If you run a business in Kenya, you know cash flow can be unpredictable, especially in this tough economy. One day your till is overflowing, the next you’re wondering where customers went and how to buy more stock/pay a supplier.
Safaricom seems to have noticed too, because they’ve just rolled out three new M-PESA loans for business that give you instant access to loans of up to 400,000 Kenyan shillings instantly to your M-Pesa line.
The new loan products by Safaricom are:
- Fuliza Biashara
- Taasi Pochi Loan
- Taasi Till Loan
The three new loan products from Safaricom are designed for active M-PESA merchants, and the approval is based entirely on your transaction history. If you’ve been using Lipa na M-PESA or Pochi la Biashara consistently, there are high chances that you could qualify for these loans in minutes.
Why These Loans Are Different
These new loans aren’t your regular M-Shwari or Fuliza overdrafts that we are used to. They’re tailored for business use. That means:
- Loan decisions are based on how active and reliable your business transactions are; for this reason, its always important to learn how to improve your credit score.
- Money goes straight to your till or Pochi wallet
- Repayment happens automatically from your business inflows
Since most of the business owners in Kenya rely on M-PESA every day, these loans are suitable as they can help you cover short-term gaps or grab quick opportunities without shutting down operations.
Fuliza Biashara – Your Overdraft Safety Net
Think of Fuliza Biashara as a backup plan for your business till. If you need to pay a supplier, withdraw cash, or send money from your till but your balance is too low, Fuliza Biashara automatically tops you up so the transaction goes through.
- Loan limit: KSh 1,000 – 400,000
- Eligibility: Active Lipa na M-PESA till for at least 6 months, good repayment record
- Fees: 2% access fee plus a daily tiered fee until repayment
- How to apply: Dial *234# or use the M-PESA Business App
Example: A restaurant owner wants to pay a vegetable supplier at 10 pm but the till is empty or doesn’t have enough money. Fuliza Biashara covers the payment instantly, and the amount is automatically deducted when your customers pay the next day.
Taasi Pochi – Short-Term Cash for Small Traders
If you run your business through Pochi la Biashara, Taasi Pochi Loan is your fast cash option for you. It’s perfect for topping up stock or covering quick expenses in your daily business operations.
- Loan limit: KSh 1,000 – 150,000
- Rates:
- 7 days – 3.85%
- 14 days – 4.71%
- 21 days – 5.55%
- 30 days – 6.41%
- Eligibility: Active Pochi la Biashara wallet for at least 6 months with steady inflows
- How to apply: Dial *334# or use the M-PESA app
Example: A cosmetics shop owner spots a weekend deal on gel products that are on offer. They take a 7-day Taasi Pochi Loan, buy stock, sell fast, repay, and keep the profit.
Taasi Till Loan – Bigger Boost for Bigger Merchants
If you use Lipa na M-PESA tills and need a fixed-term loan (not an overdraft), the Taasi Till Loan could work better.
- Loan limit: KSh 1,500 – 250,000
- Rates: Same as Taasi Pochi
- Eligibility: Active till for at least 6 months, consistent sales volume
- How to apply: Dial *234# or use the M-PESA Business App
Example: A salon takes a Taasi Till Loan to buy hair products in bulk at a discount. They save on costs and repay the loan within the month from client payments.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Loan
Product |
Loan
Limit |
Eligibility |
Interest/Fees |
Key
Notes |
|
Fuliza
Biashara |
KSh 1,000 – 400,000 |
- Active Lipa na M-PESA till for 6+
months- Consistent merchant transactions- Good repayment history |
- 2% access fee on the amount
borrowed- Daily tiered fee (varies by amount) |
Works like an overdraft for your business
till, funds can be used instantly for payments or withdrawals |
|
Taasi
Pochi Loan |
KSh 1,000 – 150,000 |
- Active Pochi la Biashara wallet
for 6+ months- Steady inflows to the wallet |
- 7 days: 3.85%- 14 days: 4.71%- 21
days: 5.55%- 30 days: 6.41% |
Tailored for small traders using Pochi la
Biashara, quick approval via phone, repayment auto-deducted from wallet |
|
Taasi
Till Loan |
KSh 1,500 – 250,000 |
- Active Lipa na M-PESA till for 6+
months- Strong sales volume and repayment history |
- Same rates as Taasi Pochi Loan |
Designed for larger-scale merchants using
tills, higher limits than Pochi loans |
Final Word
These new M-PESA business loans could be a lifesaver when cash flow is tight or opportunities knock unexpectedly. Just remember these, we always advise the Fineducke Community to consider loan products as tools and not free money. Borrow what you can repay, and repay fast to keep your fees low and your future limits high.
