- Safaricom published the complete fee schedule and terms governing Fuliza Pochi La Biashara, the new overdraft facility for small traders
- The facility charges a 1% interest fee plus daily maintenance costs of up to KSh 30, kicking in after a 48-hour grace period
- Merchants who default face CRB listing, suspension of the overdraft service, and recovery of funds from other wallets or accounts
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Safaricom released the full terms and conditions and fee schedule for Fuliza Pochi La Biashara.
Source: Twitter
This is the overdraft product for small business owners that was launched in Thika on 22 October 2026 through a partnership with Sidian Bank.
Safaricom Group CEO Peter Ndegwa described the product as a direct response to cash-flow challenges facing small traders.
"We are very excited as Safaricom to be launching Fuliza ya Pochi, which is a credit product for all our Pochi customers," he said at the launch event.
The terms and conditions document clarifies how the facility works, what it costs, and the consequences merchants face if they fall behind on repayments.
How the Fuliza Pochi works
More than one million Pochi La Biashara merchants who have held an active account for at least six months are eligible to apply.
Under the published terms, Sidian Bank extends the credit while Safaricom administers it through M-PESA channels.
Merchants can enrol via the Pochi Mini App on My OneApp or by dialling *334#, selecting option 8 for Pochi la Biashara, then option 1 to join, before accepting the terms and entering their M-PESA PIN.
Fuliza Pochi fees and interest charges
According to the terms and conditions, the cost structure combines a one-off 1 per cent interest charge on the amount drawn down with a tiered daily maintenance fee that begins after a 48-hour grace period.
Balances up to KSh 100 attract no daily charge, but amounts between KSh 2,501 and KSh 70,000 incur a daily fee of KSh 30, inclusive of 20 per cent excise duty.
All charges include VAT at the prevailing rate, and Safaricom reserves the right to revise fees with 30 days' notice.
Outstanding Balance (KSh) | Base Tariff (KSh) | 20% Excise Duty (KSh) | Total Daily Charge (KSh) |
0 – 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
101 – 500 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 3 |
501 – 1,000 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
1,001 – 1,500 | 18 | 3.6 | 21.6 |
1,501 – 2,500 | 20 | 4 | 24 |
2,501 – 70,000 | 25 | 5 | 30 |
Source: Safaricom and Sidian Bank, Schedule of Maintenance Fees for Fuliza Pochi La Biashara, October 2026
Fuliza Pochi repayment plan
Repayment is automatic. Incoming Pochi payments are applied first to interest and fees, then to the principal.
Merchants also authorise Safaricom and the financier to recover funds from any wallet or account registered in their name, not only the Pochi wallet used for the facility.
The full balance must be cleared within 30 calendar days from the first drawdown, and additional borrowing within that window does not restart the clock.
Defaulting on the facility carries serious consequences.
The financier can suspend the overdraft immediately, submit the merchant's details to Credit Reference Bureaus, and engage a debt-collection agency.
Recovery can extend to other accounts held by the merchant beyond the Pochi wallet.
How are credit limits set?
Credit limits are set individually based on each merchant's credit score, factoring in M-PESA and Pochi transaction history, repayment behaviour, and overall account activity.
Safaricom and Sidian Bank may adjust limits without providing reasons.
For merchants weighing whether to use the facility, the numbers are instructive. Holding a KSh 3,000 overdraft for the full 30-day term would cost KSh 840 in daily fees plus a KSh 30 one-off interest charge, on top of repaying the principal. Financial experts generally advise that such products are best suited to bridging short-term cash-flow gaps rather than serving as ongoing credit lines.
How to opt in to Fuliza Pochi
Eligible Pochi La Biashara merchants can opt into Safaricom’s Fuliza Pochi by dialling *334# on their registered phone number, selecting option 8 for Pochi La Biashara and option 1 for Join Pochi Fuliza.
They must accept the terms and conditions and enter their M-PESA PIN to confirm enrolment.
A confirmation message will indicate the credit limit assigned to the account.
The service is available to merchants who have maintained an active Pochi La Biashara account for at least six months, with a one-off 1% fee on the amount borrowed and repayment required within 30 days.
Source: TUKO.co.ke