Not all mobile loans are equal. Tala charges 15% per month. Fuliza charges 1.083% per day. Meanwhile, some lenders offer rates under 3% per month. Here is the complete 2026 ranking of every major mobile loan in Kenya by true cost.
How Mobile Loans Work in Kenya
Mobile loans use your phone usage data, M-PESA transaction history, and repayment record to determine your eligibility and limit. Most disbursements are made within seconds, and repayment is via M-PESA. Defaulting on any mobile loan risks a CRB listing, which affects your ability to access credit from all lenders.
Full Comparison Table — All Major Mobile Lenders 2026
| Lender | Min Loan | Max Loan | Rate/Month | Repayment | CRB Reporting |
| Hustler Fund | KSh 500 | KSh 500,000 | ~0.67% | 14-30 days | Yes |
| KCB M-PESA | KSh 50 | KSh 1,000,000 | ~0.72% | 30 days | Yes |
| Timiza (Absa) | KSh 100 | KSh 150,000 | ~1.08% | 30 days | Yes |
| Equity EazzyLoan | KSh 1,000 | KSh 3,000,000 | ~1.17% | 30 days | Yes |
| M-Shwari | KSh 100 | KSh 50,000 | ~1.5% | 30 days | Yes |
| Fuliza | KSh 1 | KSh 70,000 | 1.083%/day | Auto on top-up | Yes |
| Branch | KSh 250 | KSh 70,000 | ~3-18% | 1-12 months | Yes |
| Tala | KSh 500 | KSh 30,000 | ~5-15% | 1-3 months | Yes |
| Zenka | KSh 500 | KSh 30,000 | ~9% | 61-180 days | Yes |
| Okolea | KSh 500 | KSh 50,000 | ~6% | 1-3 months | Yes |
Cheapest Mobile Loans in Kenya 2026
The cheapest options by far are government or bank-backed products: Hustler Fund at around 8% per year, KCB M-PESA at around 8.64% per year, and Timiza at around 13% per year. These should be your first choice before turning to app-based lenders.
Most Expensive Mobile Loans to Avoid
Fuliza is the most expensive mobile loan when calculated annually — the daily charge of 1.083% works out to over 300% per year. It should only be used for genuine short-term emergencies and cleared as quickly as possible.
- Fuliza: 1.083% per day = over 300% annually
- Tala: up to 15% per month = 180% annually
- Some app lenders: up to 20% per month = 240% annually
Tala vs Branch vs Zenka — Which Is Better
| Factor | Tala | Branch | Zenka |
| Max loan | KSh 30,000 | KSh 70,000 | KSh 30,000 |
| Rate | 5–15%/month | 3–18%/month | ~9%/month |
| Repayment | 1–3 months | 1–12 months | 2–6 months |
| First loan offer | Low | Low | Low |
| Limit growth | Fast with repayment | Fast with repayment | Moderate |
Branch offers the longest repayment periods, which reduces monthly pressure. Zenka sometimes offers a 0% first loan. Tala has the most aggressive loan limit growth with good repayment history.
How to Qualify for Higher Loan Limits
- Repay every loan on the due date or early
- Borrow regularly and repay fully — build a track record
- Keep your M-PESA active with frequent transactions
- Avoid being listed on CRB by any lender
- Do not borrow from too many lenders at the same time
What Happens When You Default on a Mobile Loan
- Immediate CRB listing after 30-90 days of non-payment depending on lender
- Your limit is reduced or suspended on that lender’s platform
- Other lenders using shared CRB data may reduce your limits
- Debt collectors may contact you after 90 days
- Recovery of amounts from M-PESA may be attempted by some lenders
Tips to Use Mobile Loans Without Getting Into Debt
- Only borrow what you can repay from your next income
- Never use one mobile loan to repay another
- If you are struggling, contact the lender before defaulting — some offer extensions
- Track all active loans in one place so you do not lose count
- The moment you have savings, stop relying on mobile loans
Read More from CityNews Kenya:
- How to Clear Your Fuliza Balance Without Stress
- KCB M-PESA Loan Limits and Interest 2026
- How to Check CRB Status Kenya Free 2026
- Hustler Fund Loan Kenya 2026
- Best SACCOs to Join in Kenya 2026
