- A frustrated Kenyan man took to social media to lament about his stagnant Safaricom Fuliza loan limit
- Safaricom explained that several factors affect the limit, including Okoa Jahazi repayments
- The telco told TUKO.co.ke that customers can increase their loan amounts by saving consistently without withdrawing
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
A Kenyan man has confronted Safaricom over his Fuliza loan limit, which has allegedly remained stagnant for three years.
Source: Getty Images
While responding to the telecommunications company’s move to upgrade the overdraft facility, a frustrated customer named Geoffrey Menge on Facebook lamented that his limit had not yet been increased.
He asked Safaricom to explain why he could not access additional loans to help him complete transactions when he had insufficient funds in his M-Pesa account.
“Fuliza yangu iko pale pale for three years now, why? (My Fuliza limit has remained stagnant for three years. Why is this so?) Menge lamented.
Source: Facebook
What was Safaricom’s response to raising Fuliza?
The telco explained that several factors impact the Fuliza limit, and accessing a higher amount depends on various factors.
These include timely Okoa Jahazi repayments, consistent savings, and frequent topping up of the line.
“In order to increase your limit you need to continue using M-Pesa and Safaricom services. You should also save in your M-Shwari account as well as maintain a good credit score by repaying all your loans on time, including Okoa Jahazi on time. You will be notified once the loan limit is awarded,” Safaricom told TUKO.co.ke.
According to the firm, following the terms improves the credit score and allows for greater financial flexibility on M-Pesa.
Source: Getty Images
What is Fuliza?
When M-Pesa users have insufficient funds in their accounts, Fuliza, an overdraft service, enables them to complete transactions.
To use the overdraft service, you must have an active Safaricom line and be registered with M-Pesa.
Customers must opt in to the service to access loans.
“Fuliza can be activated by M-Pesa subscribers who have registered using their national ID, Kenyan passport, or military ID; however, not all of them are eligible for a loan limit upon activation. One will be given a limit that specifies the maximum amount of overdraft they can obtain after opting in,” it reiterated.
To opt in, customers can dial *334#.
How much did Kenyans borrow from Fuliza?
In the six months to September 2025, the Fuliza service’s user base grew by 22.1%, from 7.5 million to 9.1 million.
This was according to Safaricom’s half-year financial results, which were released on Thursday, November 6.
Kenyans borrowed KSh 629.2 billion using the overdraft facility during the review period, a 39.8% increase from KSh 450 billion in 2024.
What was Safaricom’s profit?
During the same period, TUKO.co.ke reported that the telco recorded a profit of KSh 42.8 billion.
The profit represented a 52% improvement compared to the KSh 28.1 billion recorded in 2024.
The company added 2.1 new M-Pesa customers.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
