 loans on time, limits increase to KES 10,000-20,000. Long-term customers (6+ months) can access up to KES 70,000 with perfect repayment history.
2. What is Branch Kenya interest rate?
Branch charges 16-22% monthly interest depending on loan term and credit profile. For a KES 10,000 loan: 30 days = KES 11,600-12,200 total repayment. Branch also offers longer terms (up to 52 weeks) with lower monthly payments but higher total interest. APR ranges from 192-264%.
3. How fast does Branch approve loans in Kenya?
Branch approval takes 5-15 minutes for most users. Existing customers with good history get instant approval (under 1 minute). Funds are automatically sent to M-Pesa within 5-10 minutes after approval. Total time from application to money in account: 10-25 minutes.
4. Can I get a Branch loan with bad CRB in Kenya?
Yes, Branch may approve loans despite negative CRB listings. They use alternative credit scoring based on M-Pesa history, phone usage, and social connections. However, bad CRB reduces your initial limit (may get KES 250-500) and increases interest to maximum 22% monthly. Clear CRB defaults to improve approval odds.
5. What are Branch Kenya loan requirements?
Requirements: (1) Age 18+ years, (2) Kenyan National ID, (3) M-Pesa account active for 2+ months, (4) Android smartphone (4.4+) or iPhone (iOS 10+), (5) Phone number in your name, (6) Regular M-Pesa transactions. No payslips, employment letters, or guarantors needed.
6. How do I repay Branch loan in Kenya?
Repayment is automatic: Branch auto-deducts from your M-Pesa balance at 6:00 AM on due date. Ensure sufficient M-Pesa funds the night before. Manual repayment: Open Branch app → "Repay" → Pay via M-Pesa. You can repay early without penalty to unlock higher limits faster.
7. How to increase Branch loan limit in Kenya?
To increase limit: (1) Repay current loan on time or early, (2) Wait 7-10 days after repayment, (3) Use M-Pesa regularly (daily transactions), (4) Maintain Branch app installed, (5) Clear CRB defaults. Branch reviews your profile after each repayment—limits increase automatically if you qualify.
8. Is Branch Kenya safe and legit?
Yes, Branch is legitimate and licensed by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Parent company Branch International (USA) operates in 4 African countries. Branch Kenya has 2+ million users. App uses encryption and complies with Kenya Data Protection Act. However, high APR (192-264%) and auto-deduction can drain M-Pesa unexpectedly.
9. What happens if I don't repay Branch loan on time?
Late payment consequences: (1) Daily penalty fee (up to 5% per day), (2) Negative CRB listing within 7-14 days, (3) Account suspension (no new loans until cleared), (4) Persistent debt collection calls/SMS, (5) Total debt can triple after 60 days. Contact Branch support to negotiate extension or payment plan.
10. Can I borrow from Branch and Tala at the same time?
Yes, you can have active loans with Branch and Tala simultaneously. They are separate lenders with independent credit systems. However, this doubles your repayment burden and increases default risk. Only borrow from multiple apps if you have guaranteed income to cover all repayments.
Responsible borrowing notice
Legal information: All consumer loans in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Lenders must comply with the Digital Credit Providers Act 2022 and be registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Before applying: Check the total repayment amount (principal + fees + interest), Annual Percentage Rate (APR), repayment schedule, and penalties for late payment. Read the loan agreement carefully before signing.
Borrow responsibly: Only borrow what you can afford to repay. Your monthly repayment should not exceed 35% of your net monthly income. Consider your existing financial commitments before taking a new loan.
Data privacy: Loan apps will access your phone data (contacts, SMS, location) for credit assessment. Your data is protected under Kenya law and overseen by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).
If you have problems: Contact the lender first to discuss repayment options. For complaints, reach out to the CBK or ODPC.
Disclaimer: Credizen.net is a comparison platform and not a lender. We help you find and compare loan offers but do not provide loans directly. All information is for educational purposes and should not be considered financial advice.