Safaricom Turns Pochi Transactions Into Credit Access for Small Businesses
Safaricom is increasingly leveraging transaction data from Pochi la Biashara to expand access to working capital for Kenya’s small traders, as new research highlights the growing demand for credit among women micro-entrepreneurs.
A report released by the GSMA, IDinsight and YUX shows that access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges facing women running informal businesses, despite the rapid growth of digital payments across the country.
The study found that many women traders struggle to secure loans from traditional financial institutions due to lack of formal records, collateral requirements and limited banking history.
To respond to this gap, Safaricom introduced the Taasi loan feature within Pochi la Biashara, allowing merchants to access working capital linked directly to their business activity on the platform.
Researchers noted that integrating credit into daily merchant transactions is helping create a more accessible financing pathway for small traders who have historically been excluded from formal lending systems.
Launched in 2020, Pochi la Biashara enables traders to receive payments through a dedicated M-PESA wallet while separating personal and business money. The platform also offers non-reversible customer payments, mini-statements, savings and investment tools, airtime commissions and business tracking features.
The report indicates that women entrepreneurs have increasingly embraced the platform because of its ability to improve financial management and provide greater control over business income.
According to the findings, active women users of Pochi la Biashara grew by approximately 92 percent between December 2024 and December 2025, compared to 78 percent growth among men. Women now account for more than 52 percent of active users, representing over 900,000 merchants.
Many users also reported positive business outcomes after adopting the platform. About 35.6 percent of new users said they were saving more money, while 24.2 percent reported increased sales.
One woman trader from Kajiado County said the platform had improved her confidence and control over her business finances.
“Pochi makes me feel like the CEO of my business. I’m in control, I track my money, and I’m able to support my family.”
The rapid uptake has also translated into commercial gains for Safaricom. The report shows that Pochi la Biashara generated KSh1.68 billion in revenue during the first half of fiscal year 2026, while total accounts rose by 72.6 percent year-on-year to approximately 1.5 million accounts.
The study, which surveyed 1,992 women micro-entrepreneurs across Nairobi, Murang’a and Kajiado counties, further found that peer recommendations and physical onboarding remain important in encouraging adoption and sustained use of digital financial services.