Getting a personal loan in Kenya can be difficult if you have bad credit or a low credit score. Traditional banks often rely on CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) reports to determine your creditworthiness, and this can lock out many people who have defaulted in the past or simply don’t have a credit history.
Luckily, several lenders in Kenya now offer personal loans to borrowers with bad credit — some without even checking your CRB status. Below is a guide to the best personal loan options available for people with bad credit in Kenya.
1. Tala
Tala is one of the most trusted mobile loan apps in Kenya. It offers loans from KSh 500 up to KSh 30,000. Tala uses your smartphone data and M-PESA transactions to evaluate your eligibility, making it ideal for borrowers with poor credit scores.
- Loan Limit: KSh 500 – KSh 30,000
- Repayment Period: 21 to 30 days
- CRB Check: Not required
- How to Apply: Download the Tala app from Google Play Store
2. Branch
Branch is another reliable mobile loan provider in Kenya. It does not require CRB clearance, and it offers flexible repayment terms of up to 12 months.
- Loan Limit: Up to KSh 70,000
- Interest: 17% – 30% APR
- CRB Check: Not required
- How to Apply: Download Branch app and sign up using your phone number
3. Timiza by Absa Bank
Timiza is a digital loan platform from Absa Bank Kenya. It gives loans even to those with minimal banking history and doesn’t require a CRB clearance certificate for small amounts.
- Loan Limit: KSh 1,000 – KSh 150,000
- Repayment Period: 30 days
- CRB Check: No strict requirement for small loans
- How to Apply: Dial *848# or use the Timiza app
4. Mshwari
Mshwari is a service by Safaricom in partnership with NCBA Bank. It offers instant mobile loans through the M-PESA platform. It checks M-PESA history rather than credit reports, making it easier for many Kenyans to qualify.
- Loan Limit: KSh 100 – KSh 50,000+
- Interest: 7.5% one-time fee
- Repayment Period: 30 days
- CRB Check: Not required
- How to Apply: Access through the M-PESA menu
5. Zenka
Zenka offers quick personal loans through a mobile app. First-time users may receive an interest-free loan, making it one of the more appealing options for short-term borrowing.
- Loan Limit: KSh 500 – KSh 50,000
- Interest: 0% on first loan (terms apply), then 9% – 39%
- CRB Check: Not required
- How to Apply: Install Zenka app and register
6. Hustler Fund
Launched by the Kenyan government, Hustler Fund is designed to support small businesses and low-income earners with micro-loans. It does not require CRB clearance or security.
- Loan Limit: Depends on personal track record
- Interest: 8% per annum (0.002% per day)
- How to Apply: Dial *254# on Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom
7. SACCO Loans
SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) are a great option for those looking for affordable loans without being locked out due to CRB issues. Most SACCOs require you to save for 3 to 6 months before you can borrow, and they often don’t use CRB as the primary factor.
- Loan Amount: Depends on savings and guarantors
- Interest: Typically 1% – 2% per month on reducing balance
- Best for: Long-term, affordable loans
Popular SACCOs in Kenya include:
- Mwalimu SACCO
- Stima SACCO
- Unaitas SACCO
- Harambee SACCO
Tips When Taking a Loan with Bad Credit
- Borrow only what you need – Don’t overborrow as interest can accumulate fast.
- Pay on time – Timely repayments help you rebuild your creditworthiness.
- Check for hidden charges – Some apps may charge processing, service, or late fees.
- Beware of predatory lenders – Avoid apps or lenders that harass or overcharge you.
Final Thoughts
If you have bad credit in Kenya, you still have multiple options to access personal loans. Whether you go with mobile loan apps, government-backed initiatives, or SACCOs, the key is to borrow wisely and repay on time.
Digital apps like Tala, Branch, and Timiza offer fast access, while SACCOs and Hustler Fund provide more sustainable, long-term solutions.
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