NAIROBI, Kenya – Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications provider, has confirmed a temporary suspension of its Fuliza service. The disruption, which began on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, is attributed to a technical hitch primarily affecting repayment transactions, leaving thousands of users unable to access or settle their outstanding micro-loans.

In a brief statement issued to its customers and the public, Safaricom acknowledged the issue. “We are experiencing a technical issue with Fuliza Service; our team is working on resolving the same. Sorry for the inconvenience caused,” the company communicated, offering an apology for the disruption.

The technical team at Safaricom has reportedly identified the root cause of the problem and is actively working to restore normal service operations. However, as of the latest update, a definitive timeline for the full restoration of Fuliza services has not been provided, leading to growing anxiety among its extensive user base.

Impact on Kenyans and the Economy

Fuliza, an overdraft facility offered in partnership with NCBA Bank and KCB Bank, allows M-Pesa users to complete transactions even when they have insufficient funds in their mobile money accounts. Since its launch, it has become an integral part of daily financial transactions for millions of Kenyans, providing a crucial safety net for immediate liquidity needs.

The unexpected suspension has immediate implications for individuals and small businesses that rely on Fuliza for day-to-day expenses and operational cash flow. Many users have expressed frustration on social media platforms, highlighting the inconvenience caused by their inability to access funds or clear existing balances, which could lead to accumulating interest and penalties once the service is restored.

Financial analysts suggest that a prolonged outage could have broader economic repercussions, particularly for the informal sector where micro-loans like Fuliza play a significant role in facilitating commerce. The disruption could influence near-term public debate and policy execution, with stakeholders urging Safaricom to provide greater clarity on restoration timelines, potential costs to affected users, and safeguards against future occurrences.

Safaricom's Commitment to Resolution

Safaricom has reiterated its commitment to resolving the technical issue as quickly as possible. The company's customer service channels have been inundated with queries, and it is actively engaging with users to address their concerns, albeit with limited specific information on the resolution process.

This incident underscores the critical reliance of the Kenyan economy on digital financial services and the need for robust, resilient infrastructure. As the country continues its digital transformation journey, the stability and reliability of such platforms are paramount to maintaining public trust and ensuring seamless economic activity.

Users are advised to monitor official Safaricom communication channels for updates regarding the restoration of Fuliza services. The company has not yet indicated whether any waivers or concessions will be offered to customers who may incur additional charges due to the service interruption.