Kenyan technology firm Craft Silicon has launched a voice-powered AI chatbot Small Talk, aiming at transforming how SACCOs and banks interact with customers.
This innovation is standing out for its integration with core banking systems. Also has ability to process voice commands in both English and local languages.
Craft Silicon Group CEO Kamal Budhabhatti presented Small Talk during a high profile breakfast summit in Nairobi said that this is the next frontier in banking technology. It’s offering users real-time financial assistance through natural speech. “Our forecast indicates future interaction with technology is going to be through voice,” Budhabhatti said. He emphasized the chatbot’s potential to drastically reduce training costs while enhancing the user experience.
Currently in its pilot phase with selected financial institutions, Small Talk enables users to simply speak their questions into banking apps. Also receiving instant responses on queries such as account balances, savings advice, and other personalized financial insights.
By focusing on local language integration and voice-first design, the chatbot positions itself as a strong, homegrown alternative to global AI platforms like ChatGPT, Grok, and Meta’s Llama.
The launch took place at the 2025 SACCO Summit, themed “Insight. Innovation. Connection.”, which convened over 700 SACCO leaders and technology innovators from across East Africa to discuss the future of cooperative finance.
Furthermore, beyond Small Talk, Craft Silicon showcased a suite of SACCO-focused digital tools including Spotit, MySalary, and BR.Net Islamic. The digital app underlines it’s commitment to financial inclusion and digital transformation within the cooperative movement.
Craft Silicon is no stranger to localized innovation. The firm previously introduced Little Cab in 2016. It’s a digital taxi platform that gained ground against global players like Uber. Helps catering to corporate clients and introducing features like female-only drivers and USSD access for non-smartphone users.
“Our mission with this summit was clear: to bring together the brightest minds in the SACCO movement. Also to empower them with the tools, insights, and inspiration they need to drive real change,” Budhabhatti said.
Additionally, with Small Talk, Craft Silicon is setting a new standard in AI-powered financial services. Which is rooted in local relevance and accessibility.