Not everyone has a smartphone or stable internet connection — and yet financial emergencies don’t wait. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a loan via SMS in Kenya, you’re not alone. Thousands of Kenyans rely on SMS-based loan services every single day to access emergency cash quickly and conveniently.
The good news is that several lenders in Kenya allow you to borrow money purely through SMS — no app download, no internet, no smartphone required. Just your basic phone, your Mpesa line, and a few text messages stand between you and your emergency loan.
This guide walks you through exactly how SMS loans work in Kenya, which services to use, how to apply step by step, and what to watch out for so you borrow safely and smartly in 2026.
To get a loan via SMS in Kenya, dial a USSD code or send a text to your lender’s shortcode — for example, KCB Mpesa via Mpesa menu, Fuliza via *234#, or Safaricom’s M-Shwari via *234#. Approval is instant and money is sent directly to your Mpesa wallet within minutes, no internet or smartphone needed.
How SMS Loans Work in Kenya
SMS and USSD loans work through your mobile network — not the internet. Here’s the basic process:
When you send an SMS or dial a USSD shortcode, your request goes directly to the lender’s system. The system checks your eligibility automatically by looking at your Mpesa transaction history, your loan repayment record, and your mobile line activity. If you qualify, the loan is approved instantly and disbursed to your Mpesa wallet — sometimes in under 60 seconds.
No app. No data. No smartphone. Just your SIM card.
This makes SMS loans one of the most accessible forms of emergency borrowing in Kenya, especially for people in rural areas or those using basic feature phones.
Best Services to Get a Loan via SMS in Kenya in 2026
1. M-Shwari (via Mpesa USSD)
M-Shwari is a savings and loan product by Safaricom and NCBA Bank. It is accessible directly through your Mpesa menu without any internet connection.
- How to access: Go to Mpesa → Loans and Savings → M-Shwari
- Loan limit: KSh 100 to KSh 50,000
- Interest rate: 7.5% facilitation fee per month
- Speed: Instant
- Requirements: Active Safaricom line, consistent Mpesa usage, M-Shwari account
2. KCB Mpesa (via USSD)
KCB Mpesa is accessible through the Mpesa menu and requires no internet or smartphone. It’s one of the highest-limit SMS-accessible loan services in Kenya.
- How to access: Go to Mpesa → Loans and Savings → KCB Mpesa
- Loan limit: Up to KSh 1,000,000 (based on eligibility)
- Interest rate: 8.64% per month
- Speed: Instant
- Requirements: Active Safaricom Mpesa line, consistent usage history
3. Fuliza (via USSD *234#)
Fuliza is Safaricom’s overdraft service that kicks in automatically when your Mpesa balance runs low during a transaction. You can activate and manage it via USSD.
- How to access: Dial *234# or via Mpesa menu → Activate Fuliza
- Loan limit: Varies — from KSh 100 to KSh 70,000+
- Interest rate: Daily maintenance fee (1–2% on outstanding balance)
- Speed: Instant — activates during transactions automatically
- Requirements: Active Mpesa account with good usage history
4. Hustler Fund (via *254#)
The government-backed Hustler Fund is fully accessible via USSD with no internet required. It offers some of the lowest interest rates for SMS loans in Kenya.
- How to access: Dial *254# on your Safaricom line
- Loan limit: KSh 500 to KSh 50,000
- Interest rate: 8% per year — the cheapest in Kenya
- Speed: Instant to Mpesa
- Requirements: National ID registered Safaricom line, active Mpesa
5. Equitel (Equity Bank)
Equity Bank customers can access loans via SMS and USSD through the Equitel SIM or the EazzyBanking USSD code — no internet needed.
- How to access: Dial *247# or use Equitel SIM menu
- Loan limit: Depends on your Equity account history
- Interest rate: Competitive — varies by product
- Speed: Within minutes
- Requirements: Equity Bank account, Equitel line or registered phone number
6. Airtel Money Loans (via *334#)
Airtel Kenya customers can access quick loans via USSD without needing a smartphone or internet connection.
- How to access: Dial *334# → Financial Services → Loans
- Loan limit: Varies by usage history
- Interest rate: Varies by partner lender
- Speed: Within minutes
- Requirements: Active Airtel line with Airtel Money account
Read also: Best Loan Apps in Kenya
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | USSD/SMS Code | Max Loan | Interest Rate | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-Shwari | Mpesa Menu | KSh 50,000 | 7.5%/month | Safaricom |
| KCB Mpesa | Mpesa Menu | KSh 1,000,000 | 8.64%/month | Safaricom |
| Fuliza | *234# | KSh 70,000+ | Daily fee | Safaricom |
| Hustler Fund | *254# | KSh 50,000 | 8%/year | Safaricom |
| Equitel | *247# | Varies | Competitive | Equity/Any |
| Airtel Loans | *334# | Varies | Varies | Airtel |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Loan via SMS in Kenya
Step 1: Choose your preferred SMS loan service based on your mobile network and the amount you need. Safaricom users have the most options — M-Shwari, KCB Mpesa, Fuliza, and Hustler Fund.
Step 2: Ensure your Mpesa or mobile money account is active. Lenders check transaction frequency, so an account that’s been sitting idle may have a very low or zero loan limit.
Step 3: Dial the USSD code for your chosen service — for example, dial *254# for Hustler Fund or access M-Shwari through your Mpesa menu.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts. Select “Loans,” then “Request Loan” or similar option depending on the service.
Step 5: Enter the amount you want to borrow. The system will show your available loan limit. You cannot borrow above your limit.
Step 6: Confirm the loan request by entering your Mpesa PIN or confirming via SMS as prompted.
Step 7: Wait for confirmation SMS. You’ll receive a text message confirming your loan approval and the amount credited to your Mpesa wallet — usually within 60 seconds.
Step 8: Check your Mpesa balance to confirm the loan has been received, then use the funds as needed.
Step 9: Repay on time via the same USSD menu or through your Mpesa menu to maintain and grow your loan limit.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for an SMS Loan
Keep your Mpesa account active. The more regularly you send money, receive money, pay bills, and buy airtime via Mpesa, the higher your loan limit will be. Lenders treat Mpesa activity as a proxy for your financial reliability.
Repay existing loans early. Early repayment signals good financial discipline and almost always results in a higher limit the next time you borrow.
Register with your correct national ID details. Mismatched ID information can cause your account to be flagged or your loan application to be rejected.
Avoid CRB blacklisting. If you’ve defaulted on any mobile loan in the past, your SMS loan applications will likely be declined. Check your CRB status via Metropol by dialing *433# and clear any outstanding debt before applying.
Use the Hustler Fund savings feature. Saving even small amounts on the Hustler Fund increases your borrowing limit over time at the lowest interest rate in Kenya.
Responsible Borrowing — Read This Before You Apply
SMS loans are fast and convenient — but that convenience can become a trap if you’re not careful. Before you send that text or dial that code, consider the following:
Only borrow what you genuinely need and can repay comfortably by the due date. Missing a repayment doesn’t just cost you penalties — it can get you listed on CRB, which affects your ability to borrow anywhere in Kenya, including banks and SACCOs.
Understand the total cost of the loan. A 7.5% monthly fee on KSh 5,000 means you repay KSh 5,375 — that’s not a huge amount, but it adds up if you keep rolling over loans month after month.
SMS loans are short-term tools for genuine emergencies — not a substitute for financial planning. If you find yourself borrowing every month just to get through, it may be time to explore other options like table banking, SACCOs, or government financial support programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a loan via SMS in Kenya without a smartphone? Yes, absolutely. Services like M-Shwari, KCB Mpesa, Hustler Fund (*254#), and Fuliza (*234#) all work on basic feature phones via USSD. You only need an active Safaricom line and Mpesa account — no internet or app required.
Q: How do I check my SMS loan limit in Kenya? For M-Shwari and KCB Mpesa, go to your Mpesa menu and select the respective service to see your available limit. For Hustler Fund, dial *254# and check your profile. Fuliza limits are visible when you try to activate the service via *234#.
Q: What happens if I don’t repay my SMS loan in Kenya? If you default on a mobile loan in Kenya — including SMS-based loans — you will be listed with the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB). This blocks you from future loans across most lenders. You may also be charged daily penalties on the outstanding amount.
Q: Which SMS loan is cheapest in Kenya? The Hustler Fund is the cheapest SMS loan in Kenya, charging just 8% per year. M-Shwari is second at 7.5% per month facilitation fee. Fuliza charges a daily fee which can add up quickly if you take long to repay.
Q: Can Airtel users get a loan via SMS in Kenya? Yes. Airtel Kenya users can dial *334# to access financial services including loans through Airtel Money. The loan limits and interest rates depend on your Airtel Money usage history and the partner lender assigned to your account.
Conclusion
Getting a loan via SMS in Kenya in 2026 is one of the fastest and most accessible ways to handle a financial emergency — whether you’re in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or a remote village with only a basic phone and a Safaricom line.
For the lowest interest rate, go with the Hustler Fund via *254#. For the highest loan limit, KCB Mpesa through your Mpesa menu is your best bet. For instant overdraft coverage, activate Fuliza via *234# and let it work in the background whenever you’re short.
Keep your Mpesa active, repay on time, and your SMS loan limit will keep growing — giving you a reliable financial safety net right from your phone, no internet needed.
