CBK APPROVES 32 NEW CREDIT PROVIDERS

The Central Bank of Kenya approved 32 additional digital credit providers on 14 April 2026.

The CBK, on 14 April 2026, announced the approval of 32 additional Digital Credit Providers (DCP), increasing the number of licensed DCPs in Kenya to 227,  The mandatory licensing regime has improved: consumer protection, market transparency and accountability of lenders

In 2022, the CBK introduced a mandatory licensing regime for digital credit providers under the Central Bank of Kenya (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, 2022, to curb predatory lending practices and enhance consumer protection. Since the implementation of this Regulations, the CBK has consistently published updated lists of licensed providers to alert the public against engaging with unlicensed and illegal DCPs.

The CBK further urged applicants awaiting approval to complete the submission of all requisite documentation to facilitate the approval and licensing process. This signals to pending and prospective applicants for the DCP licence that approvals are actively ongoing, and that the CBK remains ready to expeditiously review and approve applications upon receipt of complete documentation, as the CBK is positioned for protective and enforceable scrutiny before the grant of the license.  

PRESS RELEASE: THE CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA (CBK) APPROVES ADDITIONAL 32 DIGITAL CREDIT PROVIDERS (DCPs)

1. 32 Additional Digital Credit Providers Approved
   The Central Bank of Kenya approved 32 additional digital credit providers on 14 April 2026. The CBK’s latest approval brings the total number of licensed digital credit providers to 227, following its December 2025 update in which 42 providers were licensed.
2. Over 800 Applications Received Since 2022
   Since the introduction of the licensing framework in March 2022, the CBK has received over 800 applications from prospective digital credit providers.
3. Licensing Regime Improves Consumer Protection and Market Integrity
   The mandatory licensing regime has significantly enhanced consumer protection, market transparency, and accountability among lenders by curbing predatory practices.
4. Ongoing Publication of Licensed Providers and Warnings Against Illegal Operators
   The CBK continues to publish updated lists of licensed providers while cautioning the public against engaging with unlicensed and illegal digital credit providers.
5. Increased Licensing is Reducing Illegal Lending Activities
   The expansion in licensed providers is contributing to the gradual displacement of unregulated and illegal operators within the digital lending market.
6. Consumers Can Easily Verify Legitimate Credit Providers
   With more licensed providers and regular updates from the CBK, consumers are now better equipped to verify legitimate lenders, reducing their exposure to fraud and exploitation.
7. Collaboration to Enforce Compliance and Curb Illegal Activities
   The CBK is actively working with relevant authorities to enforce compliance and clamp down on illegal digital lending activities.
8. Pending Applicants Urged to Complete Documentation
   The CBK has urged applicants with pending submissions to provide all outstanding documentation promptly to facilitate the completion of the review process.