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

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.