In a move to empower Kenya’s fast-growing community of entrepreneurs, I&M Bank has launched its “NiSareCampaign, urging small business owners and side hustlers to keep their extra income separate and protect it in dedicated accounts.
The campaign emphasises financial discipline as a key step toward building sustainable income streams. The bank says mixing business earnings with salary and personal funds often leads to poor tracking, unnecessary spending, and reduced business growth.
Kenya’s side hustle economy is expanding rapidly, with millions engaging in online selling, freelancing, farming, ride-hailing, and small trading. However, many entrepreneurs still combine business income with salaries or household money, making it difficult to measure profits or reinvest effectively.
Free Transfers and Digital Convenience
Under the “Ni Saree Kabisa” initiative, customers using PayGo, Club, and Solo Biz accounts will enjoy zero charges on transfers from I&M accounts to M-PESA and Airtel Money via the I&M On The Go (OTG) app and web platform.
The campaign is targeting individuals and sole proprietors, aiming to reduce transaction costs that often erode small profit margins. It also seeks to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving access to affordable digital financial services.
The upgraded I&M OTG platform offers a simplified interface, designed to ease both mobile and web use, allowing customers to manage transactions efficiently and monitor their finances in real time.
The Case for Keeping Hustle Money Separate
Financial experts and the bank emphasise that separating side hustle income from personal finances is critical for long-term success.
A dedicated account allows better tracking of income and expenses, making it easier to scale operations, apply for loans, and file taxes accurately. It also helps entrepreneurs understand the true performance of their businesses without financial confusion.
Under the campaign, customers benefit from free bank-to-mobile money transfers, zero monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum balance requirements, features designed to encourage disciplined financial management.
Additionally, separating funds protects business income from personal spending habits while improving financial planning and emergency preparedness.
Spotlight on Solo Biz Account
At the core of the initiative is the I&M Solo Biz Account, tailored specifically for sole traders and side hustlers.
The account offers free bank-to-wallet transfers, unsecured business loans of up to KSh 5 million, stock financing, invoice discounting, and LPO financing. It requires a low opening balance of KSh 1,000 and has no monthly maintenance fees.
The bank also promotes PayGo and Club accounts for personal banking needs, reinforcing the idea of financial separation between personal and business income streams.
Empowering Kenya’s Hustle Economy
Experts say side hustles are increasingly becoming the primary source of income for many Kenyans, making proper financial management essential from the start.
“Your side hustle money deserves its own space—to grow, to be protected, and to fuel your dreams without interference,”
Early users report reduced transaction costs and improved access to credit facilities for business expansion. The campaign has also gained traction through digital marketing and influencer partnerships, positioning it as a practical solution for Kenya’s evolving informal economy.