Comparing Kenya’s Top Mobile Loan Apps in 2025
Mobile loan apps remain a lifeline for millions of Kenyans in 2025, offering fast access to credit with minimal paperwork. But not all apps are created equal—some offer better rates, longer repayment terms, or smoother user experiences. This guide compares the top mobile loan apps based on interest rates, loan limits, repayment flexibility, and user feedback.
1. Branch
- Loan Range: KSh 250 – 70,000
- Repayment Period: 4 – 52 weeks
- Interest Rate: 1.7% – 16% monthly
- CRB Check: No
- User Experience: Highly rated for reliability and rewards for good repayment history
- Pros: Long repayment window, no penalties for early payment
- Cons: Higher rates for short-term loans
2. Tala
- Loan Range: KSh 500 – 30,000
- Repayment Period: 21 – 30 days
- Interest Rate: 5% – 15%
- CRB Check: No
- User Experience: Trusted by over 5 million users, fast approval
- Pros: Simple interface, instant disbursement
- Cons: Short repayment period
3. Zenka
- Loan Range: Up to KSh 50,000
- Repayment Period: 7 – 30 days (up to 12 months for repeat borrowers)
- Interest Rate: 9% – 30%
- CRB Check: Not required for small loans
- User Experience: Clean UI, responsive support
- Pros: First loan interest-free, flexible extensions
- Cons: High rates for longer terms
4. Timiza (Absa Bank)
- Loan Range: Up to KSh 150,000
- Repayment Period: 30 days
- Interest Rate: 1.56% monthly
- CRB Check: Yes
- User Experience: Seamless integration with Absa services
- Pros: Bank-backed, instant disbursement
- Cons: Requires good credit history
5. iPesa
- Loan Range: KSh 500 – 50,000
- Repayment Period: 91 – 180 days
- Interest Rate: 12% annually
- CRB Check: No
- User Experience: Simple app, good for medium-term borrowing
- Pros: Longer repayment terms
- Cons: Limited loan limit for new users
6. LendPlus
- Loan Range: Up to KSh 50,000
- Repayment Period: Up to 61 days
- Interest Rate: 2% daily
- CRB Check: No
- User Experience: Fast approval, minimal documentation
- Pros: Quick disbursement
- Cons: High daily interest rate
7. KCB M-Pesa
- Loan Range: KSh 1,000 – 1,000,000
- Repayment Period: 30 days
- Interest Rate: One-time fee of 8.85%
- CRB Check: Yes
- User Experience: Integrated with M-Pesa menu
- Pros: No extra transaction fees
- Cons: Requires active M-Pesa usage
8. M-Shwari (Safaricom + NCBA)
- Loan Range: KSh 100 – personalized limit
- Repayment Period: 30 days
- Interest Rate: 7.5% one-time fee
- CRB Check: Yes
- User Experience: Easy access via M-Pesa
- Pros: Savings feature included
- Cons: Low limits for new users
9. Okash
- Loan Range: Up to KSh 60,000
- Repayment Period: 14 – 21 days
- Interest Rate: Varies
- CRB Check: Strict
- User Experience: Mixed reviews on data usage
- Pros: Fast disbursement
- Cons: Privacy concerns
10. Palmcredit Kenya
- Loan Range: KSh 1,000 – 100,000
- Repayment Period: Varies
- Interest Rate: Based on credit history
- CRB Check: Yes
- User Experience: Good for high-limit borrowers
- Pros: Large loan amounts
- Cons: Requires strong repayment history
Summary Table
| App Name | Loan Limit (KSh) | Interest Rate | Repayment Period | CRB Check | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | 250 – 70,000 | 1.7% – 16% monthly | 4 – 52 weeks | No | Long-term flexibility |
| Tala | 500 – 30,000 | 5% – 15% | 21 – 30 days | No | Fast approval |
| Zenka | Up to 50,000 | 9% – 30% | 7 – 30 days | No | Emergency loans |
| Timiza | Up to 150,000 | 1.56% monthly | 30 days | Yes | Bank-backed reliability |
| iPesa | 500 – 50,000 | 12% annually | 91 – 180 days | No | Medium-term borrowing |
| LendPlus | Up to 50,000 | 2% daily | Up to 61 days | No | Quick access |
| KCB M-Pesa | 1,000 – 1M | 8.85% one-time | 30 days | Yes | M-Pesa users |
| M-Shwari | 100 – limit | 7.5% one-time | 30 days | Yes | Savings + loans |
| Okash | Up to 60,000 | Varies | 14 – 21 days | Yes | Fast but strict |
| Palmcredit | 1,000 – 100,000 | Varies | Varies | Yes | High-limit borrowers |
