By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, May 07, 2026 - Safaricom’s overdraft product Fuliza has cemented its position as the backbone of digital lending in Kenya, with total disbursements now hitting Sh1.47 trillion, underscoring the growing dependence of millions of users on short-term mobile credit.
The facility, offered by Safaricom in partnership with NCBA and KCB, allows M-Pesa users to complete transactions even when they have insufficient funds, effectively turning mobile money into an instant credit platform.
The latest figures highlight how Fuliza has evolved from a simple overdraft feature into a dominant financial service. Data from recent disclosures shows that Kenyans are borrowing billions daily through the platform, with estimates placing usage at about Sh3.3 billion per day, reflecting its deep integration into everyday transactions.
The scale of Fuliza’s growth is striking. In 2025 alone, total disbursements crossed Sh1.24 trillion, up from about Sh906 billion in 2024, showing a sharp year-on-year increase in usage.
Even more telling is how frequently the service is used. Earlier data shows Kenyans borrowed Sh629.2 billion in just six months, pointing to a rapid acceleration in uptake as households increasingly rely on short-term credit to bridge income gaps.
The average loan size remains relatively small, typically a few hundred shillings, but the sheer volume of transactions has turned Fuliza into a multi-billion-shilling engine within Safaricom’s financial services ecosystem.
The surge in Fuliza usage reflects deeper economic realities. With incomes under pressure and the cost of living remaining high, many Kenyans are turning to instant, accessible credit to meet daily needs such as transport, food, and utility payments.
Unlike traditional loans, Fuliza requires no application process. Users automatically access credit based on their transaction history, with repayment deducted as soon as funds hit their accounts. This convenience has made it one of the most widely used digital credit products in the country.
Safaricom data shows the service continues to grow both in user numbers and transaction values, with millions of active users relying on it regularly.
Fuliza is now a key contributor to Safaricom’s revenue growth, particularly within its financial services segment, which includes M-Pesa, M-Shwari, and other digital products.
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The overdraft service accounts for a significant share of the company’s credit revenue, outpacing other lending platforms that have either stagnated or grown at a slower pace.
This shift highlights a broader trend: Safaricom is increasingly positioning itself not just as a telecom provider, but as a financial services powerhouse, leveraging its vast customer base and mobile infrastructure.
However, the rapid rise of Fuliza also raises concerns. Analysts warn that heavy reliance on short-term digital credit could signal financial stress among households rather than economic strength.
Frequent borrowing, even in small amounts, can accumulate into a cycle of dependency, especially given the daily maintenance fees and access charges attached to the service.
At the same time, the dominance of Fuliza has raised questions about the sustainability of Kenya’s digital lending ecosystem, with regulators increasingly paying attention to consumer protection and responsible lending practices.
Ultimately, Fuliza’s growth tells a bigger story about Kenya’s economy.
On one hand, it demonstrates the power of fintech innovation in expanding access to credit. On the other, it reflects the financial pressures facing millions of households who now rely on overdrafts to get through daily life.
As disbursements climb past the trillion-shilling mark, Fuliza is no longer just a product, it is a mirror of how Kenyans are navigating an increasingly difficult economic landscape.