The Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 25 additional digital credit providers under Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, bringing the number of licensed providers to 252. The update extends a licensing process that has been underway since March 2022 and follows the licensing of 32 digital credit providers announced in April 2026. The bank said it has received more than 800 applications and has been reviewing applicants' business models, consumer protection arrangements, and the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors and management. It said the licensing and oversight framework was introduced in response to public concerns about unregulated providers, particularly high borrowing costs, unethical debt collection practices and misuse of personal information. The release also said that, as of May 2026, licensed digital credit providers had granted 8,374,102 million loans valued at KES 150.56 billion. Other applicants remain at different stages of the process, largely pending submission of required documentation, and the Central Bank of Kenya urged them to provide the outstanding material so reviews can be completed. It also invited public reports on unregulated digital credit providers.
Central Bank of Kenya2026-07-14
Central Bank of Kenya licenses 25 additional digital credit providers, total rises to 252
The Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 25 more digital credit providers, taking the total number of licensed firms to 252. It said more than 800 applications have been reviewed since March 2022, with scrutiny focused on business models, consumer protection, and the suitability of owners and management. Other applicants are still being processed, mainly pending required documentation.