NAIROBI, Kenya – In a strategic move aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Safaricom PLC has unveiled three new loan products under its M-Pesa platform. The mobile operator has also released eligibility criteria for the loans, which offer businesses access to credit facilities of up to KSh 400,000.
The three new products—Taasi Pochi, Taasi Till, and Fuliza Biashara—are tailored specifically for businesses using M-Pesa’s Pochi la Biashara and Lipa Na M-Pesa Till services. The announcement was made during a press briefing attended by key stakeholders from the financial services sector and SME community.
Overview of the Three Loan Products
| Loan Product | Target Users | Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Taasi Pochi | Small business owners using Pochi la Biashara | Up to KSh 10,000 |
| Taasi Till | Businesses with M-Pesa Tills | Up to KSh 20,000 |
| Fuliza Biashara | M-Pesa merchants seeking working capital | Up to KSh 400,000 |
According to Safaricom’s Chief Financial Services Officer, Esther Masese, the new offerings are part of a broader effort to increase financial inclusion and provide SMEs with quick access to working capital through digital channels.
“These loan products are designed to empower micro and small businesses that form the backbone of our economy,” Masese said. “With real-time disbursement and flexible repayment models, businesses can continue operations without cash flow interruptions.”
Eligibility Criteria Explained
To access the new products, businesses must meet specific usage and performance metrics on M-Pesa:
- Active Usage: Merchants must have an active Pochi la Biashara or Till account.
- Transaction History: A consistent and verifiable transaction record over a defined period (usually 3–6 months).
- Creditworthiness: Evaluated based on prior M-Pesa usage, Fuliza repayment history, and mobile money behavior.
- Business Verification: Applicants must have registered business credentials tied to their phone number.
Safaricom noted that loan approvals will be algorithm-driven and automatically determined through the M-Pesa platform. Merchants will receive notifications of eligibility via SMS and can access funds immediately upon acceptance of loan terms.
How the Loans Work
Once approved, the loan amount is credited directly into the user’s Pochi or Till wallet, depending on the product selected. Repayment is made through deductions from incoming transactions over a pre-set period, ranging from one week to a month.
Fuliza Biashara, in particular, offers the highest limit of the three, making it ideal for medium-sized enterprises dealing with bulk purchases, inventory management, or high daily transaction volumes.
Market Impact and Strategic Outlook
With over 1.3 million active business wallets and tills across the country, Safaricom expects rapid uptake of these products. Analysts view this move as a response to the growing demand for low-barrier digital credit products that avoid lengthy approval processes from traditional banks.
Financial expert James Kamau of FinTrack Africa said the loan rollout could transform Kenya’s informal trade sector.
“By offering credit lines as high as KSh 400,000 directly via mobile, Safaricom is disrupting SME financing in real-time,” Kamau noted. “The ease of access will be a game-changer for thousands of traders.”
Safaricom’s Broader Financial Services Ambitions
This launch comes as Safaricom continues to diversify beyond voice and data services into a fully integrated financial ecosystem. M-Pesa, which already dominates the mobile money landscape in East Africa, is now positioning itself as a digital bank for underserved markets.
Taasi Pochi, Taasi Till, and Fuliza Biashara are part of Safaricom’s broader effort to align with Kenya’s national financial inclusion strategy and the Central Bank’s push for fintech innovation.
At a Glance: Key Details
| Product | Limit | Eligibility | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taasi Pochi | KSh 10,000 | Active Pochi account with history | Auto-deductions from income |
| Taasi Till | KSh 20,000 | Regular usage of M-Pesa Till | Transaction-based deductions |
| Fuliza Biashara | Up to KSh 400,000 | Verified business with steady revenue | Monthly/transaction deduction |
