IPesa Loan App Discontinued in Kenya: Why It Shut Down and 5 Best Alternatives for 2025

If you’ve been searching for the i-Pesa loan app recently, you may have noticed it’s no longer available on the Google Play Store. I came across this issue recently when I was trying to get some extra money at end month to pay bills. And just in case you want a quick solution to borrowing loans, here are 5 best alternatives to Ipesa in Kenya.

This has left many Kenyans wondering what happened to one of the popular mobile loan apps in Kenya. In this article, we’ll explain why i-Pesa was discontinued and share 5 best alternatives you can use in 2025.

What Happened to i-Pesa?

i-Pesa was once a go-to app for quick loans in Kenya. It allowed users to borrow small amounts of money directly to their phones via M-Pesa, making it a convenient option for emergencies. However, the app has now been discontinued, and here’s why:

1. Strict Regulations: The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been cracking down on digital loan apps to protect users from high-interest rates and unfair practices. Many apps, including i-Pesa, struggled to meet these new rules.
2. Tough Competition: The mobile lending apps in Kenya space is crowded. With so many instant loan apps available, i-Pesa may have lost its edge.
3. User Complaints: Some users reported issues like high-interest rates and poor customer service. These negative reviews likely hurt the app’s reputation.
4. Operational Challenges: Running a mobile loan app requires a lot of resources. i-Pesa may have faced technical or financial difficulties that led to its shutdown.

5 Best Alternatives to i-Pesa in 2025

If you’re looking for reliable online loan apps in Kenya, here are five great options:

1. Branch
   Branch is one of the most popular mobile loan apps in Kenya. It offers loans of up to KES 70,000 with flexible repayment terms. The app uses your phone data to determine your creditworthiness, making it easy to get approved.
2. Tala
   Tala is another trusted instant loan app. It provides loans ranging from KES 500 to KES 50,000. Tala analyzes your financial behavior to offer personalized loan options.
3. Okash
   Okash is a user-friendly digital loan app that offers short-term loans. You can borrow up to KES 50,000 and repay within 365 days.
4. Zenka
   Zenka is perfect for small loans. It offers up to KES 20,000 with a repayment period of 30 days. Plus, it helps you build your credit score over time.
5. M-Shwari
   M-Shwari is a well-known M-Pesa loan app by Safaricom and NCBA Bank. It offers loans from KES 100 to KES 50,000, making it a reliable choice for many Kenyans.

Tips for Choosing a Loan App

When picking a mobile lending app in Kenya, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the interest rates and repayment terms.
• Read user reviews to avoid scams or poor service.
• Only borrow what you can afford to repay.
• Look for apps that are licensed by the CBK.

Conclusion

While the i-Pesa loan app is no longer available, there are plenty of other best loan apps in Kenya to choose from. Whether you need a small emergency loan or a larger amount, apps like Branch, Tala, Okash, Zenka, and M-Shwari are great alternatives. Always borrow responsibly and compare options to find the best deal.

By using these mobile loan apps in Kenya, you can access quick and convenient loans without the hassle. Stay informed and make the most of the digital loan apps available in 2024!