Borrowers using the digital loan app Advance Poa have reported harassment, threats, and unexplained deductions from their loans, raising serious concerns about the conduct of unregulated digital lenders and the safety of borrowers.
Reports show that many Kenyans are facing aggressive and abusive behavior from agents linked to the app. Users claim they receive constant phone calls and messages filled with insults and threats even before their loan repayment dates arrive.
These complaints come at a time when more people are questioning the role of regulators such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which licenses Digital Credit Providers, and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), which is responsible for protecting personal data.
One borrower shared a troubling experience that reflects what many others are going through.
“Hello Nyakundi. Kindly expose a very abusive digital loan app called Advance Poa. I applied for a loan of Ksh 3,000, but only Ksh 2,050 was disbursed to my M-Pesa without a clear explanation of deductions. The loan due date was 26th January, but harassment started on 23rd January.
The agents made endless calls, used insults, threats, and vulgar language throughout the day. I have since fully repaid the loan, yet the harassment has not stopped. I continue to receive abusive and threatening messages even after clearing the balance.
This app uses intimidation instead of lawful debt recovery and is causing serious emotional distress to borrowers. Many Kenyans are suffering silently under such unregulated digital lenders. I request this matter be investigated and the public warned.”
Such complaints highlight the emotional and psychological pressure placed on borrowers.
Some users say the apps access their contact lists and use that information to shame or threaten them. Others report that they are charged fees they do not understand, leaving them with far less money than they expected when they applied for loans.
Consumer rights groups argue that these practices violate data protection laws and basic standards of fair lending.
They say loan providers must clearly explain all charges and follow legal methods when collecting debts. Harassment, threats, and the use of abusive language are not allowed under Kenyan law.
Experts warn that weak oversight could allow more abuse to happen. Borrowers are being urged to report such incidents to the CBK and the ODPC so that action can be taken against offending apps.
There are also calls for the public to be educated on safe borrowing and the risks of using unregulated platforms.
The case of Advance Poa adds to the growing list of digital lending complaints in Kenya and shows the urgent need for stronger enforcement to protect borrowers from intimidation and unfair treatment.
