July 12, 2025
Craft Silicon, one of Kenya’s leading fintech firms, has launched a new artificial intelligence innovation dubbed ‘Small Talk’—a voice-first AI assistant aimed at transforming how users interact with digital banking platforms. The assistant allows users to carry out financial transactions and inquiries using natural spoken language, including in local Kenyan dialects, removing barriers for users who may not be tech-savvy or literate in English.
The rollout of Small Talk was officially unveiled at the SACCO Summit 2025, an annual gathering of cooperative financial institutions and fintech innovators, where Craft Silicon showcased the technology to more than 700 delegates from across East Africa.
Voice Is the Future of Access
Unlike traditional chatbots or mobile banking apps that rely on typing, navigation, and user interface familiarity, Small Talk uses conversational voice technology to help users access financial services. With this, users can simply speak commands like “Check my balance,” “Send money to my mother,” or “How much did I spend last month?” and get instant, accurate responses.
“Once you start interacting with technology through voice, you automatically knock down costs such as training,” a spokesperson from Craft Silicon noted during the summit.
This voice-based system is integrated into financial institutions’ backends, making it possible for customers to access real-time banking services via simple conversations. Small Talk also supports multiple local languages, reinforcing Kenya’s push toward financial inclusion and vernacular innovation.
Built for Africa’s Realities
Kenya, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah,” has become a hub for fintech innovation. Craft Silicon has been at the forefront of that growth. In 2016, the company introduced Little Cab, a ride-hailing service that integrated USSD technology for feature phone users and introduced the region’s first female-focused ride option.
With Small Talk, Craft Silicon is now extending its fintech reach to populations that may lack smartphones, have limited digital literacy, or prefer speaking over typing. The AI assistant has been designed specifically for low-bandwidth and multilingual environments, offering a seamless experience even outside of urban centers.
Early Testing & Adoption
Currently, Small Talk is in a pilot phase with several financial institutions, including SACCOs and microfinance banks. Initial feedback indicates that the voice assistant is significantly reducing call center workloads, enhancing customer satisfaction, and increasing user engagement among older and rural populations.
Other tools showcased alongside Small Talk include:
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Spotit – A merchant payment platform
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MySalary – A salary advance and payroll tool
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BR.Net Islamic – Core banking software tailored to Islamic banking principles
These offerings signal Craft Silicon’s broader strategy of democratizing financial access through localized technology.
Implications for Fintech in Africa
The launch of Small Talk represents a milestone in the evolution of AI-driven financial services in Africa. It addresses key challenges:
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Digital literacy: Voice reduces the need to read, write, or navigate apps.
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Language barriers: Local language support ensures more Kenyans can use the service confidently.
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Accessibility: Those with limited tech skills or devices can participate in digital finance.
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Cost efficiency: Reduces dependence on human customer service and lowers operational costs for institutions.
What’s Next?
Craft Silicon plans to expand the pilot program across more institutions in Kenya and possibly across the East African region. If successful, Small Talk could become a game-changer in the way financial services are delivered, particularly in underserved, rural, and low-income populations.
As Kenya continues to embrace AI and voice technology, Small Talk positions Craft Silicon as a regional pioneer in building inclusive digital ecosystems that speak—quite literally—to everyone.
