Kenyans are saving more digitally than ever before. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, mobile and fintech platforms offering some of the best digital saving apps in Kenya have become the primary channel for micro-savings, especially among young professionals and small business owners.
With inflation rising and traditional banks often charging high fees, digital savings apps in Kenya provide a faster, cheaper, and more rewarding way to build financial discipline.
If you’ve ever struggled to stick to a savings plan, these digital savings apps in Kenya help by automating deposits, offering competitive interest, and in some cases, even locking away funds so you’re not tempted to withdraw.
Top 5 Digital Savings Apps in Kenya
For those balancing side hustles and main income, digital savings apps are also a great way to separate personal spending from business earnings. If you’re running something small like a profitable Nairobi side hustle under Ksh 5,000 or even a poultry business in Kenya, these apps can help you keep your money safe while earning interest.
Safaricom Mali
Mali is Safaricom’s investment and savings product that allows Kenyans to invest directly from M-Pesa. Unlike M-Shwari or KCB M-Pesa, Mali focuses on regulated money market funds (MMFs), which typically offer higher interest than a regular savings account.
Features:
- Save as little as Ksh 100.
- Competitive returns averaging 8–10% annually (varies by MMF provider).
- Withdraw anytime directly to M-Pesa.
- Managed by CMA-regulated fund managers.
Pros:
- Easy to use, directly integrated into M-Pesa.
- Higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts.
- Low entry barrier (Ksh 100).
Cons:
- Interest not fixed — depends on MMF performance.
- Limited awareness compared to more established digital savings apps in Kenya.
👉 If you’re considering investment opportunities, also read our guide on government bonds in Kenya to see how Mali compares.
Absa Timiza App
Timiza is Absa’s mobile banking app that combines savings, loans, and payments in one. For savings, it offers a goal-based approach, letting you set up targets (e.g., school fees, land purchase, or emergency fund) and track progress.
Features:
- Minimum savings of Ksh 50.
- Ability to create multiple savings goals.
- Loan access for consistent savers.
- In-app bill payments and transfers.
Pros:
- Backed by Absa Bank — trusted and regulated.
- Combines savings with convenient banking features.
- Rewards consistent savers with better loan access.
Cons:
- Lower interest rates (around 5–7% annually).
- Heavier digital savings app compared to simpler fintech solutions.
If you’re struggling to save on a tight budget, check out our guide on top SACCOs in Kenya with the highest dividends. Pairing Timiza with practical budgeting tips makes it much easier to stick to financial goals.
NCBA Loop
Loop is more of a digital lifestyle banking app than just a savings tool, but it offers excellent features for young professionals and freelancers.
Features:
- Smart insights into spending habits.
- Goal-based savings accounts with interest up to 7%.
- Access to personal loans and overdrafts.
- Business account options for entrepreneurs.
Pros:
- Clean, user-friendly design.
- Tracks both spending and savings for better money management.
- Flexible savings options.
Cons:
- Interest rates slightly lower than MMFs.
- Requires more setup compared to mobile-only digital savings apps like Mali.
👉 Freelancers using Loop may also want to read our guide on how to receive freelance payments in Kenya via M-Pesa and Payoneer — pairing Loop with international payment tools is a smart move.
Hustler Fund (Savings Feature)
Launched by the Kenyan government, the Hustler Fund is more known for micro-loans. But it also has a mandatory savings feature, where a portion of every loan repayment is automatically saved.
Features:
- 5% of every loan goes into savings.
- Split into 30% long-term pension savings and 70% short-term savings.
- Accessible via mobile money platforms (M-Pesa, Airtel Money).
Pros:
- Encourages saving even among low-income earners.
- Nationwide coverage and easy accessibility.
- Pension savings build long-term discipline.
Cons:
- Savings tied to loan usage (you can’t just save directly).
- Interest on savings is low compared to other digital savings apps.
For Kenyans looking to combine small business hustles with structured savings, the Hustler Fund can be a stepping stone — though for bigger goals like saving for land in Kenya with a low salary, pairing it with other digital apps works better.
Alternative Money Market Fund Apps
Several independent fintech platforms now allow Kenyans to save directly in regulated Money Market Funds (MMFs), often with better returns than bank-linked apps. Top players include:
- Zimele Asset Management – One of the oldest MMF providers, with simple mobile deposits.
- Nabo Capital – Digital-first with strong returns.
- Cytonn Money Market Fund – High advertised rates, though it comes with a mixed reputation (users should research before committing).
Typical Benefits of MMF Apps:
- Annual returns of 8–10%.
- Withdrawable within 24–48 hours.
- Regulated by the Capital Markets Authority.
Drawbacks:
- Returns are market-dependent (not fixed).
- Some require higher initial deposits (Ksh 1,000+).
If you’re curious about broader opportunities, you might also want to check our list of best agricultural investments in Africa for young entrepreneurs. Pairing savings with investments creates long-term wealth.
Quick Comparison Table
| Digital Savings App | Minimum Deposit | Avg. Interest Rate | Best For |
| Safaricom Mali | Ksh 100 | 8–10% | Everyday M-Pesa users |
| Absa Timiza | Ksh 50 | 5–7% | Goal-based savings |
| NCBA Loop | Ksh 500 | 6–7% | Freelancers & professionals |
| Hustler Fund (Savings) | Loan-linked | ~4% | Micro-savers, low-income earners |
| MMF Apps (Zimele, Nabo, etc.) | Ksh 100–1,000 | 8–10% | Serious savers & investors |
Conclusion: Which App Should You Choose?
The best digital savings app in Kenya for 2025 depends on your financial goals:
- For everyday saving directly from M-Pesa, choose Safaricom Mali.
- For structured goal savings, go with Absa Timiza.
- For professionals and freelancers, NCBA Loop offers the best mix.
- For micro-savers tied to government loans, the Hustler Fund works.
- For higher interest and investment-focused saving, consider MMF apps like Zimele.
Which is the best savings app in Kenya for beginners?
For beginners, Absa Timiza is a great choice because it’s simple, regulated, and allows goal-based saving from as little as Ksh 50.
Can I withdraw money anytime from Safaricom Mali?
Yes, Mali savings are invested in money market funds, but withdrawals can be made anytime back into M-Pesa.
Which app offers the highest interest rates in Kenya (2025)?
Money Market Fund apps like Zimele and Nabo typically offer the highest returns, averaging 8–10% per year.
Is the Hustler Fund good for savings?
It’s not ideal for pure savings since it’s tied to loans, but it forces micro-savers to build discipline and even includes a pension component.
