Halal Pesa is a groundbreaking mobile financing solution tailored for customers seeking Shariah-compliant financial services in Kenya. Launched through a strategic partnership between Safaricom’s M-PESA and Gulf African Bank, Halal Pesa offers interest-free digital financing guided by Islamic financial principles.
Unlike conventional loan products, Halal Pesa does not involve interest (riba). Instead, it operates under the Tawarruq model, which facilitates financing in a way that adheres to Islamic teachings. It is available to all M-PESA-registered users, making ethical financing more inclusive than ever.
What Makes Halal Pesa Unique?
This product was designed especially for Muslim customers who traditionally avoid bank loans or digital lending services that include interest a practice prohibited in Islam. By offering a Shariah-compliant facility, Halal Pesa fills a significant gap in the Kenyan financial ecosystem.
It’s important to note that Halal Pesa is currently a financing product only, and does not offer a savings feature.
How to Activate Halal Pesa on Your Phone
You can activate Halal Pesa in two simple ways, whether or not you have the M-PESA app.
Option 1: Using the M-PESA Super App
- Open the M-PESA Super App
- Navigate to the ‘Grow’ section
- Select Halal Pesa mini app
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register
If you don’t have the app yet, download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
*Option 2: Via USSD Code (334#)
- Dial
*334#on your Safaricom line - Choose Loans and Savings
- Select Halal Pesa
- Tap Register
- Carefully review and accept the terms and conditions
- Enter your M-PESA PIN
- You will receive a confirmation message from Halal Pesa upon successful registration
Halal Pesa Financing Limits
The amount you qualify for depends on your M-PESA usage history and repayment behavior.
- Minimum limit: Ksh 1,000
- Maximum for first-time users: Ksh 15,000
- Maximum for returning users: Up to Ksh 20,000
Your personal limit may vary based on your creditworthiness and transaction patterns on M-PESA.
How to Repay Your Halal Pesa Facility
Halal Pesa gives you the flexibility to repay your facility either partially or in full within 30 days.
If you do not complete repayment within this period, your facility will automatically be restructured for another 30 days, subject to a 5% profit rate on the principal not interest, in line with Islamic finance principles.
To Repay via the M-PESA App:
- Open the Halal Pesa mini app inside the M-PESA app
- Tap on Facility
- Choose Pay Facility
- Select the facility you wish to clear
- Choose between Full Payment or Partial Payment
- Enter your M-PESA PIN to confirm the transaction
*To Repay via USSD (334#):
- Dial
*334# - Select Loans and Savings > Halal Pesa
- Navigate to Pay Facility
- Select the outstanding facility
- Choose Full or Partial payment
- Enter the amount (if partial), followed by your M-PESA PIN to complete
Why Choose Halal Pesa?
- Fully compliant with Islamic banking principles
- No interest only pre-agreed profit margins
- Backed by a reputable Islamic financial institution (Gulf African Bank)
- Integrated with M-PESA for seamless access
- Flexible repayment terms with restructuring options
