Peer-to-peer lending platform Pezesha launches instant SMS loans capability for non-smartphone borrowers

Kenya’s peer-to-peer lending platform Pezesha has unveiled a new feature allowing borrowers to apply for loans via SMS.

The firm said the feature will require borrowers to only send the word “Apply” to Pezesha’s SMS short code 22235 to get loans instantly. These feature will also be helpful to borrowers who have no smartphones as more than 60 percent of mobile phone users in Kenya and Africa use non-smartphones.

“Pezesha aims to use this SMS channel to bring choice and financial inclusion to the more than 6 Million excluded informal populations of micro businesses in Kenya. Most important use our agent networks across the country to enlighten our low income households target on financial literacy that elevates them up the financial ladder,” said the firm on its blog.

For a borrower to apply for loans on SMS, she or he must be a registered and vetted user, he or she must have taken at least one loan with Pezesha after registration and must have no pending payments on their previous loan.