NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 4 – As Kenya contends with economic headwinds, a new impact report by global measurement firm 60 Decibels reveals that access to digital loans is helping millions of Kenyans remain resilient.
Mobile lender Tala has emerged as a key player, with its credit services driving improvements in livelihoods, financial confidence, and business growth.
Commissioned by Tala, the report shows that 9 in 10 Kenyans report an improvement in their quality of life, while 89 percent say they feel more in control of their finances due to the availability of Tala loans.
The findings highlight how inclusive digital credit is not just meeting urgent financial needs but also enabling long-term empowerment among users.
The report further notes that small business owners, who make up nearly half of Tala’s customers, have seen significant gains, with 90 percent reporting business growth.
Many cited better profits, increased sales, and the ability to scale operations as a direct result of access to Tala’s microloans.
Speaking during the report launch, Annstella Mumbi, General Manager of Tala Kenya, said the findings validate the transformative power of responsible digital finance.
“The report validates the transformational power of digital credit and demonstrates we are changing lives. The impact is real, measurable, and Tala remains deeply committed to building financial systems that work for everyone,” she said.
Despite digital lending being popular in Kenya, the report shows that one in four borrowers is experiencing digital credit for the first time through Tala, with women making up 33 percent of first-time users.
This signals Tala’s growing role in driving first-time access to formal financial tools, especially for women.
The report also highlights broader social and economic benefits, with a significant number of customers reporting increased ability to meet household expenses, spend more on education, access better meals, and seek healthcare when needed.
Many respondents said they worried less about their finances and felt confident they could raise over Sh12,000, nearly 60 percent of the average monthly income, on short notice.
Tala has also earned bolstered trust and satisfaction among its users, reflected in a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 54, which is well above the financial services industry average in Kenya.
