I’ve personally used a couple of these apps during emergencies, and trust me, some are way more reliable than others. Below, I’ve rounded up the top 10 mobile loan apps in Kenya that actually deliver based on stuff that matters: interest rates, how easy they are to use, what other users are saying, and how flexible the repayment terms are.
At a Glance: Kenya’s Top Mobile Loan Apps (2025)
| App Name | Interest Rate | Rating | Repayment Term | Disbursement Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tala | 0.33% per day | 4.5★ (466K reviews) | Up to 61 days | Within minutes |
| Branch | 2% – 18% monthly | 4.5★ (1.39M reviews) | 62 days – 12 months | Less than 3 hours |
| Timiza | 7.25% monthly | 3.4★ (6.04K reviews) | 30 days | Instant |
| EazzyLoan | 25.5% monthly | 4.5★ (146K reviews) | Up to 24 months | Instant |
| iPesa | 18% – 36% | 3.8★ (34.1K reviews) | 14 days | Varies |
| AsapKash | 0.05% – 13.82% annually | 4.1★ (80.9K reviews) | Flexible | Instant |
| M-Shwari | 3% – 6% annually | 4.8★ (375K reviews) | 30 days | Instant |
| Okash | 5% – 18% annually | 4.4★ (204K reviews) | 3–12 months | Within 24 hours |
| LendPlus | 2.2% daily | 4.0★ (14.4K reviews) | 61–90 days | 30 mins – 1 day |
| Zenka | 9% – 39% | 4.1★ (120K reviews) | Up to 61 days | Under 5 minutes |
A Closer Look: Best Loan Apps in Kenya (2025)
1. Tala
Tala is a go-to for many Kenyans, and for good reason. It’s simple, fast, and reliable. You can borrow up to KSh 50,000, and the daily interest is on the lower side. I remember using it once when my car broke down and I had the money in less than 10 minutes.
2. Branch
Branch is a bit of a beast. It offers larger loans up to KSh 300K and you can stretch out your repayments for up to a year. It’s super handy if you’re running a small business or juggling multiple bills.
3. Timiza
Don’t have a smartphone? No problem. Timiza (by Absa) lets you access loans via USSD (*848#). It’s fast, and while the interest isn’t the lowest, the ease of access makes up for it.
4. Zenka
Zenka’s been around the block and is pretty generous with first-time borrowers. If you repay on time, your second loan could come with better terms. Plus, the app is really smooth and user-friendly.
5. Okash
Okash is perfect for beginners clean app, clear instructions, and they usually disburse within a few hours. Just make sure you read the fine print; the interest can creep up if you delay payment.
6. iPesa
This one deposits straight into your M-Pesa, which is super convenient. The downside? The interest can be high up to 36%. But if you’re disciplined about repayment, your limit grows pretty fast.
7. M-Shwari
Classic and trusted. M-Shwari is built into your M-Pesa menu, making it easy to borrow and save all in one place. The better your savings and usage habits, the more you can borrow.
8. EazzyLoan
Brought to you by Equity Bank, EazzyLoan offers loans up to KSh 3 million (yep, you read that right) without any paperwork or guarantors. It’s mostly geared towards salaried folks or established businesses.
9. AsapKash
If you’re trying to avoid high rates, AsapKash is worth checking out. Everything is done online, and it runs 24/7. Super convenient, especially during those late-night emergencies.
10. LendPlus
This one’s ideal for those short-term cash hiccups. They lend out smaller amounts, but super fast. I once used it to top up my Wi-Fi subscription after midnight, it worked like a charm.
Heads up: Always read the terms before accepting a loan. Some of these apps can slap you with hefty penalties if you miss deadlines and that could mess up your CRB standing.
FAQs – People Often Ask
Which loan app is the best in Kenya right now?
Honestly, Tala gets top marks. It’s fast, transparent, and doesn’t hit you with sneaky charges. Perfect for first-timers too.
Where can I get an instant loan through M-Pesa?
Check out M-Shwari, Tala, and Timiza. They’re super quick and send the money straight to your M-Pesa account usually in minutes.
Are mobile loan apps safe?
Generally, yes if you stick to well-known ones like Zenka, Branch, and M-Shwari. Just make sure you download from legit sources like Google Play and not some shady site.
How do I increase my loan limit?
Simple: pay on time, keep using the app, and maintain a solid M-Pesa history. Think of it like building trust, the more consistent you are, the more they’ll trust you with higher amounts.
Do I need a CRB certificate to borrow?
Not always. Many apps won’t check CRB for small amounts. But if your history is a bit messy, they might offer less money or crank up the interest rate.
Final Thoughts
Mobile loan apps have really changed the game in Kenya. With just a few taps on your phone, you can get money in minutes. That said, borrowing isn’t free so be smart about it. Always compare options, understand the fees, and don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Want to explore other smart ways to earn online? Dive into our guide on affiliate marketing in Kenya, it might just be the passive income stream you’ve been searching for.
Sources: Central Bank of Kenya | M-PESA by Safaricom
