Digital lending firm Tala has announced a fresh round of job cuts in Kenya as part of a broader global restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and repositioning the company for its next phase of growth.

The company confirmed that fewer than 10 per cent of its Kenya-based workforce will be affected by the exercise, describing the move as part of a strategic reorganisation rather than a reduction in its commitment to the Kenyan market. Tala said its lending services will continue uninterrupted and that customers should not expect any disruption during the transition.

According to the company, the restructuring is intended to centralise selected business functions across its international operations, improve efficiency and align its workforce with evolving business priorities. Tala said the changes are also intended to support its transition toward embedded finance, a model that integrates financial services into third-party digital platforms instead of relying primarily on the company’s standalone mobile application.

Under the embedded finance model, customers can access loans and other financial services through partner platforms such as merchants, digital marketplaces, device financing providers and other financial service ecosystems. The company believes this approach will enable it to reach more customers while improving the delivery of its lending products.

While Tala did not disclose the exact number of employees expected to leave the company, reports indicate that the total could vary depending on the workforce figures used. Business Daily has reported that Tala employs about 950 people in Kenya, suggesting that a workforce reduction of up to 10 per cent could affect approximately 90 employees. However, the company has separately indicated that its current Kenya-based corporate workforce consists of 85 employees, with seven positions currently under consultation as part of the restructuring process.

Tala emphasised that the redundancy process is being conducted in accordance with Kenya’s labour laws and that consultations with affected employees are ongoing. The company said no final decisions had been made regarding the employees currently under review.

The latest announcement marks Tala’s second workforce restructuring in just over a year. In 2025, the fintech company declared 28 positions redundant, primarily within its customer service and collections departments. At the time, the company attributed the decision to operational efficiencies arising from improved loan repayment rates, reduced customer support demands and increased automation of several internal processes.

Founded in 2011, Tala has grown into one of Kenya’s largest digital lenders, providing unsecured mobile loans to millions of customers through smartphone technology. Kenya remains one of the company’s most significant markets, serving as a key base for its African operations and product development.

The restructuring comes amid a broader shift across the technology and financial technology sectors, where companies are increasingly reviewing operating costs, embracing automation and artificial intelligence, and reorganising their businesses to improve efficiency amid changing market conditions.

Over the past two years, several technology firms operating in Kenya and across Africa have announced workforce reductions as they respond to tighter investment conditions, changing customer behaviour and the need to optimise operating expenses. Many companies have simultaneously accelerated investment in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence while consolidating business functions across multiple markets.

Despite the latest job cuts, Tala maintains that Kenya remains central to its long-term strategy. The company says the restructuring is designed to strengthen its operations, enhance customer service through strategic partnerships and position the business for sustainable growth as digital financial services continue to evolve.