Timiza Loan App Review (2026)
Bank-backed app for loans, airtime and more. Here’s our full review of Timiza — loan limits, what it costs, the requirements, how to apply, and how it stacks up against the alternatives.
Loan limit
KES 100–150,000
Interest
~facilitation + interest — verify
Speed
Instant
CRB
Checks CRB
What is Timiza?
Timiza is a mobile lending service in Kenya operated by Absa Bank Kenya. Bank-backed app for loans, airtime and more. It’s designed for quick, small-to-medium loans disbursed straight to M-Pesa, with no separate app to install — you qualify from your phone based on your details and history.
Timiza loan limits
Loan amounts typically run from about KES 100 to KES 150,000. Like every lender here, Timiza starts you on a small limit and raises it as you borrow and repay on time — so consistent, early repayment is the fastest way to unlock bigger loans.
Interest and fees
Timiza charges around ~facilitation + interest — verify, with no upfront registration fee. As with all app loans, interest is charged per short term rather than per year — so the effective cost is high if you repay late. Borrow only what you can clear by the due date.
Requirements
- Kenyan ID
- Timiza app or *848#
- M-Pesa number
How to apply for Timiza
- Open your M-Pesa menu (or dial the relevant USSD code) and select Timiza.
- Activate the service and accept the terms if it’s your first time.
- Choose your amount and confirm — approval is instant based on your history.
- The funds reflect in your M-Pesa immediately.
Repayment and defaulting
Repay Timiza through M-Pesa by the due date to keep your limit growing and your costs down. Because Timiza reports to CRB, missing payments can get you listed and hurt your ability to borrow elsewhere. If you’re struggling, borrow less next time rather than rolling over debt.
Timiza pros and cons
Pros
- Bank-backed (Absa)
- Multi-service app
Cons
- Reports to CRB
- Verify current pricing
Is Timiza safe?
Timiza is run by Absa Bank Kenya. The golden rule in Kenya: a legitimate lender never asks for an upfront payment before releasing your loan. Timiza deducts nothing before disbursing. Only ever download the official app, and if anything asks for a “registration” or “processing” fee first, it’s a scam — see our guide to legit loan apps in Kenya.
Timiza vs the alternatives
| App | Loan limit (KES) | Interest / fees | Speed | CRB? | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timizano app | 100 – 150K | ~facilitation + interest — verify | Instant | Checks CRB | 4.3(7,992) | Access via M-Pesa / USSD |
| Tala | 500 – 50K | ~5–15% / month (by term) | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.5(458,957) | Get Tala |
| Branch | 250 – 70K | ~1.7–17.6% / month | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.5(3,498,682) | Get Branch |
| Zenka | 500 – 30K | ~9–29% facilitation (by term) | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.2(147,405) | Get Zenka |
Timiza compared with popular alternatives. Indicative figures — confirm current terms in each app.
KenyaLoanApps is an independent comparison site — we are not a lender and don’t issue loans. Some “Get app” links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no cost to you; this never affects our rankings or the figures shown. Loan terms change often — always confirm current details in the app. See our full disclosure.
Prefer to see the full field? Read our ranked list of the best loan apps in Kenya, or if you’re listed on CRB, the loan apps without CRB.
Timiza — FAQ
Is Timiza legit in Kenya?
Timiza is operated by Absa Bank Kenya. Genuine lenders never ask for an upfront fee before disbursing — Timiza deducts nothing before your loan lands. Always download only the official app and confirm it is a licensed digital lender.
How much can I borrow on Timiza?
Loan limits typically range from about KES 100 to KES 150,000. You start small and your limit grows as you borrow and repay on time.
Does Timiza check CRB?
Yes — Timiza checks and reports to CRB, so repaying late can affect your credit record. If you’re listed, see our loan apps without CRB page.
How fast does Timiza disburse?
Approved funds are typically sent to M-Pesa in instant.
What are the requirements for Timiza?
You’ll generally need: Kenyan ID, Timiza app or *848#, M-Pesa number.