Updated 16 October 2026
You can open M-Shwari in under a minute from your phone. You need a registered Safaricom line with M-Pesa.
Steps to activate
- Make sure your M-Pesa menu is up to date. On the SIM toolkit, go to M-Pesa, My Account, Update Menu.
- Open M-Pesa, Loans and Savings, M-Shwari.
- Choose Activate and accept the terms and conditions.
- Wait for the SMS confirming your account is open.
You can also find M-Shwari in the M-Pesa app under loans and savings.
Getting a loan
Your loan limit is not available on day one for everyone. It builds as you use M-Shwari and other Safaricom services. Loans start from KSh 1,000.
- Go to M-Shwari, Loan.
- Check your limit.
- Request an amount and enter your PIN.
Each loan has a 7.5% fee plus 1.5% excise duty and is due in 30 days.
M-Shwari loan calculatorBased on Safaricom's published M-Shwari pricing: 7.5% facilitation fee plus 1.5% excise duty deducted from the amount sent to M-Pesa. Repay within 30 days.
Building your limit
- Save regularly into M-Shwari, even small amounts.
- Repay loans on time or early.
- Keep using M-Pesa, calls and data on the line.
Read the full M-Shwari guide and the M-Shwari charges.
