Fuliza Charges Kenya 2026 - The Real Cost of Borrowing on M-Pesa
MGLSHub
MGLSHub Editorial Team
Adhiambo Fuliza'd KES 500 on a Monday to buy groceries. She forgot about it for two weeks. When she finally repaid, she had paid KES 5 access fee plus KES 6 per day for 14 days, totalling KES 89 in charges on a KES 500 loan. That is an effective annual rate of over 400%. This guide shows you exactly what Fuliza costs before you borrow.
How Fuliza Charges Work
Fuliza charges two types of fees. The first is a one-time access fee of 1% of the amount borrowed, charged immediately when you use Fuliza. The second is a daily maintenance fee charged every day until you repay the full amount. The daily fee varies by the amount borrowed.
For Fuliza amounts up to KES 1,000, the daily maintenance fee is waived for the first three days. This means if you borrow KES 500 and repay within three days, you only pay the 1% access fee of KES 5. This grace period does not apply to amounts above KES 1,000.
Fuliza Charges Table 2026
| Amount (KES) | Access Fee (1%) | Daily Fee (KES) | Cost After 7 Days | Cost After 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 100 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 101 to 500 | 2.50 | 3 | 23.50 | 92.50 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 5 | 6 | 47 | 185 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 | 10 | 9 | 73 | 280 |
| 1,501 to 2,500 | 17.50 | 15 | 122.50 | 467.50 |
| 2,501 to 4,000 | 25 | 22 | 179 | 685 |
| 4,001 to 6,000 | 40 | 30 | 250 | 940 |
| 6,001 to 10,000 | 60 | 45 | 375 | 1,410 |
| 10,001 to 20,000 | 100 | 75 | 625 | 2,350 |
| 20,001 to 70,000 | 200 | 120 | 1,040 | 3,800 |
"Fuliza effective annual interest rate on a KES 500 loan repaid after 7 days is approximately 416%. This makes it one of the most expensive forms of short-term credit in Kenya when not repaid quickly." LinkedIn Finance Analysis, Sidney Essendi, January 2025.
Related Guides Worth Reading
Fuliza is one of several M-Pesa services with charges that catch people off guard. Our M-Pesa charges 2026 guide covers all send money, withdrawal, Paybill, and Buy Goods fees in a single table so you always know what any M-Pesa transaction costs before you confirm it.
If you are struggling with Fuliza debt, understanding your full monthly budget is the first step. Our cost of living Nairobi 2026 guide breaks down realistic monthly expenses for different income levels.
Conclusion - Fuliza Is a Tool, Not a Lifestyle
Fuliza works perfectly when used for genuine short-term emergencies and repaid within days. It becomes a financial trap when used repeatedly for daily expenses. Know the charges before you borrow. Repay in full before spending incoming money. Use the MGLSHub M-Pesa calculator to see exactly what any Fuliza amount will cost you by day.
Fuliza Cost Calculator Kenya
Enter overdraft amount and days. See the true total cost of your Fuliza including access fee and daily charges.