In a digital first economy where cash flow can make or break a business, liquidity access is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity. For Kenya’s over 7.4 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), delayed payments and fluctuating revenue streams pose serious operational risks. That’s where Fuliza Biashara, Safaricom and KCB’s overdraft facility for merchants, comes in offering a vital safety net when M-PESA wallet balances run dry.
Launched in response to the evolving needs of business owners using Lipa na M-PESA tills, Fuliza Biashara leverages the power of real-time mobile finance to fill liquidity gaps instantly. But is it worth it for small businesses? Let’s take a deep dive.
What is Fuliza Biashara?
Fuliza Biashara is an M-PESA overdraft service tailored for registered merchants using Lipa na M-PESA tills. Offered by Safaricom in partnership with KCB Bank Kenya, the service enables businesses to continue transacting paying suppliers, withdrawing funds, or transferring money even when their till has insufficient funds.
Unlike consumer-oriented overdrafts like the original Fuliza for individuals, Fuliza Biashara focuses exclusively on business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) transactions through M-PESA Business wallets.
Any Facility granted must be repaid in full within thirty (30), ninety (90), one-eighty (180) or three hundred sixty-five (365) days, as applicable, from the date when the Facility was first granted (the first draw down date).
You will not qualify for any new or additional Facility where any facility remains outstanding beyond the period of the allocated tenor of thirty (30), ninety (90), one-eighty (180) or three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days or are in default of any of the Terms and Conditions of the Facility including these terms and Conditions.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Eligibility | Active Lipa na M-PESA merchant for 3+ months, 30-day active use. |
| Overdraft Limit | Based on business transaction history and credit score. |
| Tenor (Repayment Terms) | 30, 90, 180, or 365 days |
| Access Channels | M-PESA Business App, USSD |
| Permitted Transactions | Pay to Merchant, Paybill, Agent Withdrawal, Customer Transfer |
| Fees | 2% access fee + daily maintenance fee (ranging from KSh 12 to KSh 250) |
| Grace Period | 1-day grace period on maintenance fees |
| Credit Appraisal | Dynamic, based on business performance and repayment behavior |
Terms & Conditions
Before opting-in or registering for the Service, you should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions as they govern the access, use and operation of the Service. These Terms and Conditions are available on www.safaricom.co.ke and www.kcbgroup.com.
Where you are unable to read and understand these terms and conditions from an electronic device you are requested to collect a printed version from a Safaricom Shop.
Overdraw Limit
We may from time to time prescribe the minimum and maximum Facility you may be able to Request on the Service. Such limits will be communicated through SMS, our websites, www.safaricom.co.ke and www.kcbgroup.com or may obtained from any Safaricom Shop.
The Overdraw Limit is subject to review from time to time and we reserve the right to vary your Overdraw Limit without giving any reasons. We shall notify you of any variation to the Overdraw Limit and your continued use of the Service will constitute acceptance of your revised Overdraw Limit.
Where you have any outstanding Facility for more than the period of the allocated tenor (thirty (30), ninety (90), one hundred-eighty (180) and three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days), your right to use the Service and any un-utilized Overdraw limit will be suspended forthwith.
Pricing Breakdown
Fuliza Biashara charges
| Band | Tariff (KES) |
| 0-999 | 0 |
| 1,000 – 2,500 | 12 |
| 2,500 – 5,000 | 30 |
| 5,001 – 15,000 | 50 |
| 15,001 – 35,000 | 150 |
| 35,001 – 70,000 | 200 |
| 70,001 – 100,000 | 250 |
| 100,001 – 400,000 | 250 |
| Updated on 26 May 2025 |
|
Grace Period: 1 day
⚠️ Unlike traditional bank loans, interest isn’t charged in percentages but through flat daily fees, which could add up if not managed promptly.
Registering For the Service
To access Fuliza Biashara, a merchant must:
Upgrade their M-PESA account to a transacting till wallet, in accordance with the Lipa na M-PESA Terms and Conditions.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years old, have a registered M-PESA Account for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of your application to register for the Service and must have be 30-day active for a period of 3 months to be eligible for the service.
Register via USSD (*234#) or the M-PESA Business App.
Once opted in, users receive an SMS indicating their Overdraw Limit, determined by Safaricom and KCB’s credit scoring system.
Ease of Use:
Users can check limits, make manual repayments, or access mini-statements through the app or USSD, ensuring seamless control. The intuitive interface on the M-PESA Business App provides real-time tracking of usage and repayments.
Credit Scoring
The Overdraw Limit and continued approval of the Requests for a Facility will be determined by your credit score. Your credit score will be assessed based on various matters including the information obtained from your use of Safaricom Services, Fuliza, and the KCB M-PESA Service, and repayment history on your existing Overdraw Limit.
Events Of Default
An event of default occurs:
If there is reasonable apprehension that you are unable to pay your debts or we receive any notice that you have admitted any inability to pay your debts as they become due;
Where any Facility is due and unpaid within the period of the allocated tenor of thirty (30), ninety (90), one hundred-eighty (180) or three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days or more and where the M-PESA Account has been inactive for more than 30 to 90 days or the credit in the M-PESA Account are inadequate to meet the outstanding Facility
If any representations or statements or particulars made by you are found to be incorrect.
If you commit any breach or fail to observe, keep or perform any of the terms, conditions, covenants or provisions of any other agreement between us and yourself in respect of the Facility.
Consequences Of Default
At any time after an Event of Default has occurred which is continuing, KCB may, without prejudice to any other right or remedy granted to us under any law:
Terminate the Services in accordance with clause 23 below.
Declare that the Facility (inclusive all Fees or charges) and all other amounts outstanding under these Terms and Conditions is immediately due and payable, whereupon you shall be required to settle the Facility with immediate effect.
KCB may hold your available funds as collateral for any outstanding amounts under the Service.
KCB reserves the right of lien and may, without notice, set off any amount due from your savings, loan, or mobile accounts.
Submit information concerning the Event of Default to Credit Reference Bureaus as required under the Banking Act or any other regulatory body.
Take reasonable measures including engaging an independent debt-collection agency, to recover the amount in default.
Using the Facility
You may only utilize your Facility to complete the following transactions on your M-PESA Account (hereinafter “Permitted Transactions”) to the extent that funds available on your M-PESA Account would otherwise be inadequate to complete payment for the Permitted Transaction:
Pay to Merchant.
Pay to Paybill.
Withdraw to Client Nominated number.
Withdraw to Agent.
Send money to Customer
Safaricom may from time to time add or withdraw the Permitted Transactions.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
Instant Liquidity: Keeps businesses operational even with low till balances.
Digital-First: Fully integrated within M-PESA ecosystem.
Flexible Tenure: Options ranging from 30 to 365 days.
Dynamic Limits: Adjusts based on credit performance and business activity.
No Paperwork: Simple onboarding via USSD or App.
❌ Cons
Cost Accumulation: Daily fees can mount quickly if repayment is delayed.
Not Available to Aggregator-Owned Tills: Limits access for some merchants.
Limited Scope: Can only be used for M-PESA-related transactions.
Expert Verdicts
Category Rating (out of 5)
Affordability ⭐⭐⭐
Reliability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Innovation ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Usability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fuliza Biashara offers a well-designed safety net for small businesses navigating unpredictable cash flows. While the cost can add up with prolonged use, for those who manage their liquidity wisely, it’s an invaluable tool for continuity and growth.
Should You Use Fuliza Biashara?
If you’re a Kenyan SME owner managing daily payments via Lipa na M-PESA, Fuliza Biashara is worth considering. It’s ideal for businesses that:
Experience short-term cash flow gaps.
Want to avoid lost sales due to insufficient wallet balances.
Need an easily accessible, non-collateralized credit facility.
To enroll, visit the M-PESA Business App or dial *234#, and ensure your till meets the eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for Fuliza Biashara?
Only active M-PESA business till holders who have transacted for at least 3 months and are 30-day active.
How is the Fuliza Biashara overdraft limit calculated?
Limits are based on your transaction history, repayment behavior, and credit score.
What happens if I don’t repay within the facility term?
You may be reported to a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), your facility could be suspended, and Safaricom/KCB may initiate recovery measures.
Can I opt out of the service?
Yes, but only after clearing any outstanding overdraft and fees.
How is this different from personal Fuliza?
Fuliza Biashara is tailored for merchant tills and supports business-related transactions only, not personal M-PESA usage.
Key takeaway
In a mobile-first economy where downtime equals lost revenue, Fuliza Biashara gives entrepreneurs the buffer they need to keep operations running smoothly.
While not a replacement for long-term financing, it offers a smart, digital-first solution for bridging short-term gaps earning it a strong position in Kenya’s growing fintech ecosystem.
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