Updated 20 October 2026
The Hustler Fund is a government loan and savings product launched in November 2022 to give individuals and small businesses access to affordable credit on their phones. You opt in through a USSD code, borrow small amounts and repay within a short period. Part of each loan goes into savings. This guide explains how to opt in, borrow and repay, how the savings work and what affects your limit, with a calculator to estimate repayment.
How to Opt In
- Dial *254# on a line registered in your name with Safaricom, Airtel or Telkom.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Set or confirm your PIN as prompted.
- Your limit is shown once you are registered.
How to Borrow
- Dial *254# and choose the personal loan option.
- Enter an amount within your limit.
- Confirm. The money is sent to your mobile money wallet, with a portion moved to savings.
Loan Cost and Repayment
The personal loan costs 8% a year, worked out daily, for the first 14 days. If you have not repaid by day 14, the Hustler Fund says the rate rises to 9.5% a year, still worked out daily, until you clear the loan. Use the calculator to estimate what you will repay.
How the Savings Work
When you borrow, 95% of the loan is sent to your mobile money wallet and 5% is moved into savings. Of that 5%, 70% goes to a long-term pension account and 30% to short-term savings. This is designed to help borrowers build savings over time.
How to Repay
- Dial *254#, choose Repay Loan, then pick full or partial repayment. You can also repay from the Hustler Fund mini-app in your mobile money app.
- Enter the amount and confirm with your PIN.
Repaying on time can increase your limit. Paying late raises the interest rate and can reduce your limit or stop you borrowing. Keep an eye on your wider credit record with our guide to checking CRB status.
Using the Hustler Fund Wisely
Because the repayment period is short, the Hustler Fund suits quick needs that you can pay back from income arriving within two weeks, such as buying stock you will sell quickly. Avoid using it to repay other loans or to cover regular household costs every month, which can lead to a cycle of borrowing. Borrow only what you have a clear plan to repay, and repay early if you can.
How Much You Can Borrow
The personal loan ranges from KSh 100 to KSh 50,000. New borrowers start with a small limit, and the limit is reviewed based on how you borrow and repay. You can borrow any amount within your limit.
What a Loan Actually Costs
Because interest is worked out daily, the cost is small if you repay quickly. On a KSh 1,000 loan at 8% a year, one day’s interest is about KSh 0.22, so repaying after 14 days costs about KSh 3 in interest. Remember that only KSh 950 reaches your wallet, because KSh 50 goes to savings, but you repay the full KSh 1,000 plus interest. That 5% is still your money: it sits in your savings, not with the lender.
| Loan | Sent to wallet (95%) | Saved (5%) | Approximate interest for 14 days at 8% a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSh 1,000 | KSh 950 | KSh 50 | About KSh 3 |
| KSh 5,000 | KSh 4,750 | KSh 250 | About KSh 15 |
| KSh 20,000 | KSh 19,000 | KSh 1,000 | About KSh 61 |
Checking Your Savings and Pension
Dial *254# and open the savings option to see your short-term savings and long-term pension balances. The long-term savings are meant for retirement, so they are not withdrawn like an ordinary wallet balance. Short-term savings build up with each loan you take.
Which Networks Work
The Hustler Fund runs on Safaricom M-Pesa, Airtel Money and Telkom T-Kash. The line must be registered in your own name with your national ID, because the fund uses those details to check your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hustler Fund USSD code?
*254#.
How long do I have to repay?
The personal loan is designed to be repaid within 14 days.
Why is part of my loan deducted?
5% goes to your savings, not a fee.
How do I increase my limit?
Repay on time and borrow responsibly.
What is the Hustler Fund interest rate after 14 days?
It rises from 8% to 9.5% a year, worked out daily, until the loan is repaid.
What is the maximum Hustler Fund personal loan?
KSh 50,000. Most borrowers start lower and grow their limit by repaying on time.
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