Stawika Loan App in Kenya: Fast Access to Emergency Cash

Expert Overview: What Is Stawika and How It Works

Stawika is a Kenyan fintech service by Stawika Capital Limited that offers quick, emergency loans via a mobile app and USSD code. The service, designed for Android users with active Safaricom M‑Pesa accounts, allows borrowing from Ksh 500 up to Ksh 50,000. Loan proceeds are usually credited to your M‑Pesa wallet within 5‑minute of application.

Loan approval is automated—Stawika assesses factors like your M‑Pesa history, smartphone usage, and CRB credit data to determine eligibility and loan limit .

Loan Terms, Fees & Rollover Policy

Loan Range: From Ksh 500 to Ksh 50,000 (some sources mention up to Ksh 70,000)
Interest Rate: Flat 21% per loan; APR can reach 100% or more with short-term borrowing and rollover situations
Repayment Duration: Typically, 21 to 90 days; many users repay within 30 days
Rollover/Extension Fee: Approximately 10% added if loan isn’t repaid on time.

This fee structure means borrowing repeatedly or missing repayment can significantly increase the total cost.

Eligibility & How to Borrow

You must:

Be at least 18 years old
Use an Android phone (iOS not supported)
Have an active Safaricom M‑Pesa account
Provide six months of M‑Pesa statement when requested
Maintain a clean CRB record.

Application Options:

Via the Android app:

Download from Google Play and register with your name, phone number, ID, and next-of-kin information.
Verify your number via OTP.
A loan limit is assigned within minutes.
Request a loan and the funds are sent to your M‑Pesa account almost immediately.

*Via USSD (872#):

Dial *872# on your Safaricom number.
Register or log in.
Check your available limit and apply if eligible.
Loan is credited to your M‑Pesa account upon approval.

How to Repay Your Loan

Repayment is quick and seamless through M‑Pesa PayBill number 830685:

Go to Lipa na M‑Pesa and select PayBill.
Enter business number 830685, account number as your mobile number.
Input the repayment amount, confirm with your PIN, and send.
You’ll receive confirmation messages from both M‑Pesa and Stawika.

How to Increase Your Loan Limit

Consistent positive behavior can lead to higher limits:

Always repay your loans on time, preferably early.
Keep the app installed and allow it to collect data.
Avoid deleting SMS notifications.
Maintain a clean CRB record and make frequent M‑Pesa transactions.

Who Should Use Stawika—and Who Should Avoid It

Ideal for:

Individuals needing short-term emergency cash quickly.
Self-employed or informal workers without formal banking access.
Android users with active M‑Pesa usage and clean CRB standing.

Not ideal for:

Borrowers needing long-term financing or larger sums.
Those who may delay repayments and incur high rollover fees.
Anyone seeking low-interest repayment options over longer periods.

Added Insights

Transparent but Costly: Although Stawika clearly states its flat interest fees, the effective APR can be very high, especially for short-term loans or if rollover occurs.
Mobile-Based Credit Scoring: Stawika leverages mobile data like call logs, SMS and transaction history to evaluate creditworthiness—opening access for users without traditional financial records.
No Hidden Fees: There are no onboarding or processing fees—just the flat interest and rollover charges if necessary.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Loan Amounts	Ksh 500 – 50,000 (up to Ksh 70,000)
Interest Rate	Flat 21% per loan
APR	Can exceed 100% depending on term
Repayment Term	21–90 days (commonly 30 days)
Rollover Fee	Approx. 10%
Application Method	Android app or *872# USSD
Eligibility	Android + Safaricom SIM + Clean M‑Pesa + CRB
Disbursement Time	Typically under 5 minutes
Repayment Method	M‑Pesa PayBill: 830685

Final Thoughts

Stawika offers an important service for Kenyans in need of fast, short-term funds. While the application process is smooth and disbursement is quick, the relatively high flat interest rates mean it’s best suited for urgent emergencies, not routine borrowing.

If you plan to borrow, keep repayments timely to avoid rollover fees, build your credit trust, and gradually increase your loan limit. Ensure you can afford repayment before applying.