CBK Licensed Digital Lenders in Kenya: 10 Original Providers and 25 More Added
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has continued to regulate digital lending in the country, with the number of licensed digital credit providers growing significantly since regulation began in 2022.
Digital lenders offer loans through mobile applications, USSD platforms and other digital channels. The regulation was introduced after concerns over high loan costs, aggressive debt collection and misuse of customers’ personal information.
CBK was given the power to license and supervise digital credit providers under the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 2021. The Digital Credit Providers Regulations, 2022, became operational on March 18, 2022.
The first 10 digital lenders licensed by CBK
When the licensing process began in 2022, CBK announced the first 10 digital credit providers that had successfully obtained licences.
They were:
- Ceres Tech Limited
- Getcash Capital Limited
- Giando Africa Limited, trading as Flash Credit Africa
- Jijenge Credit Limited
- Kweli Smart Solutions Limited
- Mwanzo Credit Limited
- MyWagepay Limited
- Rewot Ciro Limited
- Sevi Innovation Limited
- Sokohela Limited
CBK said the licensing process was aimed at bringing digital lenders under proper supervision and protecting borrowers.
At the time, the regulator had received 288 applications from digital credit providers. The 10 companies were the first applicants to complete the licensing process, while other applications were still being reviewed.
CBK also warned digital lenders that had not applied for a licence to stop offering digital credit services. The move followed complaints from members of the public about expensive loans, poor debt collection methods and the misuse of personal information.
25 more digital lenders added
The digital lending sector has continued to expand as CBK licenses more providers.
In July 2026, CBK announced the licensing of additional digital credit providers, bringing the total number of licensed DCPs to 256. The regulator said it had received more than 800 applications since the licensing process started in 2022.
The latest group includes the following 25 companies:
- Baraka Credit Limited
- Bashy African Credit Limited
- Centenary Micro Enterprise Services Ltd
- Equal Reach Credit Limited
- Eversure Credit Limited
- Glad Agritech Kenya Limited
- Hawkins Credit Limited
- Jiweze Credit Limited
- KalTris Limited
- KN Global Services Limited
- Lin-Cap Limited
- Nirvana Credit Limited
- Onward Digital Company Limited
- Pesakay Credit Limited
- Rapidcash Ventures Limited
- Rukisha Solutions Limited
- Signature Capital Limited
- Solvezy Technology Kenya Limited
- Statim Capital Limited
- Stemtide Credit Limited
- Stepwise Credit Limited
- Transventures Capital Limited
- Trinmarc Ventures Limited
- VisionFund Kenya Limited
- WeLend Limited
Among the companies in the new group are Nirvana Credit, Onward Digital, Pesakay Credit and VisionFund Kenya.
Why CBK is regulating digital loan apps
The regulation of digital lenders was introduced to make the industry safer for borrowers.
CBK has said that regulation focuses on issues such as the cost of credit, consumer protection, business practices and the suitability of shareholders, directors and managers.
The regulator has also raised concerns about lenders that use unfair debt collection methods or misuse customers’ personal data.
For borrowers, checking whether a digital lender is licensed is an important step before taking a loan.
How many digital lenders are licensed in Kenya?
According to CBK’s July 2026 licensing announcement, the number of licensed digital credit providers had reached 256. CBK has continued adding new providers as it reviews applications and confirms that they meet the required regulatory standards.
The regulator also maintains a directory of licensed digital credit providers, which borrowers can use to confirm whether a lender is authorised.
Important: Being licensed does not automatically mean that a loan is cheap or suitable for every borrower. Consumers should check the total cost of the loan, repayment period, fees and other terms before accepting credit.
