Digital credit provider Unifi Credit has opened a new branch in Mombasa as it expands its presence in Kenya, targeting increased uptake of short-term loans amid rising demand for flexible financing.
The new outlet becomes the company’s 10th branch in Kenya and part of a wider network spanning five African markets, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya, with over 70 branches in total.
Country Manager Gys Steyn said the Mombasa launch is aimed at improving access to credit while strengthening the company’s footprint in one of Kenya’s key economic centres.
“We are proud to bring our services closer to the people of Mombasa and contribute to financial inclusion in the region,” he said during the launch.
Unifi offers a single product, a one-month salary advance, designed for formally employed individuals. Borrowers are required to provide a payslip, bank statement and national ID, with loans issued without collateral.
The lender uses a hybrid model that combines physical onboarding with digital access. First-time clients must visit a branch, after which they can borrow and repay loans through a USSD platform.
Steyn said the physical interaction helps build trust and ensures customers fully understand loan terms before transitioning to digital services.
“We believe in meeting clients in person first. It creates transparency and gives them a place to come back to if they need support,” he said.
The company also integrates with credit reference bureaus (CRBs) to assess borrower profiles and report repayment behaviour, positioning this as part of its responsible lending framework.
Unifi entered the Kenyan market in 2022 and says it has since served more than 25,000 customers locally, contributing to over one million clients across Africa.
According to Gloria Kamotho, demand for short-term credit has been rising as households seek to manage financial gaps during the month.
“We are seeing increased uptake as people look for quick solutions to cover urgent needs without committing to long-term debt,” she said, adding that the company focuses on transparency and avoiding predatory lending practices.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism and Culture Mohamed Osman welcomed the investment, citing improved ease of doing business and investor confidence in the county.
“This investment reflects the conducive environment we are creating for businesses. We will continue to support initiatives that empower residents economically,” he said.
