How to Get a Business Loan in Kenya Using Fuliza
In Kenya, starting or running a small business can be tough when cash flow is tight. Whether you’re a hustler selling clothes online or a mama mboga trying to restock your shelves, you’ve probably found yourself needing quick cash. That’s where Fuliza by Safaricom comes in.
Although not a traditional business loan, Fuliza is a mobile overdraft facility that many Kenyans now use as a short-term financing tool to sustain their businesses.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What Fuliza is and how it works
- How to use Fuliza for business needs
- Eligibility and limits
- Tips to manage Fuliza smartly for your business
What is Fuliza?
Fuliza is a mobile money overdraft service offered by Safaricom in partnership with NCBA and KCB Bank. It allows you to complete MPESA transactions even when you have insufficient funds in your wallet.
It’s not a traditional loan — you don’t apply for it like Hustler Fund or a bank loan — but it works as an instant short-term facility, especially useful when:
- You’re buying stock
- Paying suppliers
- Topping up airtime for online business
- Running quick business errands
How to Activate Fuliza
To start using Fuliza, you need to:
- Be a registered MPESA user
- Dial
*234#or use the MySafaricom App - Select Fuliza MPESA
- Accept the Terms & Conditions
- You’re now ready to use it when your MPESA balance is low!
Note: Your Fuliza limit depends on your MPESA activity and repayment behavior.
How to Use Fuliza as a Business Loan Alternative
Let’s say you need to restock items from Jumia or suppliers in Gikomba. Your MPESA balance is KSh 300, but you need to send KSh 1,000.
If you’re enrolled in Fuliza and have a limit of at least KSh 700, MPESA will automatically top up the difference and send the full amount — instantly.
Business Use Examples:
| Business Scenario | How Fuliza Helps |
|---|---|
| Buy small inventory | Top up shortfalls during payment |
| Pay delivery rider or supplier | Complete full payment via MPESA |
| Emergency airtime or bundles | Purchase with zero balance |
| Settle a pending transaction | Avoid missed deals or delays |
Fuliza Eligibility
To qualify and maintain access to Fuliza:
- You must be a Safaricom customer for at least 6 months
- Have regular MPESA usage
- Repay on time (typically within 30 days)
- Increase your activity to raise your limit
Your Fuliza limit is not fixed — it grows with consistent usage and repayment. Start small and build trust with the system.
Smart Tips for Using Fuliza in Business
Using Fuliza wisely can actually help your business run smoothly without expensive bank loans or waiting for credit approvals.
Here are key tips:
- Use for urgent needs only – Avoid making Fuliza a daily habit for every transaction.
- Track your usage – Use MPESA statements to know how much Fuliza is being used.
- Repay quickly – The longer you delay, the more interest you’ll pay.
- Separate personal vs business usage – Consider having a line dedicated for business use.
- Don’t depend on it long-term – Fuliza is not a replacement for structured business funding.
What Are the Charges?
Fuliza charges two main fees:
- Access fee – a one-time fee charged when Fuliza is used.
- Daily maintenance fee – charged daily until the overdraft is cleared.
Here’s a sample fee table:
| Amount Borrowed | Access Fee | Daily Fee (1-30 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| KSh 100 | KSh 1 | KSh 2 |
| KSh 500 | KSh 5 | KSh 10 |
| KSh 1,000+ | KSh 10+ | KSh 20+ |
Fees may change, so always check with Safaricom’s updated rates.
Alternative Options to Fuliza
While Fuliza is handy, it’s good to explore other business-friendly loan options:
These may offer better limits, longer repayment periods, and business-tailored terms.
Final Word
Fuliza isn’t a traditional loan — but when used smartly, it can bridge business gaps and help you seize time-sensitive opportunities. For Kenyan entrepreneurs, it’s like having an emergency fund built into MPESA.
Just remember: Borrow responsibly, repay quickly, and always track your cash flow.