Fuliza Ya Pochi to Give Kenyan Small Traders Access to Short-Term Business Credit

Kenya’s informal traders finally have a financial safety net designed for their daily cash-flow struggles. Safaricom has rolled out Fuliza Ya Pochi, an unsecured overdraft service that gives micro-merchants instant access to credit through their Pochi La Biashara wallets, helping them avoid interruptions when money is tight.

Designed for Everyday Traders

Fuliza Ya Pochi specifically targets the backbone of Kenya’s informal economy, which includes kiosk owners, market vendors, Jua Kali artisans, and other small-scale entrepreneurs who already use Pochi La Biashara.

To qualify for Fuliza Ya Pochi, merchants must have actively operated their business wallets for at least six consecutive months. Credit limits are personalized and can reach up to KSh 70,000, calculated according to each trader’s transaction volumes and overall wallet activity.

Instant Access, Flexible Use

Unlike traditional loans, there is no lengthy application process for the Fuliza Ya Pochi. Merchants can activate the overdraft immediately by dialing *334# (selecting Option 8, then Option 4) or through the M-PESA Super App.

Once available, the credit can be used in multiple ways: purchasing stock via Lipa Na M-Pesa Tills, paying utility or distributor Paybills, or transferring money directly to customers. This versatility allows traders to keep operations moving without switching between different payment methods.

Automatic Repayments and Short Grace Period

One of Fuliza Ya Pochi’s strongest features is its fully automated repayment system. Every payment that enters the merchant’s Pochi wallet is automatically directed toward clearing the outstanding balance until the debt is fully settled.

Merchants also benefit from a 48-hour interest-free window after borrowing. After that period, a flat 1% access fee applies, keeping the cost structure simple and relatively low for short-term needs.

Keeping Businesses Open and Building Credit

The core advantage of Fuliza Ya Pochi is continuity. Traders no longer have to turn suppliers away or delay restocking because of temporary cash shortages. The automated repayment model removes the stress of managing deadlines and eliminates the need for manual transfers.

Beyond the immediate cash-flow relief, regular and responsible use of Fuliza Ya Pochi helps unbanked micro-merchants begin building a formal credit history, a step that could unlock larger borrowing limits in the future.