Why Hustler Fund Requires Your Mobile Money Pin for Loan Access 

An image of a phone user inserting a pin on their mobile.
A photo of a phone user inserting a pin on their mobile phone during the registration of Hustler Fund on November 30, 2022.
Photo
Ministry of Cooperatives

The requirement for mobile money pins during Hustler Fund registration caused an uproar among Kenyans who raised concerns over the privacy of their personal data.

A search by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that the pin is required for security purposes, given the money is disbursed through mobile money.

According to Hustler Fund, the pin safeguards an account in case of any eventualities, such as the loss of sim cards or theft of mobile phones.

Additionally, through the pin, one can regain access to their account after replacing their sim cards that have been lost.

Image of unidentified man using a phone
Image of unidentified man using a phone
File

"Your money is safe because your mobile money pin protects your Hustler Fund account.

"Once you replace your SIM card at your mobile network operator outlet, you will be able to access your Hustler Fund account using your current mobile money pin," read the statement in part.

Another reason the pin is required is that it helps the fund's management authenticate the owner of the phone when the money is disbursed.

However, it is indicated that data privacy rules are adhered to during the process.

Another security feature of the fund is that one cannot change or transfer the loan to another number.

"You can only register one number into the Hustler Fund, i.e., the customer can only opt-in once with a unique identifier as National ID.

"If you need to register another number, you will need to opt-out of the current line," read the statement in part.

A section of Kenyans wondered why there was a requirement to input mobile money pins, yet other credit facilities did not require the same.

Hustler Fund was launched by President William Ruto on November 30, with Kenyans required to dial *254# to register and access the loans.

President William Ruto registering for the Hustler Fund on November 30, 2022.
President William Ruto registering for the Hustler Fund on November 30, 2022, as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Vincent Mutua (Chipukeezy) look on.
PCS