Safaricom explains steps to take for quick review of M-PESA Fuliza limit
By Faith Lagat, June 16, 2026Safaricom has explained the process of reviewing the Fuliza limits after a series of concerns online, with some customers saying that they are still not allowed to access the overdraft facility.
Safaricom explained while responding to a customer query on X on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after user @Souljahjnr7 expressed frustration over a zero Fuliza limit.
The user posted: “Aaaai @SafaricomPLC fuliza limit sirooo.”
The customer’s remarks prompted the telecom firm to advise further assistance through direct messaging.
The telecom said users should dial *334#, navigate to Fuliza M-PESA, and select the “Refresh My Limit” option to trigger a quick review of their Fuliza limit.
“Jambo @Souljahjnr7, dial *334# > Fuliza M-PESA > Refresh My Limit for a quick review of your Fuliza limit,” Safaricom replied to the user in an X post.
Fuliza is an overdraft service integrated into Safaricom PLC’s M-PESA and offered in partnership with KCB Bank and NCBA Bank, allowing registered M-PESA users to complete transactions such as sending money, paying bills, buying goods, or withdrawing cash even when their balance is insufficient by providing a short-term instant credit facility.
Users must have an active Safaricom line registered for M-PESA, with limits determined by transaction history, usage patterns, and repayment behaviour, where new users often start with low or zero limits that increase over time.
How to activate Fuliza
Activation is done via USSD by dialing *334# and opting into Fuliza M-PESA, after which it operates automatically during transactions when funds are insufficient.
Borrowing limits can reach up to about Ksh70,000 depending on eligibility, and users can check or refresh their limit through the same USSD menu.
Charges typically include a one-time access fee, daily maintenance fees based on the amount borrowed, and applicable excise duty, with repayment automatically deducted once funds are deposited into the M-PESA account.
Strong growth in Fuliza usage
Launched in 2019 in partnership with NCBA and KCB Bank, Fuliza has expanded rapidly to become Safaricom’s leading credit product. In the financial year ended March 2026, disbursements rose 49.3 per cent to Ksh1.47 trillion, while repayments increased 49.2 per cent to Ksh1.4873 trillion, reflecting strong turnover within the system.
Revenue from Fuliza grew 46 per cent to Ksh6 billion, supported by a sharp rise in users to 17.7 million from 7.9 million the previous year. Despite this growth, the average loan size declined by 9.7 per cent to about Ksh217.9, indicating broader use for smaller daily transactions among customers.
Other Safaricom credit products also recorded movement, with M-Shwari disbursing Ksh95.1 billion and KCB M-PESA rising 30.3 per cent to Ksh73.8 billion. Newer services such as Pochi and merchant term loans continued gradual expansion from lower bases.
Economic Pressures Drive Dependence on Short-Term Credit
The growth of Fuliza aligns with rising demand for digital credit in Kenya amid cost-of-living pressures. In the six months to November 2025, total digital borrowing reached Ksh629.2 billion, reflecting increased reliance on short-term loans for transport, food, and business cash flow needs.
Safaricom reported a net profit of Ksh99.7 billion in FY2026, up 67.3 per cent, with service revenue reaching Ksh414.1 billion. CEO Peter Ndegwa stated: “Safaricom has always been about purpose… We bring our purpose to life through accessible products and services.”
While Fuliza continues to offer financial convenience, only about 17.8 per cent of Safaricom’s active customers use the service. Users experiencing zero or reduced limits are advised to check repayment history or use the *334# USSD option for review, with customer support available for further assistance.