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Upstand Ventures Loans: Explore Details, Application For The USSD,SMS Loans Via M-pesa In Kenya

Access to quick mobile loans in Kenya has evolved beyond smartphone apps to USSD code and SMS-based lending that reaches everyone, including users of feature phones. One of these services is Upstand Ventures Loans, a lender that operates entirely through USSD (*436*77#) and SMS (43677), offering instant loans to both employed and non-employed individuals aged 18 years and above.

Upstand ventures loans Kenya
Upstand Ventures Loans 


While the service promises convenience, speed, and digital access, the key question remains:

✅ Is Upstand Ventures Loans legit?

⚠️ Upstand Ventures Loans is NOT listed among CBK-licensed digital loan apps or lenders.
Since it is not licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), borrowers should proceed with caution, verify terms independently, and avoid over-borrowing.

Despite this, many Kenyans still use such services due to their speed and ease — but understanding the features, risks, and alternatives is essential.

Upstand Ventures Loans Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Upstand Ventures allows anyone with a Kenyan Safaricom SIM card and access to M-pesa to apply for a loan using either a smartphone or a feature phone.

1️⃣ Apply using USSD

  • Dial: *436*77#

  • Follow the prompts to register and request a loan

  • Submit application 100% via mobile menu

2️⃣ Apply using SMS

  • Open your SMS app

  • Send the word: LOAN to 43677

  • You will receive automated loan prompts to proceed

3️⃣ Loan Approval

  • System reviews your eligibility digitally

  • Approval is often timely, especially for small loan limits

4️⃣ Disbursement

  • Once approved, money is sent directly via M-pesa

  • No bank transfer and no paperwork

  • Loans are disbursed from the Upstand ventures loan M-pesa Paybill to your mobile number

5️⃣ Repayment

  • Repayment instructions are sent via SMS/USSD

  • Payment is also made through M-pesa

✅ Entire process works on any phone, anytime
❌ You should verify repayment schedule before borrowing

Loan Features

Feature Details
Availability USSD & SMS (No app needed)
Target Group Employed & non-employed Kenyans
Age Limit 18 years and above
Phones Supported Smartphone & feature phone
Disbursement M-pesa
Mode 100% online, no paperwork
Security No guarantors required
Approval Time Fast and timely
Accessibility National coverage

Upstand Ventures Loan Requirements

To qualify for this loan service, a borrower must meet the following basic conditions:

1️⃣ Must be a Kenyan citizen or resident
2️⃣ Must be 18 years or older
3️⃣ Must have an active Safaricom M-pesa account
4️⃣ Must own a phone that supports SMS or USSD
5️⃣ Must have an active network-registered SIM
6️⃣ Must dial *436*77# or SMS LOAN to 43677`
7️⃣ Must agree to digital lending terms sent via SMS/USSD

✅ No documents, guarantors, or physical forms required
⚠️ Eligibility logic is lender-defined and not publicly verifiable

Pros & Cons of Upstand Ventures Loans

✅ Pros (Advantages)

✔️ Timely loan approvals
✔️ Quick disbursement through M-pesa
✔️ No paperwork or documentation
✔️ 100% online process
✔️ Works on smartphones & feature phones
✔️ No guarantors required
✔️ No bank account needed
✔️ Instant accessibility

❌ Cons (Risks & Disadvantages)

❌ Not CBK licensed
❌ Very high interest rates
❌ Short repayment periods, creating rollover pressure
❌ No regulatory oversight for dispute resolution
❌ Can encourage digital debt traps if misused

Upstand Ventures Loans vs Other USSD/SMS Loans in Kenya (Comparison Table)

Loan Service Platform CBK Licensed? Disbursement Target Users Interest Level Paperwork Guarantors
Upstand Ventures USSD & SMS (43677# / 43677) ❌ No M-pesa 18+, Employed & non-employed ⚠️ High ❌ None ❌ Not required
Fuliza M-pesa overdraft ✅ Yes Stored in M-pesa Paybill M-pesa users ⚠️ Medium charges ❌ No ❌ No
M-Shwari App + USSD ✅ Yes M-pesa 18+, savings-linked users ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
KCB M-Pesa App + USSD (*522#) ✅ Yes M-pesa 18+, credit profiled users ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
NCBA Loop Funds (via M-Shwari) USSD + App ✅ Yes M-pesa/Loop 18+, salaried and profiled ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
Zenka App + SMS-linked reminders ✅ Yes M-pesa 18+, self-employed, employed ⚠️ Medium-High ❌ No ❌ No
Timiza (ABSA) App + USSD (*848#) ✅ Yes Bank + M-pesa options 18+, employed, biz owners ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
OnFon USSD + SMS ❌ No Airtime only mainly / integrations vary Airtime borrowers ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
M-KOPA Credit App + USSD/SMS ❌ Not a digital loan app (device financing lender) Device financing / credit limit via M-KOPA wallet 18+, employed & biz owners ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
Equity’s Eazzy Loans App + USSD (*247#) ✅ Yes Bank + M-pesa 18+, customers ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
Co-op Bank M-Co-op Cash USSD (*667#) + App ✅ Yes Bank + M-pesa 18+, profiled ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
Airtel’s Kopa Cash USSD (*334#) ❌ No Airtime + mobile wallet Telecom users ⚠️ Medium ❌ No ❌ No
M-tiba Micro-loans USSD/SMS health wallet ✅ Yes (under regulatory health finance frameworks) M-tiba wallet 18+, health savings users ⚠️ Low-Medium ❌ No ❌ No

Important Notes from the Comparison

  • Most mainstream USSD/SMS lenders (Fuliza, M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa, Timiza, Equity, Co-op) are licensed and regulated ✅

  • Upstand Ventures Loans is not licensed ❌, meaning there is no CBK oversight

  • Licensed options typically have more predictable interest/fee structures

  • Unlicensed options may be fast but carry higher financial and regulatory risk

Borrow Carefully, Guard Your Financial Destiny

Upstand Ventures Loans offers speed and convenience that many Kenyans desire. However, borrowers must remember:

⚠️ Because this lender is not licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), it should be handled with care.
This means:

  • Verify interest rates before accepting a loan

  • Avoid borrowing more than you can repay in a short time

  • Use it ONLY for emergencies, not lifestyle funding

  • Prioritize licensed alternatives for long-term financial safety

Digital lending can empower you — or trap you. Choose wisdom before convenience.

📌 If you are considering a USSD or SMS loan in Kenya, always start with CBK-licensed lenders first.
📌 If it’s not licensed, treat it like unsecured territory — helpful but risky.

Guard your peace, guard your purpose, guard your pocket.


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Location: Nairobi, Kenya

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