Tala Digital Loans Improve Financial Stability for 9 in 10 Kenyans, New Report Finds

A new report commissioned by Tala and conducted by global impact measurement firm 60 Decibels has revealed that digital credit is playing a significant role in improving the financial wellbeing of Kenyans.

The study found that 92% of Tala customers reported an improvement in their quality of life since accessing the service, with 89% saying they feel more in control of their finances.

According to the report, which was based on direct feedback from Tala users across Kenya, digital loans have not only improved household financial stability but have also boosted small business performance. Nearly 40% of users said they used their loans for business purposes, and of those, 90% reported that their businesses improved through increased profits, sales, or expansion.

“From saving businesses on the brink to ensuring children stay in school, Tala is helping Kenyans oil the wheels of the larger economy. This is what inclusive finance should look like,” said Annstella Mumbi, General Manager of Tala Kenya, during the launch of the report.

“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 added.

The study also found that 26% of customers were accessing a digital loan for the first time through Tala, with women making up 33% of these first-time users. Among all users, 73% said they had improved their financial decision-making, and 85% reported greater self-confidence. Women in particular reported stronger outcomes, with 80% saying that using Tala made them more confident in managing finances.

In addition to business and personal confidence gains, the report highlighted several areas of household impact. Among customers surveyed, 84% said they could better cover household expenses, 75% had increased spending on education, 69% were able to provide better meals, and 55% could access healthcare when needed. A further 95% of users reported they could confidently raise KES 12,182 in case of an emergency, an amount equivalent to 60% of the average monthly income in Kenya.

Tala also received high marks for customer satisfaction, with a Net Promoter Score of 54, a figure significantly higher than the national average in the financial services sector. The company has disbursed more than $6 billion in credit to over 11 million customers globally, including across East Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Tala’s financial platform relies on proprietary data and AI-driven technology to assess risk and provide accessible loans to underserved populations. The company continues to position itself as a leading player in inclusive digital finance, focused on expanding opportunities for the global majority.