Zenka Loan App Kenya is a fast and flexible mobile lending platform by Zenka Digital Limited. The app helps Kenyans access instant cash directly to their M-PESA accounts — with loans disbursed in as little as 5 minutes. With loan amounts up to KES 200,000, transparent terms, and unique features like top-ups and extensions, Zenka is one of the most popular digital lending solutions in Kenya today.
Key Features of Zenka Loan App Kenya
Zenka Loan
Provider: Zenka Digital Limited (formerly Zenka Finance Limited)
Loan Amounts: KES 500 – KES 200,000
Repayment Period: Up to 91 days (standard 61-day term)
Interest Rate: 2.45% – 39% of principal amount
APR Range: 30% – 4432% per year
Late Fee: 1.5% – 2.5% per day on overdue amounts
Processing Fee: KES 0
Repayment Methods: In-app or via M-PESA Paybill 979988 (Account number: your phone number)
USSD Code: *841# (for non-smartphone users)
Customer Support: support@zenka.co.ke | Call +254 (0) 207650878 or +254 (0) 730895000
Office Location: Mirage Tower 2, 12th floor, P.O. BOX 29107-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Why Choose Zenka?
Zenka stands out among Kenyan mobile loan apps because of its exceptional speed, flexibility, and customer-focused features. Unlike traditional banks with long queues and credit evaluations, Zenka delivers instant cash when you need it most. Whether you need emergency funds, business capital, school fees, or chama contributions, Zenka provides quick solutions right on your smartphone.
Benefits:
✔ Lightning-fast approval and disbursement (as quick as 5 minutes)
✔ First-time borrowers get their first loan interest-free
✔ Loan top-ups without waiting to clear existing loan
✔ Flexible loan extensions (7, 14, or 30 days)
✔ No collateral required — completely unsecured loans
✔ Build your credit limit up to KES 200,000 through timely repayments
✔ Available 24/7 via app or USSD *841#
✔ Regulated by Central Bank of Kenya
How to Apply for a Zenka Loan
Via Zenka App:
- Visit Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the Zenka Loan App.
- Open the app and click “Get Started” to begin registration.
- Enter your mobile number and fill in your personal details (first name, last name, National ID number).
- Set a security question and create a 4-digit PIN.
- Complete the verification process.
- Once registered, log in to check your loan limit.
- Choose your desired loan amount (KES 500 – 200,000).
- Review the loan terms and submit your application.
- Once approved, the loan will be sent directly to your M-PESA account within minutes.
Via USSD Code (For non-smartphone users):
- Dial *841# on your Safaricom phone.
- Follow the prompts to register and apply for a loan.
- Loan amounts via USSD: KES 500 – KES 10,000.
How to Repay Your Zenka Loan
Repaying your Zenka loan is simple and convenient. You have two main repayment options:
Option 1: Repay Through the Zenka App
- Open the Zenka App and log in.
- Scroll down and click on “Repay”.
- Select the repayment amount (full amount due or partial payment).
- Click on “Repay now” and follow the payment link.
- Complete the M-PESA transaction.
- You will receive an SMS notification confirming your payment.
Option 2: Repay via M-PESA Paybill
- Go to M-PESA on your phone.
- Select Lipa na M-PESA → Paybill.
- Enter Business Number: 979988.
- For Account Number, enter your registered phone number.
- Enter the repayment amount and confirm.
- Enter your M-PESA PIN and press OK.
- Await confirmation SMS from both M-PESA and Zenka.
Option 3: Repay via USSD
- Dial *841# on your phone.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.
- Select the “Repay” menu option.
- Follow the prompts to complete repayment.
Important: Always repay on time to avoid the 1.5% – 2.5% daily late fee and maintain a good credit history. Timely repayments also help increase your loan limit up to KES 200,000.
Zenka Loan Fees and Interest
Interest Rate: 2.45% – 39% of principal amount (risk-based pricing)
Late Fee: 1.5% – 2.5% per day on overdue balances
Processing Fee: KES 0
Commission Fee: Starting from 5% for each loan (for repeat borrowers)
First Loan Special: First-time borrowers get their first loan completely interest-free if repaid on time
Example: For a 61-day loan of KES 1,000, the interest fee would be KES 390, making the total repayment amount KES 1,390.
Note: Always review your loan agreement in the app to understand the total repayment cost before confirming the loan.
Unique Zenka Features
Loan Top-Ups (Additional Amounts)
Need more money while you still have an active loan? Zenka allows you to apply for additional amounts up to your credit limit without waiting to clear your existing loan. The commission fee for top-ups is the same as your active loan fee. You can apply for top-ups multiple times unless your credit limit is exhausted.
Loan Extensions
Need more time to repay? Zenka offers flexible loan extensions that let you postpone your due date by 7, 14, or 30 days. To qualify for an extension:
- You must have an active loan that is not more than 30 days past due
- Extension fees apply based on the extension period
- There’s no limit to the number of times you can extend your loan
How to Apply for Extension:
- Start the application in the Zenka app.
- Select your extension term (7, 14, or 30 days).
- Click “Extend now” to view offer details.
- Click “Extend” and complete the payment.
- Your loan due date will be updated, and you’ll receive an SMS notification.
Flexible Repayment
Unlike many loan apps, Zenka allows you to make partial payments. You don’t have to repay the full amount at once — you can pay “pole pole” (little by little) based on your cash flow. This customer-focused approach makes Zenka one of the most flexible lending platforms in Kenya.
Comparison Table: Zenka vs Other Top Loan Apps in Kenya
| Loan App | Loan Amount (KES) | Interest Rate / Fees | Repayment Term | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenka | 500 – 200,000 | 2.45% – 39% of principal<br>APR: 30% – 4432%<br>Late fee 1.5% – 2.5%/day | Up to 91 days | First loan interest-free, loan top-ups, flexible extensions, repay via app or Paybill 979988, USSD *841# |
| Tala | Up to 50,000 | ~0.3% daily | 21 – 60 days | Quick disbursement, flexible terms |
| Branch | 500 – 300,000 | 2% – 18% monthly | 62 – 365 days | Longer loan limits for repeat borrowers |
| M-Shwari | 100 – 50,000 | ~9% facility fee | 30 days | Bank-linked, integrated with M-PESA |
| OPesa | 1,000 – 50,000 | 16% – 29% APR<br>Late fee 2.4%/day | From 14 days | Repay via app or M-PESA Paybill 606280 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Zenka Loan App legit?
Yes. Zenka is operated by Zenka Digital Limited, a credit-only lender regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya under the Central Bank (Amendment) Act of 2021. Since launching in 2018, Zenka has served over 10 million Kenyans and won the 2019 Most Preferred Non-Banking Loan Platform award. The app is available on Google Play Store with over 1 million downloads and a 4.0-star rating.
2. Do I really get my first loan interest-free?
Yes! First-time borrowers receive their first loan completely interest-free if they repay on time. For example, if you borrow KES 1,000 as your first loan, you’ll only repay KES 1,000 (plus any mobile money carrier fees).
3. What is the Zenka Paybill number?
The Zenka M-PESA Paybill number is 979988. Use your registered Safaricom phone number as the account number when making payments.
4. How do I repay my Zenka loan?
You can repay directly within the app, through M-PESA Paybill 979988, or via USSD code *841#. Use your registered phone number as the account number for M-PESA payments.
5. What happens if I miss a repayment?
Late repayments attract a 1.5% – 2.5% daily penalty fee on the outstanding principal. Delays may also affect your credit score with Credit Reference Bureaus (CRB) and reduce your future loan limits. Always repay on time to avoid penalties.
6. How long does Zenka take to disburse loans?
Once approved, funds are usually credited to your M-PESA wallet within 5 minutes — one of the fastest processing times in Kenya.
7. Can I increase my loan limit?
Yes. Consistent on-time repayments help increase your borrowing limit over time. You can grow your limit up to KES 200,000 by maintaining a positive repayment history.
8. Can I get another loan while I still have an active loan?
Yes, through Zenka’s loan top-up feature. You can apply for additional amounts up to your credit limit without clearing your existing loan first.
9. Who can apply for Zenka loans?
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a valid Kenyan National ID
- Have an active Safaricom mobile number
- Own a smartphone (for app) or use USSD *841# (for non-smartphone users)
- Have access to M-PESA
10. Does Zenka report to CRB?
Yes. Zenka reserves the right to report delinquencies to authorized Credit Reference Bureaus in Kenya. Timely repayments help build a positive credit history, while late payments can negatively impact your credit score.
Responsible Borrowing Tips
- Borrow only what you can comfortably repay within the loan term
- Always check the interest rate and total repayment amount before confirming a loan
- Make use of the first loan interest-free offer to build your credit history
- Take advantage of partial repayment options if you can’t pay the full amount at once
- Contact customer support early if you anticipate repayment challenges
- Consider loan extensions rather than defaulting on payments
- Avoid borrowing from multiple apps simultaneously to prevent debt accumulation
- Use loans for productive purposes that help generate income, not just emergencies
Customer Support
📧 Email: support@zenka.co.ke
📞 Phone: +254 (0) 207650878 or +254 (0) 730895000
📱 USSD: *841#
🌐 Website: www.zenka.co.ke
📍 Office: Mirage Tower 2, 12th floor, P.O. BOX 29107-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
💬 Social Media: Facebook Page
Final Thoughts
Zenka Loan App Kenya has established itself as one of the most flexible and customer-friendly mobile loan platforms in the country. With its lightning-fast processing, interest-free first loan offer, unique top-up and extension features, and credit limits up to KES 200,000, Zenka continues to empower millions of Kenyans to meet their financial needs.
However, while Zenka offers excellent convenience and accessibility, borrowers should be aware of the relatively high interest rates on subsequent loans (APR up to 4432%) and the daily late fees. These costs can accumulate quickly if loans are not managed responsibly. The key to maximizing Zenka’s benefits is timely repayment, which not only helps you avoid penalties but also increases your credit limit and builds a positive credit history.
Whether you’re a small business owner needing working capital, a student covering exam fees, or someone facing an unexpected emergency, Zenka provides a reliable solution. Just remember to borrow responsibly, understand all charges upfront, and make timely repayments to maintain a healthy financial relationship with the platform.
Ready to get started? Download the Zenka app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or dial *841# on your Safaricom phone to begin your loan journey today.
