CBK Licenses 29 More Digital Lenders as Kenya’s Regulated Total Reaches 281
By Kelvin Kibet | October 1, 2026
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed 29 additional Digital Credit Providers, raising the total number of regulated digital lenders in Kenya to 281.
The approvals were announced on September 30, 2026 under Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act and follow another batch of 25 licences issued in July.
Kenya’s Licensed Digital Credit Market at a Glance
- 281 digital credit providers are now licensed by CBK.
- CBK says it has received more than 900 applications since March 2022.
- Licensed providers had granted 9,596,509 loans by August 2026.
- The value of those loans reached KSh165.1 billion.
What Types of Loans Do Digital Lenders Offer?
CBK says regulated providers mainly lend through digital channels such as mobile applications and USSD codes. Products include short-term personal loans, education loans, business credit, development loans and asset financing.
The scale of lending shows how digital credit has become a major part of Kenya’s consumer and small-business finance market.
Why CBK Regulates Digital Lenders
CBK says the licensing regime followed public complaints about practices among previously unregulated lenders, including high borrowing costs, unethical debt collection and misuse of personal information.
When reviewing an application, the regulator says it examines the provider’s business model, consumer-protection arrangements and the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors and management.
A CBK Licence Is Not the Same as a Recommendation
Consumers should understand the difference between regulation and endorsement. Being listed in CBK’s directory means a provider has been licensed and falls under the regulator’s oversight. It does not mean every loan product offered by that provider will be suitable or affordable for every borrower.
Before taking a digital loan, borrowers should check the full cost, repayment period, penalties, privacy terms and whether they can realistically repay on time.
How to Check Whether a Digital Lender Is Licensed
CBK publishes an official directory of licensed Digital Credit Providers. Consumers can compare the name of a lender or loan app with the legal company name appearing in the regulator’s directory.
This is especially important because app names and company names are not always identical, and some unauthorised operators may use branding that resembles legitimate businesses.
What to Check Before Borrowing
- Verify the provider. Check the official CBK directory before sharing personal information or accepting a loan.
- Look at the total repayment amount. Do not judge a loan only by the amount disbursed.
- Read fees and penalties. Understand late-payment charges and other costs before accepting.
- Review data permissions. Check what information the app requests and how it says that information will be used.
- Borrow only what you can repay. Easy access to credit does not remove the risk of over-indebtedness.
How to Report an Unregulated Digital Lender
CBK says members of the public can report suspected unregulated Digital Credit Providers through dcps@centralbank.go.ke.
Borrowers should preserve relevant evidence such as the lender’s name, app details, messages, transaction records and any debt-collection communication when making a complaint.
What Happens Next?
More applications remain under review. CBK says many applicants are still at different stages of the licensing process, with some awaiting submission of required documents.
That means the official list may continue to change. Borrowers should rely on the latest CBK directory rather than old lists shared on social media.
