List of All Mobile Loan Apps in Kenya

There are so many mobile loan apps in Kenya some of them have already made a strong reputation with its customers and try to offer better services, longer loan terms, free registration ,fast verification of customers, introducing extension periods of loans that are overdue and offering other billing services making it easy for the customers in need of assistance.  

The many loan apps have also tried to fix bugs, improve customer service by introducing on live chats using the app, removed commission, processing fee and service charge while coping with high government excise duty of 20%.

Below we are going to talk about some loans apps already known in the Kenyan market and some new in the market. I will focus on the pros and cons, loan rates, loan term latest versions, history of the apps and other unique features each app is using to bring satisfaction to the customer. It is not in the form of rank or popularity just a random selection of the new and old, with recommendation on the best apps in Kenya.

1. Timiza app

The Timiza app was released on 15^th March 2018 and is a product of Barclays Kenya (or soon to be the Absa Group), which is actually regulated by the central bank of Kenya. Registration on the app is free and  has the following unique features:

• You can pay utility bills
• Buy airtime
• Book a cab/taxi
• Send money
• Get insurance
• Pay for Zuku, Gotv, Dstv, Kplc.

A part from these services offered they also offer a savings account option (Zidisha account), The app version is 29.0 with a size of 15.17MB, last update October 16, 2019 with over 1,000,000+ downloads within such a short period of time. Registration is free as has been said above and easy all you need is your national ID card and an active mobile number with Mpesa as a mode of payment The process is good if the credit score and name is not listed in CRB. Timiza also allows the use of USSD, by simply dialing *848# and normal Safaricom rates of 1 ksh apply. The following are some of the charges:

• Interest of 1.083% charged once
• Facilitation fee of 5% of the amount borrowed for a term of 30days
• Rollover fees 5% on outstanding loan limit
• Utility charges is 60ksh

Pros

• Free registration
• Can use loan to pay utility bills directly at a small charge

Cons

• Higher interest rates
• Charges on overdue loans

2. Tala app

The app was released on March 16, 2014 by tala mobile last updated October 14, 2019, it one of the oldest loan apps in Kenya. They offer repayment schedule of up to 90 days, flexible interest rates depending on the repayment duration i.e. 21days (11%) while for 30days (15%). With Tala, you have access to a minimum of Sh250ksh to 30,000 and a one time charge fee of 5-33%, To get loans, first register with the app by use of National ID, mobile number to determine credit worthiness and issue of the loan when one qualifies, the registration is free. They offer repayment schedules of up to 90 days.

Pros

• No minimum payment period
• Access to account through security pin
• Easy schedules on repayment

Cons

• Late fee charge of 5% on the principal amount

3. Branch app

It was first released on march 19, 2015 by Branch International, The app has a minimum loan limit of  Sh250 – 70,000 with interest set at  between 13%- 29%. They offer a payment period of 21 days to a maximum of 30 days, there is registration fee or other hidden charges on the overdue loans. Branch have clear guidelines on the repayment schedules and overdue condition which enables better planning for the customer since charges are not hidden.

Pros

• good customers services with online chats with branch consultants
• no extra charge on overdue loans
• fast and easy registration
• free registration

Cons

• higher loan rates
• fixed loan term

4. Zenka app

Zenka was released in November 13, 2018 and last updated October 9^th, 2019 by Zena finance limited located at mirage tower 2, 12^th floor P.O. BOX 29107- 00100, Nairobi Kenya. They have no charges on commissions, registration and 0% APR on first loan, its flexible in terms of repayment by customers due extension after loan period has expired can start from 7days to 30days, making it convenient to the Kenyan customers.

Pros

• extensions on loan terms
• no registration fees

Cons

• high loan rate i.e. 61days minimum (APR) to maximum of 352.8%

5. Okash app

The app was released on February 1^st, 2018 owned by Onespot technology limited with a last update done on October 16, 2019, The app’s operations are domiciled at Kalamu House, Westlands, Grevillea Grove in Nairobi. They have a loan limit starts from a minimum of Sh 2,500- 50,000 with an interest of a maximum of 24% per annum. You as the customer has an offer of  a loan term 91 to 365 days and charge 0 on origination fee. Pros

• Increase in loan limit

Cons

• Slow registration and update status
• Higher loan rates
• Rollover percentage is high
• Frequent calls and texts

6. Opesa App

Opesa app was released on December 6^th, 2018 and last updated on September 20, 2019 by TK Limited. It is located at Ring Road parklands, building: Apollo Centre, Sarit center Nairobi. The minimum amount is 500ksh – 30,000ksh, loan term of a minimum of 91 days and maximum of 365 days with an interest rate of 12% and 0 service fee. The registration process is easy and approval for a loan is relatively fast.

Pros

• Faster approval
• improved customer service
• loan period is relatively longer

Cons

• high interest rates
• lower limits

7. Stawika App

Stawika was released on June 6^, 2017, last updated July 15, 2019 owned by Stawika capital limited. The app gives out loans ranging from Sh500ksh- 50,000 at an interest rate of 1% per day for 21days.

Pros

• Offer high loan limits
• Repayment schedules
• Redeveloped and removed bugs in the app
• More reliable

Cons

• Relatively slow customer service

8. Haraka App

Released on August 24, 2016, the Haraka mobile loan app was last updated on March 26, 2019 and is offered by Getbucks pty (Ltd). The app requires personal details, contact list access on your phone, location in order to qualify for a loan, they use these data obtained to get your financial and non-financial behavior therefore allocate loan limits. The loans range from Sh500ksh – 50,000 at an interest rate of 23.4%, payable after 30days.

Pros

• Loan limits increase

Cons

• No extensions periods on loans
• Late payment lands a fine of 1000ksh
• Very high interest rates

9. Saida App

The Saida service was first released on March 17, 2015 and was last updated on October 16, 2019 by Greenshoe capital INC. They are a leader in the lending industry known for their flexible loan terms as well as offering short and medium term loans with easy repayment regimes. You can request a grace period of 2 weeks after deadline. Loans starting from as low as Sh600 to 100,000 are offered by the app.

The app also offers savings option that is due to partnerships with investments banks that are regulated in Kenya and it is also free to save on the app. Offer services on payment of bills and purchase of airtime across service providers (Telkom, Safaricom, and Airtel). Saida charges a service fee of 3-21% per month (APR 36%-252%) of the amount lent to you based on the credit worthiness.

Late fees are not charged, only a collection fee is charged if you are late by 35 days. There is also the small issue of overdue payments which are charged at a rate of 10% if you are late for more than 60 days.

Pros

• Loan limits increase
• Offer savings services
• Faster registration & approval
• Flexible payment schedules

Cons

• Lots of information needed

10. Okolea App

Okolea, borrowing from the shng term denoting “ to save”, was released on March 22, 2017. It was last updated on October 16, 2019 and is owned by Okolea International. You can borrow more than one loan at a go, as long as the loan limit is not reached, also offer low interest rates of up to 0.5%, loan limits of Sh500ksh- 50,000 are offered by the app.

Customers can report issues on the support ticket, you can alsoselect the category, subject line and also use our own words to better explain the issue also screenshots can be attached. There is also the option of purchasing airtime using Okolea or Mpesa loan option. They offer flexible interest rates at the following rates i.e. 5% (2days), 8 %( 7days), 15 %( 30days).

Pros

• Easy and convenient to use
• Flexible interest rates
• Increase in loan limits
• Can borrow more than one loan provided limit is not reached

Cons

• Slow customer services
• High loan rates

11. Jazika App

Jazika was released on August 5, 2017 it was update last on January 9, 2019 offered by app admin. They offer loans as low as 500ksh to 100,00ksh, the app requires registration fee of Sh250 to be able to access their loan limits. Pros

• Easy, simple steps for registration
• Increase in loan limits
• Fast and easy approval
• No adverts in the app
• They have a registration fee of Sh 250

Cons

12. M-Coop Cash

This was released on October 4, 2016. It was last updated July 27, 2019 with new fix on bugs and other security features. To access the app you need to be a registered member or customer of Co-operative Bank of Kenya. You can get the registration forms in any of the co-operative branches country wide, fill and submit and wait for the app to be activated by the bank.

Pros

• High loan limits
• Flexible payment schedules

Cons

• Long registration process
• Not effective

13. Berry

Styling themselves as a swift loan app, Berry was released on November 20, 2018 and was last updated on September 5, 2019. It is a product offered by Finberry Capital limited, Nairobi, It’s one of Kenyans newest loan apps, they require national ID and a Safaricom mobile number, may ask permission to access phone date which is not given to third parties. They offer flexible charges ranging from 8%- 15%, loan term range from 3 days to 30days. Also offer services like pay school fees, clear bills and handle emergencies, charges processing fees of 9% to 15% and on late payment the processing fees is added to the principle amount and charged.

Pros

• Fast and easy approval
• Increase in loan limits

Cons

• Penalty on late payment

14. Pezesha App

Released on October 31, 2017, Pezesha was last updated on December 18, 2018 and is owned by Pezesha Africa Ltd. Loans can start from as low as Sh500 to 20,000. All one will need is a good credit score to receive higher limits. Registration process is free and the app request for access to phone data information. Pros

• Easy application to use
• Good customer service
• Loan limit increases with good credit score
• One Can be a lender with high returns
• Easy management of lenders strategy

Cons

• Slow transactions process

15. Afrikaloan App

Released on November 8, 2018 was last updated on September 30, 2019, offered by Afrikaloan Kenya. The app provides fast and convenient loans online and wires the amount loaned to Mpesa account, with good credit history one can easily be approved and given the loan instantly. The loans range from Sh500 to 50,000, repayment terms of up to 52 weeks, there is no extra fees charge. Pros

• Low interest rates
• Quick approval
• No hidden charges

Cons

• The app is not reliable in terms of usage I,e, lot of downtime reported

16. I-pesa App

Released on July 23, 2019 was last updated on October 13, 2019, It is offered by Xcredit, office address: Adlife Plaza, Chania Avenue, Nairobi. The loan terms are 91days to 180 days with interest of 12% (APR), 0% service fee, also offer loans as low as 500ksh -50,000ksh. Faster and reliable loans to Mpesa account after registration and approval. Pros

• Optimized logging experience
• Simple and easy registration
• Flexible payment schedules

Cons

• High rates
• App is not reliable

17. Zash loan App

Released on July 20, 2019, was updated September 30, 2019 offered by KopaKash Developer. Offer loans from 500- 50,000ksh, loan term of 91days to 120days, maximum interest of 20% per year, APR 24%. Pros

• Paperless registration
• Flexible repayment methods
• No transaction cost when you repay

Cons

• High interest rates
• Lack confidentiality since they SMS or call contact list.

Which mobile loan app do you use?