Safaricom Explains How Users Can Increase Their M-Shwari Loan Limit in 2026

Safaricom has explained how customers can qualify for a higher M-Shwari loan limit in 2026 after a user raised concerns about being denied a limit increase.

M-Shwari is a mobile savings and loan service offered through a partnership between Safaricom and NCBA Bank Kenya. While Safaricom provides access through M-PESA, NCBA manages the banking operations, including savings accounts and loan issuance.

The service allows users to save from as little as Ksh 1 and access loans starting from Ksh 1,000, depending on their credit profile.

Safaricom Explains How Users Can Increase Their M-Shwari Limit

The clarification came after a user identified as Wachera questioned why her M-Shwari limit was not increasing despite qualifying for higher limits elsewhere.

“I do not qualify for M-Shwari because I’m allegedly a higher credit risk to @SafaricomPLC than to @kcbgroup, where my limit keeps getting reviewed upward. Make it make sense!” she posted.

In response, Safaricom outlined key behaviours that influence a customer’s M-Shwari growth limit.

According to Safaricom, customers can grow their M-Shwari loan limit by:

• Paying Okoa Jahazi loans on time.
• Saving regularly on M-Shwari for at least 60 days.
• Transacting frequently on M-PESA.
• Continuously using Safaricom services such as voice and data.

“Please pay your Okoa Jahazi loan on time, save regularly on M-Shwari for at least sixty days, transact frequently on M-PESA, and continue using our products and services to grow the limit,” Safaricom stated.

Also Read: Safaricom Explains How to Qualify for Fuliza Limit Increase in 2026

Requirements to Qualify for an M-Shwari Loan

• To qualify for an M-Shwari loan, you must:
• Be an active M-PESA user for at least six months
• Save consistently on your M-Shwari account
• Have a registered Safaricom line and an active M-PESA account
• Possess a valid Kenyan ID, passport, or Alien ID

Loan limits are determined based on customer usage patterns and credit behaviour.

Loan Features

• Minimum loan: Ksh 1,000
• Maximum loan: Based on customer limit
• Loan facility fee: 7.5%
• Excise duty: 1.5% (charged on the facility fee)
• Total cost: 9% of the loan amount
• Repayment period: 30 days

Users can also earn interest of up to 6.3% per annum on savings, depending on their balance.

Also Read: Safaricom Launches Ziidi Trader, Enables Share Trading via M-PESA-How It Works

• How to Access the Loan

• • Go to the M-PESA menu
  • Select Loans and Savings
  • Choose M-Shwari
  • Select Loan
  • Enter amount
  • Enter your M-PESA PIN

The loan is credited instantly to your M-PESA account.

How to Activate M-Shwari

• First-time users can activate M-Shwari by:
• Going to the M-PESA menu
• Selecting “Activate” or “Wezesha”
• Choosing M-Shwari
• Accepting the Terms and Conditions

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Photo of Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. PHOTO/Safaricom