The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a stern warning and tightened licensing oversight on Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) operating across the country. The regulator announced that aggressive debt recovery tactics, including calling relatives, friends, and colleagues of defaulters, are targeted under the regulatory framework.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the apex bank confirmed the licensing of 29 additional digital lenders, bringing the total number of approved mobile loan providers in Kenya to 281.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), public concerns regarding the predatory practices of unregulated DCPs, specifically high costs, unethical debt collection practices, and the abuse of personal information, prompted the licensing and oversight of additional providers.
“The licensing and oversight of DCPs were precipitated by concerns raised by the public about the predatory practices of the unregulated DCPs, and in particular, their high cost, unethical debt collection practices, and the abuse of personal information,” the Central Bank of Kenya stated in the release.
With licensed digital lenders having disbursed over 9.59 million loans worth KSh 165.1 billion as of August 2026, the regulatory body emphasized that consumer privacy and fair debt recovery must be upheld across all digital platforms.
Beyond stopping predatory phone calls, many borrowers seeking to fix their financial standing after defaulting on mobile apps often face negative listings on Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs).
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Once outstanding debts are settled, obtaining a clearance certificate becomes the essential next step to restore creditworthiness for employment or future bank loans.
How to Check CRB Credit Status and Apply for a Clearance Certificate via M-Pesa: CBK
To verify credit standing with Metropol CRB, dial *433# on a mobile phone, enter your National ID, and complete the registration by paying KSh 50 to Paybill number 220388 with your National ID as the account number.
Upon payment, you receive an SMS with a PIN to check your credit status, view listed accounts, or request a Clearance Certificate for KSh 2,200 via M-Pesa once all defaulted loans are fully cleared.
Alternatively, for TransUnion CRB, SMS your full name to 21272, enter your National ID number, and select Credit Status to view your listing.
To request an official TransUnion Clearance Certificate, pay KSh 2,200 to Paybill number 212121 using your ID number as the account, then submit your M-Pesa confirmation details through their portal to receive the digital certificate by email.
The Central Bank of Kenya reiterated that public vigilance remains crucial in eliminating illegal lending practices across the country.
CBK urged all remaining applicant lenders to expedite submitting pending documentation to complete their review, warning that unauthorized platforms operating outside the law will face regulatory action.
