CBK Licenses 32 Digital Lenders, Total Hits 227

By Ken Muthomi - Reporter

Kenya, April 15, 2026 - The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed 32 digital credit providers, bringing the total number of approved lenders in the country to 227.

In a statement on Tuesday, the regulator said the approvals followed the review of more than 800 applications submitted since March 2022.

CBK noted that the new providers were assessed based on their business models, consumer protection measures, and the suitability of shareholders, directors, and management teams.

“This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act. This brings the number of licensed DCPs to 227 following earlier approvals in December 2025,” CBK said.

The regulator added that its engagements with applicants have focused on business models, consumer protection, and governance standards.

Digital credit providers are non-deposit-taking institutions that offer loans through mobile apps or USSD platforms.

Their products include education loans, business financing, asset acquisition, and short-term personal credit.

As of February 2026, licensed digital lenders had issued 7.5 million loans valued at KSh133.5 billion, according to CBK.

More from Kenya

Somali Region Votes as Ethiopia Holds Seventh General Election

From Wajir to the Nation: President Ruto Presides Over 63rd Madaraka Day Celebrations

The regulator has urged Kenyans to verify licensed providers through its official website before accessing credit services.

CBK also said it is still reviewing other applications, noting that some applicants are yet to submit the required documentation.

“We urge these applicants to submit pending documentation to enable completion of the review process,” the regulator said.

At the same time, CBK reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight in the sector to curb unlawful practices by unlicensed lenders.

These include high borrowing costs, unethical debt collection methods, and misuse of personal data.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report unregulated digital lenders through CBK’s official channels.

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) headquarters building along Nairobi’s city centre, representing the regulator of financial institutions. — The Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 32 new digital credit providers, raising the total to 227 as oversight of the fast-growing digital lending sector expands. | File

Discover more Kenya updates

IPOA Sounds Alarm on Protest Violence as Kenya's Political Temperatures Rise

Live Blog: Madaraka Day Celebrations

Recent Posts

Somali Region Votes as Ethiopia Holds Seventh General Election

From Wajir to the Nation: President Ruto Presides Over 63rd Madaraka Day Celebrations

IPOA Sounds Alarm on Protest Violence as Kenya's Political Temperatures Rise

Categories

CBK Licenses 32 Digital Lenders, Total Hits 227

More from Kenya

Jamii DT Sacco Opens Kisumu Branch, Targets Growth Through Affordable Credit and Digital Expansion

Afreximbank Banks on Digital Payments to Unlock Africa’s Trillion-Dollar Trade Potential

Government Warns Kenyans of Fake NYOTA Programme Notices