If you own a valuable item and need access to financing, there are several options in Nairobi beyond ordinary unsecured mobile loans. Depending on the lender and the item involved, financing may be available for electronics, household appliances, furniture, machinery, motorcycles, vehicles, business equipment and other movable assets.
Kenya’s legal framework also recognizes movable property as security for borrowing. The Movable Property Security Rights (MPSR) Registry, administered by the Business Registration Service (BRS), allows security interests in movable assets to be registered.
This guide looks at 15 places and financing options that Nairobi residents can investigate in October 2026, while distinguishing between financing an item you want to buy and borrowing against an item you already own.
Important: “Loans on items” can mean two different things: asset financing, where the lender finances the purchase of an asset, or asset-backed borrowing, where an asset you already own is used as security. These are not the same product.
What Does “Loan on Items” Mean in Kenya?
A loan on items is financing connected to a movable asset.
For example, you may want financing for:
- A smartphone
- Laptop or computer
- Television
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Furniture
- Generator
- Motorcycle
- Vehicle
- Business machinery
- Agricultural equipment
- Office equipment
There are generally three models.
1. Asset financing
The lender finances the purchase of the asset, with the asset normally providing security for the facility.
For example, Co-operative Bank says its asset-finance product can finance movable assets including laptops, computers, printers, vehicles, tractors, generators and medical equipment.
2. Buy Now, Pay Later
A financing company or partner lender pays the merchant while the customer repays in instalments.
Aspira, for example, describes itself as a Kenyan product-financing/BNPL platform covering consumer electronics, household appliances, furniture, mobile phones and SME assets.
3. Loan secured by an existing asset
Here, you already own the asset and use it as collateral for borrowing. Vehicles are particularly common in this category, although Kenya’s movable-property framework covers many other types of assets.
15 Places to Get Loans on Items in Nairobi
The following list is not a ranking. The appropriate option depends on the type of item, whether you already own it, your income, credit history, required amount and the lender’s eligibility requirements.
1. Co-operative Bank Asset Finance
offers asset financing for a wide range of movable assets.
Its published asset-finance information includes:
- Laptops
- Computers
- Printers
- Cars
- Pickups
- Tractors
- Prime movers
- School buses
- Generators
- Medical equipment
The bank states that financing can reach up to 80% for new and second-hand assets, subject to its requirements and approval.
This makes it worth considering for people looking to finance a relatively substantial asset rather than obtain a small emergency cash loan.
2. Watu Kenya
is particularly relevant if the item you need is a motorcycle, tuk-tuk or smartphone.
Watu’s Kenya operation says it finances smartphones as well as two- and three-wheelers, including electric and petrol motorcycles.
The company says selected Samsung devices can be financed and that its motorcycle/tuk-tuk financing is available through a dealership network across Kenya.
This can be particularly relevant to people acquiring assets intended for work or business.
3. Aspira
is one of the more relevant options for consumers looking specifically for item financing rather than a traditional cash loan.
Its published products include financing for:
- Consumer electronics
- Household appliances
- Furniture
- Mobile phones
- Education
- Insurance
- SME assets
- Auto-related products
Aspira states that its consumer credit limits can reach KES 500,000, with repayment terms of 3–12 months, subject to approval.
4. KCB Partner Instalment Plans
has various merchant financing and instalment arrangements for electronics and household products.
For example, KCB’s 2026 partner information includes arrangements with appliance and electronics retailers.
At LECOL, customers can use a KCB credit card to purchase qualifying products and pay over 12 months at 0% interest, subject to the applicable terms.
KCB also lists partner arrangements involving JTC Technology/Haier appliances and Zedsons.
Therefore, if you are looking for financing for a television, refrigerator, cooker or other household appliance, it can be useful to ask the retailer whether a KCB instalment arrangement is currently available.
5. BAT Regulated NWDT SACCO Asset Finance
offers an asset-financing product for members.
Its published information specifically mentions financing arrangements involving:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Hotpoint appliances
- Furniture
- Water tanks
- Roofing materials
- Davis & Shirtliff products
The SACCO currently publishes a 15% per annum reducing-balance rate for the listed asset-finance products, with terms varying according to the asset.
Membership and other eligibility conditions apply.
6. Stanbic Bank Vehicle & Asset Finance
provides vehicle and asset finance for individuals and businesses.
Its published product covers:
- Private vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Fleet vehicles
- Machinery
- Office equipment
- Medical equipment
Stanbic says the financed asset serves as security and provides repayment terms of up to 96 months for certain new private vehicles.
This is more appropriate for larger assets than a typical small digital loan.
7. Equity Bank Asset Finance
provides asset finance, particularly for businesses.
Its published product includes:
- Motor vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Industrial plant and machinery
- Agricultural equipment
- Office and IT equipment
Equity states that the asset being purchased can form part of the collateral structure and that repayment periods can extend to five years, subject to approval.
8. Family Bank Asset Finance
offers asset financing aimed at business account holders.
The bank lists assets such as:
- Motor vehicles
- Pickups
- Buses
- Lorries
- Tractors
- Heavy earth-moving equipment
- Machinery
- Motorcycles
Its published terms include financing of up to 80% for new vehicles, with different financing levels applying to used vehicles.
9. KCB Asset-Based Finance
For businesses requiring more substantial equipment, KCB also has an asset-based financing product.
The bank says it can finance assets such as:
- Commercial vehicles
- School buses
- Construction equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Agricultural equipment
- Computers and education equipment
- Medical equipment
- Energy equipment
KCB says financing can be available for both new and used assets, with the amount and percentage depending on the asset and facility.
10. Aspire Lending
is another Nairobi-based lender to investigate, particularly if the asset involved is a vehicle or business asset.
The company states that it is a CBK-licensed Digital Credit Provider and offers logbook loans and asset finance. Its published information gives repayment terms ranging from six to 36 months.
Its Nairobi office is listed at Rehema Place along Ngong Road.
11. MOGO Kenya
is another option for people looking for financing connected to vehicles.
There are Nairobi locations listed in the CBD and around Ngong Road, including its Prestige Plaza location.
Because vehicle financing has different requirements from electronics or household-item financing, applicants should confirm the exact product and charges before signing an agreement.
12. HAKKI
is a Nairobi-based loan agency associated with car finance and logbook loans.
This type of financing is relevant where the borrower already owns a qualifying vehicle and wants to use it as security.
Before proceeding with any logbook loan, check:
- Total repayment
- Interest rate
- Processing fees
- Valuation charges
- Insurance requirements
- Late-payment charges
- Repossession terms
- Whether the logbook is held electronically or physically
13. Auto Advance LogBook Loans
is another Nairobi option associated with logbook financing.
It also has a listed location in Umoja.
Logbook loans can provide access to relatively larger amounts than many mobile loans, but the borrower should understand that the vehicle is being used as security.
Failure to repay can have serious consequences.
14. Instant Loan on Items — Nairobi CBD
is a Nairobi business specifically listed under the loan/finance category and uses the phrase “Loan on Items” in its business name.
It is located along Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD.
If considering this type of lender, confirm directly what items are accepted, how the valuation is performed, how much of the item’s value can be borrowed, and what happens if repayment is late.
Do not hand over an expensive item without receiving written documentation showing the loan amount and conditions.
15. Loan on Items & LogBook Loans — Buru Buru
is another Nairobi business specifically advertising loans on items and logbook loans.
Its listed location is at Millennium Place near Buru Buru Shopping Centre.
As with any lender offering loans against physical possessions, borrowers should establish exactly how the item will be valued and what legal rights the lender obtains over it.
Comparison Table: 15 Places to Consider
| # | Place / Provider | Type of Financing | Examples of Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Co-operative Bank | Asset finance | Laptops, machinery, vehicles, generators |
| 2 | Watu Kenya | Asset financing | Smartphones, motorcycles, tuk-tuks |
| 3 | Aspira | BNPL/product financing | Phones, electronics, appliances, furniture |
| 4 | KCB partner instalments | Instalment financing | Electronics, appliances |
| 5 | BAT Regulated NWDT SACCO | SACCO asset finance | Phones, laptops, appliances, furniture |
| 6 | Stanbic Bank | Vehicle & asset finance | Vehicles, machinery, office equipment |
| 7 | Equity Bank | Asset finance | Machinery, vehicles, IT equipment |
| 8 | Family Bank | Asset finance | Vehicles, tractors, machinery, motorcycles |
| 9 | KCB Asset-Based Finance | Business asset finance | Machinery, vehicles, equipment |
| 10 | Aspire Lending | Logbook/asset finance | Vehicles and business assets |
| 11 | MOGO Kenya | Vehicle finance/logbook | Motor vehicles |
| 12 | HAKKI | Logbook/car finance | Motor vehicles |
| 13 | Auto Advance | Logbook loans | Motor vehicles |
| 14 | Instant Loan on Items | Item-backed lending | Confirm accepted items |
| 15 | Loan on Items & LogBook Loans | Item/logbook lending | Confirm accepted items |
Which Items Can You Use to Get Financing?
The answer depends heavily on the lender.
Electronics
Some financing arrangements cover:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Computers
- TVs
- Printers
For example, Co-operative Bank explicitly lists laptops, computers and printers among its movable assets.
Household appliances
Possible examples include:
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Cookers
- Home appliances
- Furniture
Aspira specifically lists household appliances and furniture among its financed products, while KCB has published several retailer-specific appliance instalment arrangements.
Motorcycles and tuk-tuks
Watu is specifically focused on financing motorcycles, three-wheelers and smartphones in Kenya.
Vehicles
Vehicles are among the most widely supported assets for formal asset financing and logbook lending.
Business equipment
Businesses may be able to finance:
- Generators
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction equipment
- Medical equipment
- Office equipment
- Industrial machinery
Co-operative Bank, KCB, Equity and Stanbic all publish asset-financing solutions covering various categories of business equipment.
Can You Get Cash Using a TV, Laptop or Fridge as Security?
Sometimes, but not from every lender.
This is an important distinction.
A bank’s asset-finance product may finance you to buy a laptop or refrigerator. That does not automatically mean the bank will give you cash against a laptop or refrigerator that you already own.
Some specialist businesses advertise “loans on items,” but their eligibility rules, valuations and accepted items can vary.
Kenya’s MPSR framework allows movable property to be used as collateral, but the existence of the registry does not mean every lender accepts every type of household item.
How Much Can You Borrow Against an Item?
There is no universal percentage.
The amount may depend on:
- The item’s current market value
- Age of the item
- Condition
- Proof of ownership
- Availability of receipts
- Brand and model
- Demand for the item
- Ease of resale
- Your ability to repay
- The lender’s internal valuation policy
For example, a brand-new commercial machine may be treated very differently from an older household television.
This is one reason borrowers should not assume that an item worth KES 100,000 automatically qualifies for a KES 100,000 loan.
What Documents May Be Required?
Requirements vary, but you may be asked for:
- Kenyan national ID
- KRA PIN
- Proof of income
- Bank or M-Pesa statements
- Proof of ownership
- Original purchase receipt
- Pro-forma invoice
- Valuation report
- Business registration documents
- Vehicle logbook where applicable
- Insurance documents
- Passport photographs
For example, Co-operative Bank lists identification documents, invoices/importation documents and KRA PIN among its asset-finance requirements.
Stanbic similarly lists identification, PIN certificates, payslips, bank statements and a supplier’s pro-forma invoice for relevant individual applications.
Important: Understand the Difference Between a Loan and Asset Financing
Suppose you want to purchase a KES 100,000 laptop.
Option A — Asset financing
A lender helps finance the purchase of the laptop.
You then repay the lender according to the agreed schedule.
Option B — Loan against an existing laptop
You already own a laptop and use it as security for a cash loan.
These are fundamentally different arrangements.
Before applying, ask the lender:
“Do you finance the purchase of the item, or do you give cash against an item I already own?”
That single question can prevent considerable confusion.
What About Using Household Items as Collateral?
Kenya’s movable-property system provides a legal framework for using movable property as security.
The BRS says the MPSR Registry is the official government register of security rights in movable property and was established under the Movable Property Security Rights Act, 2017.
Movable property can include various physical assets.
However, a lender still decides which assets it is prepared to accept.
A recent report on Kenya’s SACCO sector also noted that household assets such as televisions and refrigerators have historically been used as collateral, although their use had declined because of difficulties in valuing and selling such assets.
Things to Check Before Taking a Loan on an Item
1. Total repayment
Don’t look only at the amount you receive.
Calculate:
Principal + interest + processing fees + valuation fees + insurance + other charges = total cost
2. What happens if you default?
Ask whether the lender can:
- Take possession of the item
- Sell the item
- Repossess a vehicle
- Register a security interest
- Charge additional penalties
Get the answer in writing.
3. Is the item valued fairly?
If you are borrowing against an existing item, ask:
“What value are you placing on my item, and how was that value determined?”
4. Are there upfront fees?
Be cautious when someone demands a large “release fee,” “activation fee” or “insurance fee” before supposedly disbursing a loan.
Verify the lender and its terms independently before sending money.
5. Read the agreement
Do not rely solely on a WhatsApp conversation or verbal promise.
The written agreement should clearly state:
- Amount borrowed
- Interest
- Fees
- Repayment dates
- Security/collateral
- Default consequences
- Repossession provisions
- Early repayment terms
Why Asset Financing Is Becoming More Important in Kenya
Kenya’s lending market has been seeing increased financing for consumer durables.
According to a September 2026 Business Daily report, bank lending for consumer durables—including vehicles, household appliances, furniture, electronics and computing equipment—had reached KES 502.2 billion in June 2026, up 9.8% from a year earlier. The report said much of this lending was structured through asset financing.
This shows why borrowers looking for financing for an actual item should not limit their search to conventional mobile loan apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a loan using my TV as collateral in Nairobi?
Potentially, but only from lenders that specifically accept televisions or similar household goods as security. Do not assume that every bank or digital lender accepts TVs.
Can I get a loan against my laptop?
Some lenders or item-financing businesses may accept electronics, but eligibility and valuation policies differ. Confirm whether the lender offers cash against an existing laptop rather than financing the purchase of a new laptop.
Which lenders finance phones?
Watu finances smartphones in Kenya, while Aspira provides consumer-product financing that includes mobile phones. Some SACCO asset-finance products also cover phones.
Can I finance furniture?
Yes. Some product-financing and SACCO arrangements include furniture. Aspira lists furniture and homewares among its financed categories, while BAT Regulated NWDT SACCO lists furniture among its asset-finance partnerships.
Can I use a car to get a loan in Nairobi?
Vehicle-backed financing and logbook loans are available from various providers, subject to eligibility, valuation and repayment requirements.
Are loans on items available without collateral?
Asset financing itself is generally connected to the asset being financed, while BNPL products may use different contractual structures. Always ask the provider what security is required.
Is a loan on an item better than a mobile loan?
They are different products. An item-backed facility may allow access to more substantial financing, but it can also put the asset at risk if repayments are not made. Compare the total cost and consequences of default before choosing.
Final Thoughts
There are several ways to obtain financing for items in Nairobi in October 2026, ranging from bank asset finance and SACCO financing to BNPL arrangements, smartphone/motorcycle financing and specialist logbook or item-backed lenders.
For expensive assets such as vehicles, machinery and business equipment, established asset-finance products from banks may be relevant. For consumer products such as phones, appliances and furniture, product-financing and instalment arrangements may be more appropriate.
The most important thing is to establish exactly what is being financed, whether your existing item is collateral, the total repayment cost and what happens if you fail to repay.
Because lender terms can change, readers should verify current rates, fees, eligibility, licensing status and physical-office details directly with the provider before signing any agreement.