In a significant move set to revolutionize access to credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya, Safaricom PLC, in partnerships with digital lending innovator Pezesha Ltd, DTB, KCB,Sidian Bank, officially launched two groundbreaking loan products: Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi. Unveiled by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa on May 21, 2025, these new offerings are designed to provide much-needed financial lifelines, fostering growth and stability within the informal and formal business sectors.
The introduction of Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi underscores Safaricom’s commitment to leveraging its extensive M-Pesa ecosystem to drive financial inclusion and economic empowerment. These products cater specifically to businesses utilizing Safaricom’s M-Pesa Business Till and Pochi La Biashara services, respectively, offering convenient, affordable, and flexible credit solutions.
Taasi Till: Empowering Businesses Using M-Pesa Tills
What is Taasi Till?
Taasi Till is a short-term loan facility specifically tailored for small businesses that actively use M-Pesa Till Numbers to process customer payments. Recognizing the critical role these tills play in daily operations, Safaricom and Pezesha have designed Taasi Till to provide quick and accessible working capital, enabling businesses to manage cash flow fluctuations, seize opportunities, and sustain their operations.
Loan Limits and Flexible Repayment:
One of the key advantages of Taasi Till is its flexible loan range, accommodating a wide spectrum of business needs. Businesses can access loans starting from as low as KES 1,500 and going up to a substantial KES 250,000. This tiered approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their size or transaction volume, can find a suitable credit amount.
Adding to its appeal, Taasi Till offers highly flexible repayment schedules, recognizing the dynamic nature of small business income. Borrowers can choose from three convenient repayment periods: 7 days, 14 days, or 30 days. This flexibility allows businesses to align their loan repayments with their projected cash inflows, reducing the burden of rigid deadlines.
Competitive Interest Rates:
In a market often characterized by high-interest digital loans, Taasi Till stands out with its remarkably competitive interest rates. Safaricom and Pezesha have structured these rates to be affordable, promoting responsible borrowing and ensuring that the loans contribute positively to business growth rather than becoming a debt trap.
- 7-day loan: An attractive interest rate of 3.85%
- 14-day loan: A competitive interest rate of 4.71%
- 30-day loan: A manageable interest rate of 6.41%
These rates are designed to be transparent and accessible, allowing businesses to clearly understand the cost of borrowing upfront.
How to Apply for Taasi Till Loans:
The application process for Taasi Till loans is designed for maximum convenience, leveraging Safaricom’s established digital platforms. Businesses can apply through two primary channels:
- M-Pesa Business App: For smartphone users, the M-Pesa Business App provides an intuitive and seamless application experience. Businesses can navigate to the loans section, select Taasi Till, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete their application.
- USSD Code: *234#: For those without smartphone access or preferring a simpler method, the USSD code *234# offers a straightforward application process. By dialing this code and following the prompts, businesses can access and apply for Taasi Till loans directly from their nominated M-Pesa registered mobile number linked to their till.
Upon successful application and approval, the loan amount is disbursed directly into the business’s M-Pesa account, ensuring immediate access to funds.
How to Repay Taasi Till Loans:
Repaying Taasi Till loans is equally convenient. Borrowers can make their repayments via the dedicated M-Pesa Paybill number for Pezesha Ltd, which is 898927. This standardized Paybill ensures a consistent and reliable repayment channel. Additionally, businesses will receive clear instructions regarding repayment methods upon loan allocation, ensuring there is no ambiguity.
Taasi Pochi: Credit for Pochi La Biashara Users
What is Taasi Pochi?
Mirroring the success of Taasi Till, Taasi Pochi extends similar credit opportunities to small businesses and individual entrepreneurs utilizing Safaricom’s popular “Pochi La Biashara” service. Pochi La Biashara has been instrumental in formalizing small-scale transactions and empowering micro-businesses, and Taasi Pochi aims to further enhance this by providing essential working capital.
Loan Limits and Flexible Repayment:
Taasi Pochi loans offer a similar range to Taasi Till, from a minimum of KES 1,000 up to a maximum of KES 250,000. This ensures that even the smallest Pochi La Biashara users can access meaningful credit.
Just like Taasi Till, Taasi Pochi comes with flexible repayment options of 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days. This flexibility is crucial for businesses with varying income cycles, allowing them to choose a repayment period that best suits their financial rhythm.
Affordable Interest Rates:
Taasi Pochi maintains the same attractive and affordable interest rates as Taasi Till, emphasizing Safaricom and Pezesha’s commitment to responsible lending:
- 7-day loan: 3.85% interest
- 14-day loan: 4.71% interest
- 30-day loan: 6.41% interest
These consistent rates across both products highlight a standardized approach to providing accessible credit.
How to Apply for Taasi Pochi Loans:
Applying for Taasi Pochi is straightforward, utilizing familiar Safaricom digital platforms:
- M-Pesa Business App: Pochi La Biashara users can easily apply through the M-Pesa Business App by selecting the Taasi Pochi option and following the prompts.
- USSD Code: *334*8#: Alternatively, users can dial *334*8# and follow the prompts to complete their loan application.
Once approved, the loan amount is deposited directly into the business’s Pochi La Biashara wallet, providing immediate liquidity.
How to Repay Taasi Pochi Loans:
Repaying Taasi Pochi loans is facilitated through the same dedicated M-Pesa Paybill number for Pezesha Ltd: 898927. Users will also receive guidance on repayment methods upon loan allocation.
The Strategic Partnership: Safaricom and Pezesha Ltd.
The launch of Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi is a testament to the powerful synergy between Safaricom’s extensive M-Pesa network and Pezesha Ltd’s expertise in digital lending and credit scoring. This collaboration aims to bridge the significant financing gap often faced by MSMEs in Kenya, particularly those in the informal sector.
Pezesha brings to the table its robust credit assessment capabilities, leveraging data analytics to provide accurate and timely credit decisions. This partnership allows for the efficient and responsible disbursement of funds, minimizing risk while maximizing impact. By working together, Safaricom and Pezesha are not just providing loans; they are building a more inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers businesses to thrive.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, emphasized the transformative potential of these new loan products during the launch event. He highlighted that businesses are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. By increasing access to affordable and flexible credit, especially for entrepreneurs in the informal sector, Safaricom and Pezesha aim to unlock new opportunities for economic advancement and drive greater financial inclusivity.
The Taasi loans are more than just a source of funds; they represent a commitment to equipping Kenyan entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale their businesses, manage unforeseen expenses, and capitalize on growth opportunities. This initiative aligns with broader national goals of digitizing the economy and empowering the informal sector, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient Kenyan economy.
Eligibility and Key Considerations
To be eligible for Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi loans, businesses must have had active tills or Pochi wallets for more than six months. This requirement ensures that applicants have a demonstrated history of business activity through Safaricom’s platforms, allowing for better credit assessment.
It is important for potential borrowers to understand that while the loan limits are generous, the actual amount a business qualifies for will depend on their M-Pesa Till or Pochi La Biashara activity and overall credit assessment. Consistent and high transaction volumes can positively influence loan limits.
Customer Support for Taasi Loans
For any inquiries or assistance regarding Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi loans, Safaricom has established clear customer support channels:
- Dial 334: This is a general Safaricom customer care line.
- Dial 100: For prepaid customers Another primary Safaricom customer care number.
- Dial 200: For postpaid customers , Yet another option for reaching Safaricom customer support.
These dedicated lines ensure that businesses can easily access support, clarify doubts, and resolve any issues they may encounter during the application or repayment process.
The Future of Business Lending in Kenya
The launch of Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital lending in Kenya. By focusing on the specific needs of businesses utilizing M-Pesa Till and Pochi La Biashara, Safaricom and Pezesha are addressing a critical market gap. These products are set to empower countless small businesses, providing them with the necessary capital to grow, innovate, and contribute more meaningfully to Kenya’s vibrant economy. As more businesses embrace these accessible credit solutions, the ripple effect promises widespread economic benefits, fostering entrepreneurship and accelerating financial inclusion across the nation.
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