eSolve Loans Kenya is one of the few USSD-based loan products in the country that allows borrowers to access instant cash without downloading a loan app. By simply dialing *833#, eligible users can register, apply, and receive loans directly to M-Pesa, making eSolve attractive to Kenyans using feature phones or those who prefer simple, data-free borrowing.
This article takes a deep, practical look at how eSolve loans work, who they are suitable for, how they compare with other USSD loans in Kenya, and what borrowers should be cautious about before dialing the code.
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| eSolve Kenya |
What Is eSolve Loans Kenya?
eSolve Loans Kenya is a digital credit product delivered entirely through USSD (*833#). There is no Android or iOS app at the moment. Everything—from registration to loan application and approval—is handled on your phone’s dial pad.
Loans are:
Disbursed via M-Pesa
Collateral-free
Short-term
Accessible nationwide
However, it is important to state clearly that eSolve is NOT a CBK-licensed digital lender, which places it in the same category as many non-bank USSD lenders operating outside the Digital Credit Providers (DCP) framework.
How to Apply for an eSolve Loan Using *833#
The eSolve borrowing process is designed to be simple and fast:
Step-by-Step Application Process
*Dial 833# on your Safaricom line
Register using your National ID details
Select Apply Loan
Choose your preferred loan amount
Accept the loan terms
Receive funds via M-Pesa upon approval
No smartphone, no internet, and no paperwork required.
eSolve Loan Amounts, Interest & Repayment
Loan Details at a Glance
Loan Amount: KSh 500 – KSh 100,000
Interest Rate: 0.5% per day
Repayment Period: 30 to 91 days
Collateral: Not required
Disbursement: Instant to M-Pesa
What Does 0.5% Per Day Mean?
While eSolve markets itself as fast and convenient, a 0.5% daily interest rate translates to roughly:
~15% per month
~180% per year (if annualized)
This makes eSolve expensive for long-term borrowing, but potentially manageable for very short-term emergencies if repaid quickly.
Who Can Qualify for eSolve Loans?
The requirements are similar to those of most digital lenders in Kenya:
Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID
Active Safaricom line
Working M-Pesa account
Regular mobile money activity
Ability to repay within the set period
Approval is automated and based on your mobile money usage and borrowing history.
Is eSolve Loans CBK Licensed?
No.
eSolve Loans Kenya is not listed among CBK-licensed Digital Credit Providers (DCPs).
What This Means for Borrowers
The product is legal to use, but
It is not regulated under CBK’s digital lending rules
Interest rates are not capped
Dispute resolution options are limited compared to licensed lenders
Borrowers should therefore exercise extra caution, especially with repayment timelines.
eSolve Loans vs Other USSD Loans in Kenya
USSD lending is popular in Kenya, especially among borrowers without smartphones. Below is a comparison of eSolve Loans with other well-known USSD-based credit options:
| Loan Product | USSD Code | Loan Limit | Interest / Cost | CBK Licensed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSolve Loans | *833# | KSh 500 – 100,000 | 0.5% per day | ❌ No | Short-term emergencies |
| KCB M-Pesa | *844# | Up to KSh 1M | ~2–9% per month | ✅ Yes | Salary & business loans |
| M-Shwari | *234# | Up to KSh 1M | ~7.5% per month | ✅ Yes | Savings-linked borrowing |
| Fuliza | *234# | Varies | Daily fee | ✅ Yes | Overdraft needs |
| Airtel Kash Loan | *222# | Low–Mid | Daily fees | ⚠️ Limited | Airtel users |
Key takeaway:
eSolve is easier to access than bank USSD loans but significantly more expensive and less regulated.
Advantages of eSolve Loans
Why some borrowers still use eSolve:
Works on any phone
No app downloads
Fast approval
No collateral
High possible loan ceiling (up to KSh 100,000)
Useful when bank loans are unavailable
Disadvantages & Risks to Consider
❌ Not CBK licensed
❌ High daily interest rate
❌ Short repayment window
❌ Limited public information about the lender
❌ Risk of debt cycle if rolled over
eSolve should not be used for long-term financial needs.
Customer Support & Contacts
For inquiries or assistance, eSolve provides email support:
Email: esolveloanskenya@esolve.co.ke
(Always keep screenshots of transactions and confirmations when dealing with USSD lenders.)
Smart Borrowing Advice for eSolve Users
Before dialing *833#, consider the following:
Borrow only what you can repay quickly
Avoid using eSolve to repay other loans
Compare with CBK-licensed options first
Repay early to reduce interest cost
Do not share your PIN or OTP with anyone
Final Verdict: Is eSolve Loans Kenya Worth It?
eSolve Loans Kenya fills an important gap by offering app-free, instant M-Pesa loans via USSD. For short-term emergencies and users without smartphones, it can be helpful.
However, the high daily interest rate and lack of CBK licensing mean it should be used carefully and sparingly.
If safety, lower cost, and long-term credit health matter to you, CBK-licensed lenders like KCB M-Pesa, M-Shwari, or bank-backed loan apps remain the better choice.
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