Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyans are now saving more, driven primarily by the need for financial security and the ability to attend to emergencies as the economy tightens.
Tala’s 2026 Money March Report, released on Wednesday, on the state of the economy, shows that at least 59 per cent of those surveyed are depositing something in their bank accounts, Saccos and chamas, a marginal three per cent increase compared to 2025.
The report further reveals that business ownership is on the rise, increasing by eight percentage points from 2025 as households diversify sources of revenue away from salaries and wages.
“This signals that Kenyans remain resilient,’’ Annstella Mumbi, general manager at Tala Kenya, said.
“From these findings, I am convinced that together we can build a financial ecosystem that supports ambition, encourages responsible borrowing, and ensures that entrepreneurs have the tools they need not only to survive today but also build a better tomorrow”.
Tala’s report reflects happenings in the country’s financial system, with data from the banking sector, Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) indicating increased deposits and investments.
Almost all banks that have already released their 2025 financial results have indicated growth in customer deposits by at least 9-14 per cent, while the number of CDS accounts has more than tripled since January.
Furthermore, the quarterly report by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) released on Wednesday shows that total assets under management (AUM) rose to Sh756.2 billion in the quarter ending December 31, 2025, marking an 11 per cent increase from Sh679.6 billion recorded at the end of September.
The expansion underscores growing confidence among retail and institutional investors in professionally managed funds amid a dynamic economic environment.
Even so, the rising cost of living and doing business remains the dominant concern, with one in five Kenyans reporting that the cost of living has increased by more than 20 per cent in the past six months.
Close to 89 per cent of those sampled say rising costs affect their household budgets, forcing them to make trade-offs between essential needs and financial goals.
Furthermore, 73 per cent of households have cut back on other expenses to afford basics like food or rent, a four per cent drop compared to 2025.
This is despite state data showing that inflation eased to 4.3 per cent in February.
However, the severity of the cost of living has softened to 80 per cent compared to last year, when 85 per cent of those sampled agonized about the increased cost of living.
The figure is, however, much lower compared to 55 per cent in 2024 and 53 per cent a year earlier.
Food and groceries are among the top goods impacted by increased costs at 72 per cent, followed by Utilities at 51 per cent, 10 per cent better than in 2025.
Despite digital lenders now becoming the first stop during financial emergencies, ranking ahead of informal networks such as family support or chama payouts, borrowing habits are declining.
The survey shows that people are borrowing less frequently and taking smaller loan amounts.
“When loans are taken, they are largely used to cover business costs, school fees and everyday living expenses.”
In her keynote address, Airtel Money’s managing director, Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, acknowledged that mobile money has redefined how we think about cash and connectivity.
“The spirit of resilience runs through every digital transaction from market traders in Gikomba to startups in Westlands. It gives us the confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world,’’ she said.
“At Airtel Money, we remain committed to being a partner in this journey, ensuring that the wheels of our economy keep turning, safely and inclusively”.
The report observes that borrowing for medical expenses has increased significantly, with 26 per cent per cent of consumers reporting that they borrowed to settle a medical bill for themselves, a friend, or a family member in the last six months, compared to 17 per cent last year.
This marks the sixth installment of Tala’s annual MoneyMarch campaign, which aims to empower everyday Kenyans with the education, tools, and financial resources needed to unleash their economic potential, reduce poverty, and strengthen the broader economy.
