Safaricom has rolled out a trio of enhanced digital credit solutions, Fuliza Biashara, Taasi Pochi, and Taasi Till, targeting small and micro-enterprises (MSMEs) seeking quick, flexible short-term loan products worth up to Sh400,000 for eligible businesses transacting via M-Pesa.

While unveiling the product, Safaricom Group CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa said the new offerings aim to boost financial resilience for small enterprises.

“Businesses play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy and make a significant impact in our communities,” Ndegwa stated.

"Leveraging the power of technology, Taasi will offer convenience and access to credit for MSMEs, allowing them to focus on scaling their businesses."

Designed to serve different types of merchants, the credit solutions promise instant access to capital, streamlined application processes, and flexible repayment structures—all aimed at powering small business growth across Kenya.

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Fuliza Biashara: short-term overdraft for till holders

Traders operating Lipa Na M-Pesa Buy Goods tills can now tap into an overdraft when their balances fall short, enabling them to complete essential transactions.

Qualifying merchants must have had an active business till for more than six months and can access the facility via *234# or the M-Pesa Business App.

Eligible transactions include payments to other tills or mobile numbers, withdrawals to nominated numbers or M-Pesa agents, and bill payments.

Upon attempting a transaction with insufficient funds, the system prompts the user to either accept or reject the overdraft.

The overdraft must be repaid within 30 days, although early settlement is encouraged.

“The customers will get a 48-hour interest-free period before the daily maintenance fee becomes applicable,” the company states.

An access fee of 2 per cent is charged for every disbursement, with additional daily charges depending on the amount.

Failure to repay the overdraft on time results in suspension of access to the facility, but the system will continue attempting automatic deductions from the till.

Users can check mini statements, due dates, and outstanding balances via USSD.

Taasi Pochi: credit for micro-enterprises on Pochi la Biashara

Micro and small businesses that have used the Pochi la Biashara service for at least six months can now access loans through Taasi Pochi.

The facility offers loans ranging between Sh1,000 and Sh150,000, repayable in periods of 7, 14, 21, or 30 days.

Interest rates vary depending on the loan term, starting at 3.85 per cent for a week and going up to 6.41 per cent for a month.

Businesses can opt in through the M-Pesa app or by dialling *334#, and the system provides various lender options with custom limits.

If repayments are delayed beyond the agreed term, penalties apply.

“If the loan is not paid by the seventh day, it will be rolled over for an additional 14 days with a 3.85 per cent fee applied to the outstanding balance,” according to Safaricom.

A further penalty of 1 per cent daily kicks in if the loan remains unpaid after 21 days.

Repayments can be made in full or through partial settlement, and early repayments are encouraged to grow borrowing limits.

Taasi Till: higher limits for larger merchants

For Lipa Na M-Pesa Buy Goods merchants dealing with higher transaction volumes, Safaricom introduced Taasi Till Loans.

Businesses with active tills for at least six months can borrow between Sh1,000 and Sh250,000 directly into their tills, using their nominated numbers.

These funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, from purchasing goods and paying suppliers to wage disbursements and airtime sales, where a 5 per cent commission is offered.

Applications are processed through the M-Pesa Business App or by dialling *234#.

Loan approvals and disbursements are instant, with the loan amount reflecting immediately upon approval.

A 14-day loan attracts a flat fee of 6 per cent, with a 3 per cent rollover fee applied if the amount is not cleared by day 15.

From day 29, a 1 per cent daily penalty is imposed for up to a week.

“The merchant will lose their loan limit if they do not pay within 28 days,” Safaricom adds.

Business owners can check loan limits, repay loans, or even request waivers for delayed repayments that incur fees, provided they contact Safaricom within 48 hours.

With these credit tools, Safaricom seeks to deepen its integration into the country’s informal economy and widen financial access for traders looking to grow their businesses in real time.