Top 5 Loan Apps in Kenya 2026 – Comparison and Review
We tested and ranked Kenya's 5 most popular mobile loan apps based on APR, approval speed, limits, and user experience. Find the best app for your needs in 2026.
Kenya has over 50 mobile loan apps competing for your attention, making it difficult to choose the right one. With APRs ranging from 7.5% to 30% per month and varying approval criteria, the wrong choice can cost you thousands of shillings in unnecessary fees.
We analyzed Kenya's top loan apps based on 7 key criteria: APR, loan limits, approval speed, eligibility requirements, user reviews, CRB reporting, and customer support. This comprehensive ranking helps you choose the best app for your specific needs.
How We Ranked Loan Apps (Our Methodology)
We evaluated apps using these 7 criteria (weighted scoring):
1. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) - 25%
Lower APR = better ranking. We calculated total cost of KES 10,000 loan for 30 days.
2. Loan Limits - 20%
Higher maximum limits earn better scores. We checked both first-time and repeat borrower limits.
3. Approval Speed - 15%
Faster approval (instant-5 min) ranked higher than slow approval (30+ min).
4. Eligibility Requirements - 15%
Apps accepting bad credit/no employment ranked higher for accessibility.
5. User Reviews - 10%
Google Play/App Store ratings (4+ stars preferred). 100K+ downloads verified.
6. Transparency - 10%
Clear fee disclosure, no hidden charges, CRB reporting compliance.
7. Customer Support - 5%
In-app chat, phone hotline, email response time, complaint resolution.
Testing period: We tested each app with real KES 10,000 loans, measured approval times, verified CRB reporting, and analyzed total costs. All data updated January 2026.
Tala Kenya
Flexible repayment & higher limits
Loan Range
KES 1,000 - 70,000
APR
14-22% per month
Approval Time
5-15 minutes
Repayment Term
21-30 days
Disbursement
M-Pesa, Airtel Money
✅ Pros
- • Accepts bad credit/CRB blacklist
- • Highest limit for non-bank apps (KES 70,000)
- • Flexible repayment (21-30 days)
- • Alternative disbursement (Airtel Money, Equity Bank)
❌ Cons
- • Higher APR than bank-based apps
- • Slower approval than Branch (5-15 min)
- • Requires extensive phone permissions
Branch Kenya
Speed & instant approval
Loan Range
KES 250 - 70,000
APR
12-20% per month
Approval Time
Instant (1-2 min)
Repayment Term
7-30 days
Disbursement
M-Pesa, bank account
✅ Pros
- • Fastest approval (1-2 minutes)
- • Lowest minimum amount (KES 250)
- • Accepts first-time borrowers with no history
- • Simple application process
❌ Cons
- • Moderate APR (12-20%/month)
- • Limit increases slowly compared to Tala
- • Requires contacts access
M-Shwari (CBA Bank)
Low interest rates & bank integration
Loan Range
KES 100 - 50,000
APR
7.5% per month
Approval Time
2-5 minutes
Repayment Term
30 days fixed
Disbursement
M-Pesa (Safaricom only)
✅ Pros
- • Lowest APR (7.5%/month = 90% annual)
- • Bank-backed (CBA Bank) = higher security
- • Savings account with interest
- • No app download needed (USSD *234#)
❌ Cons
- • Requires Safaricom M-Pesa only
- • Stricter CRB requirements
- • 30-day fixed term (no flexibility)
- • Lower max limit (KES 50,000)
KCB M-Pesa
Low cost & high limits
Loan Range
KES 50 - 250,000
APR
9-14% per month
Approval Time
10-30 minutes
Repayment Term
30 days
Disbursement
M-Pesa, KCB account
✅ Pros
- • Highest limit (up to KES 250,000)
- • Low APR for bank product (9-14%/month)
- • Established bank credibility (KCB Bank)
- • Builds bank relationship for future loans
❌ Cons
- • Stricter eligibility (CRB, income verification)
- • Slower approval (10-30 minutes)
- • Requires M-Pesa + KCB relationship
- • Not ideal for first-time borrowers
Fuliza M-Pesa
Emergency overdrafts
Loan Range
Up to KES 70,000 (overdraft)
APR
Daily access fee + interest
Approval Time
Instant (auto-approved)
Repayment Term
Flexible (repay anytime)
Disbursement
M-Pesa overdraft
✅ Pros
- • Instant approval (no application needed)
- • Overdraft protection (never run out of M-Pesa balance)
- • Repay anytime (no fixed deadline)
- • Integrated into M-Pesa (no separate app)
❌ Cons
- • Daily fees add up quickly
- • Complex fee structure (not transparent APR)
- • Tempting to overuse
- • Requires active M-Pesa history (6+ months)
Side-by-Side Comparison (All 5 Apps)
| Feature | Tala | Branch | M-Shwari | KCB M-Pesa | Fuliza |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Limit | 70K | 70K | 50K | 250K | 70K |
| APR (monthly) | 14-22% | 12-20% | 7.5% | 9-14% | Daily fee |
| Approval Speed | 5-15 min | 1-2 min | 2-5 min | 10-30 min | Instant |
| First-Time Limit | 1K-5K | 250-2K | 100-1.5K | 50-10K | Varies |
| Bad Credit OK? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ~ Maybe |
| Repayment Terms | 21-30 days | 7-30 days | 30 days | 30 days | Flexible |
| Disbursement | M-Pesa, Airtel | M-Pesa, Bank | M-Pesa only | M-Pesa, KCB | M-Pesa only |
| App Rating | 4.2★ (500K+) | 4.3★ (1M+) | 4.1★ (50K+) | 4.0★ (100K+) | 4.2★ (USSD) |
Which Loan App Is Right for You?
Choose Tala if:
- ✓ You have bad credit or CRB blacklist
- ✓ You need higher limits (KES 30K-70K)
- ✓ You want flexible 21-30 day terms
- ✓ You don't have M-Pesa (can use Airtel Money)
Choose Branch if:
- ✓ You need money urgently (1-2 min approval)
- ✓ You're a first-time borrower
- ✓ You want lowest minimum (KES 250)
- ✓ You prefer simple, fast application
Choose M-Shwari if:
- ✓ You want lowest APR (7.5%/month)
- ✓ You have good CRB score
- ✓ You trust bank-backed products (CBA)
- ✓ You want savings account with interest
Choose KCB M-Pesa if:
- ✓ You need large amounts (KES 50K-250K)
- ✓ You have excellent credit history
- ✓ You want low APR (9-14%/month)
- ✓ You're willing to wait 10-30 min for approval
Choose Fuliza if:
- ✓ You need emergency M-Pesa overdraft
- ✓ You want instant access (no application)
- ✓ You have active M-Pesa history (6+ months)
- ✓ You can repay quickly (to avoid daily fees)
Cost Comparison: KES 10,000 Loan for 30 Days
Here's what you'd pay with each app for a KES 10,000 loan over 30 days:
| App | Principal | Interest | Fees | Total to Repay | Cost % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-Shwari | 10,000 | 750 | 0 | 10,750 | 7.5% |
| KCB M-Pesa | 10,000 | 1,200 | 100 | 11,300 | 13% |
| Branch | 10,000 | 1,500 | 200 | 11,700 | 17% |
| Tala | 10,000 | 1,800 | 300 | 12,100 | 21% |
| Fuliza | 10,000 | 900 | 900 (daily) | 11,800 | 18% |
💰 Savings tip: Choosing M-Shwari over Tala saves you KES 1,350 on a KES 10,000 loan. Always compare total cost before borrowing!
Ready to apply for a mobile loan?
Compare all Kenya loan apps and choose the best option for your needs. Fast approval, transparent fees, and instant disbursement.
Compare All Lenders →Frequently Asked Questions (Loan Apps Kenya)
1. Which is the best loan app in Kenya 2026?
Tala is the best overall for flexible repayment and higher limits (up to KES 70,000). Branch is best for instant approval (1-2 minutes). M-Shwari offers the lowest APR (7.5%/month) for bank-integrated loans. KCB M-Pesa is best for low-cost loans (9-14% APR). Fuliza is best for emergency overdrafts.
2. Which loan app has the highest limit in Kenya?
KCB M-Pesa offers the highest limit up to KES 250,000 for qualified borrowers with excellent credit history. Tala and Branch offer up to KES 70,000. M-Shwari offers up to KES 50,000. Fuliza overdraft limits vary based on M-Pesa transaction history.
3. Which app gives loans instantly in Kenya?
Branch and Fuliza M-Pesa offer instant approval within 1-2 minutes. M-Shwari approves in 2-5 minutes. Tala takes 5-15 minutes for CRB verification. KCB M-Pesa takes 10-30 minutes depending on application complexity.
4. Do all loan apps in Kenya report to CRB?
Yes, all legitimate loan apps report to CRB (Metropol, Creditinfo, TransUnion) as required by CBK regulations. This includes Tala, Branch, M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa, and Fuliza. On-time repayments improve your CRB score; defaults damage it.
5. Which loan app accepts bad credit in Kenya?
Tala and Branch are most lenient with bad credit or CRB blacklist. They use alternative credit scoring (M-Pesa history, phone usage, social network analysis). M-Shwari and KCB M-Pesa have stricter CRB requirements.
6. Can I have loans from multiple apps in Kenya?
Yes, you can borrow from multiple apps simultaneously, but it's risky. Each loan shows on your CRB report and reduces your borrowing capacity. Only borrow from multiple apps if you can comfortably repay all loans on time.
7. Which loan app has the lowest interest rate in Kenya?
M-Shwari has the lowest APR at 7.5% per month (90% annual) because it's backed by CBA Bank. KCB M-Pesa ranges 9-14% per month. Tala charges 14-22% per month. Branch charges 12-20% per month. Fuliza charges daily fees (not percentage-based).
8. Do I need M-Pesa for all loan apps in Kenya?
Most apps disburse via M-Pesa, but alternatives exist: Tala accepts Airtel Money and Equity Bank. Branch accepts M-Pesa and bank accounts. KCB M-Pesa requires M-Pesa. M-Shwari requires Safaricom M-Pesa. Fuliza is exclusive to M-Pesa.
9. How can I increase my loan limit on mobile apps?
Repay loans on time or early (increases limit by 50-200%). Borrow frequently and repay consistently. Maintain active M-Pesa transactions (deposits/withdrawals). Keep your CRB score clean. Use the same phone number for 6+ months. Avoid multiple simultaneous loans.
10. Are mobile loan apps safe in Kenya?
Yes, if they're licensed by CBK (Central Bank of Kenya). Safe apps include Tala, Branch, M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa, and Fuliza. Avoid apps not on Google Play/App Store. Check reviews (4+ stars). Verify CBK license on Central Bank website. Read privacy policy before accepting.
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.
