If you are a Safaricom user in Kenya, you’ve probably heard of Okoa Mia. It’s a popular micro-loan service that allows you to borrow airtime or small amounts of cash directly from your phone. The best part? You can access it instantly via the Okoa Mia USSD code, without an internet connection or a smartphone.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Okoa Mia is, how it works, the USSD code to use, the repayment process, eligibility, and valuable tips to manage your borrowed amount wisely.
What Is Okoa Mia?
Okoa Mia is a short-term mobile loan and airtime credit service that allows Safaricom subscribers to instantly borrow Ksh 100 (mia). The service is designed for users who run out of airtime or need quick money in emergencies.
The borrowed amount is deducted automatically from your next airtime recharge or M-PESA deposit.
In simple terms, Okoa Mia means “borrow 100 shillings” in Swahili — a name derived from the phrase “okoa mia moja” (save me one hundred).
Okoa Mia USSD Code
The official Okoa Mia USSD code is *461#.
You can dial this code from your Safaricom line to borrow Ksh 100 instantly, either as airtime or as a small loan credited to your M-PESA wallet (depending on the service version available to your line).
How to Use the Okoa Mia USSD Code:
- Dial *461# on your Safaricom line.
- Choose the type of loan or airtime you need.
- Follow the prompts to confirm your request.
- You’ll receive an SMS confirming the successful transaction.
That’s it — your Okoa Mia amount is credited instantly!
How Okoa Mia Works
Okoa Mia operates similarly to Safaricom’s Okoa Jahazi or other microloan services like Fuliza. However, instead of a flexible amount, it offers a fixed loan of Ksh 100, repayable within a short period.
Here’s how it generally works:
- Eligibility Check: The system checks if your number qualifies for Okoa Mia based on your usage history.
- Loan Disbursement: Once approved, the Ksh 100 is credited to your line or M-PESA account.
- Repayment: The amount is automatically deducted the next time you top up or receive M-PESA funds.
Who Qualifies for Okoa Mia?
To qualify for Okoa Mia, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be an active Safaricom user for at least 3 months.
- Have consistent airtime usage or M-PESA transactions.
- Have no outstanding Okoa Jahazi or other pending loans.
Safaricom uses your usage pattern to determine eligibility, so if you don’t qualify yet, continue using your line actively.
How to Repay Okoa Mia
Repayment is automatic. Once you top up your airtime or receive funds via M-PESA, Safaricom deducts the borrowed Ksh 100 plus a small service fee (usually around Ksh 10–15).
You don’t need to pay the loan manually, just recharge your line, and the system handles it.
Benefits of Using Okoa Mia
Using Okoa Mia comes with several advantages, especially for those in urgent situations:
- ✅ Instant access to Ksh 100 airtime or cash.
- ✅ No paperwork or mobile app required.
- ✅ Available 24/7, including during holidays.
- ✅ Simple repayment, automatically deducted.
- ✅ Ideal for emergencies when you can’t top up immediately.
Charges and Fees
Okoa Mia comes with a small convenience fee. For example, if you borrow Ksh 100, you may be required to repay around Ksh 110–115, depending on the current Safaricom rates.
The fee covers the service charge and the convenience of borrowing airtime or cash instantly.
Difference Between Okoa Mia and Okoa Jahazi
While both services help users borrow airtime, they have slight differences:
Feature | Okoa Mia | Okoa Jahazi |
Loan amount | Fixed Ksh 100 | Variable (Ksh 10–1000) |
Access method | *461# | *131# |
Repayment | Auto-deduction | Auto-deduction |
Eligibility | Based on usage | Based on airtime history |
If you only need a small, fixed amount (Ksh 100), Okoa Mia is the simpler option.
Common Issues and Solutions
1. Not Eligible for Okoa Mia:
If you get a message saying you’re not eligible, use your line more actively for calls, SMS, and M-PESA. Safaricom updates eligibility periodically.
*2. Loan Not Received After Dialing 461#:
Ensure your line has network coverage and retry. If the issue persists, contact Safaricom customer care at 100.
3. Want to Repay Early:
Simply top up your airtime or receive funds in M-PESA — repayment will be done automatically.
Tips for Using Okoa Mia Responsibly
- Use it only for emergencies, not regular expenses.
- Repay as soon as possible to avoid restrictions on future borrowing.
- Keep your Safaricom line active to maintain eligibility.
- Avoid having multiple unpaid Okoa loans at once.
Final Thoughts
Okoa Mia is a simple and reliable solution for Safaricom users who need instant airtime or cash. By dialing the Okoa Mia USSD code *461#, you can borrow Ksh 100 anytime you’re short on funds.
It’s fast, convenient, and perfect for emergency situations. Just remember to use it wisely and repay promptly to keep your line eligible for future loans.
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Vincent Nyagaka is the founder of Chweya, where he breaks down complex financial topics into simple insights. A trader since 2015, he uses his market experience to help readers better understand investing, trading, and personal finance.
