CBK Licenses 41 Additional Digital Credit Providers, Total Rises to 126
CBK has announced the licensing of 41 new Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) in a statement released on June 5, 2025. This was done in accordance with Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act) and brings the total number of licensed DCPs to 126.
This is coming after the previous announcement by CBK in October 2024 where 27 DCPs were licensed. The licensing process is part of CBK’s ongoing effort to regulate the digital credit market and ensure all entities offering digital credit services to the public operate within a legal and regulatory framework established under the CBK (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, 2022.
In the statement, CBK said the licensing process has involved a thorough review of applications submitted since March 2022. The regulator noted, “CBK has received over 700 applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their applications. We have also engaged other regulators and agencies involved in the licensing process including the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.”
CBK said the licensing process involves evaluation of several factors including the business model, governance structure, consumer protection measures, data protection compliance and financial soundness. The involvement of other regulatory bodies such as the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has been key in ensuring licensed entities comply with all applicable laws and operational requirements especially in areas of customer data privacy and cybersecurity.
CBK also clarified that other applications are at different stages of the review process. In the same statement, the regulator said, “Other applicants are at different stages in the process, mostly waiting for submission of required documentation. We urge these applicants to submit the pending documentation as soon as possible so that we can complete the review of their applications.”
Here is the list of newly licensed DCPs:
- Absolute Credit Kenya Ltd
- Adroit Credit Limited
- Asap Credit Limited
- Aventus Technology Limited
- Avenews Ke Ltd
- AVL Capital Ltd
- Bimas Kenya Limited
- BRAC Kenya Company Limited
- East African Futures Company Limited
- Fabilo Credit Ltd
- Fantom Capital Limited
- Finberry Capital Ltd
- Finboom Credit Kenya Limited
- Frictionless Enterprises Limited
- Girls First Kenya Limited
- Granary Capital Limited
- Helium Credit Limited
- Kifedha Ltd
- Kikwetu Credit Ltd
- Leja Ltd
- Loan Plus Ltd
- Longitude Capital Limited
- Maxxton Enterprise Ltd
- Milhan Access Capital Limited
- Mkulima Pay Ltd
- Modesty Credit Ltd
- Moneza Ltd
- Nawiri African Sprouts Ltd (Fast Credit)
- Newark Frontier Limited
- Numida Technologies Limited
- Simbageld Ltd
- Sipranda Capital Ltd
- Spectrum Capital Ltd
- Spread Capital Ltd
- Steadfast Credit Ltd
- Tentacorp Holdings Limited
- Tinycost Credit Kenya Limited
- Truway Credit Limited
- Voncodes Capital Limited
- Zoe Credit Limited
- Zuri Credit Limited
According to CBK, the digital credit regulatory framework is to address the public concerns raised on the predatory practices that were prevalent in the digital lending sector. These included exorbitant interest rates, unethical debt collection methods and misuse of personal data. The implementation of the CBK (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, 2022 is to establish uniform standards for transparency, accountability and consumer protection.
Under the existing regulations, all DCPs are required to apply for licensing from CBK and demonstrate full compliance with the stipulated legal, financial and operational requirements before commencing or continuing business operations in Kenya. Non-compliance with these licensing requirements will result to immediate cessation of business and regulatory enforcement action as provided for in the CBK Act and the attendant regulations.CBK stated that the licensing process is still ongoing and is engaging with applicants and other regulatory stakeholders to complete the evaluation of the remaining applications. The Central Bank reiterated its commitment to a sound digital credit ecosystem that promotes financial inclusion and consumer protection.
“Licensing and oversight of Digital Credit Providers is key to ensuring consumers are protected and credit markets function fairly,” CBK said in the statement.
With 126 DCPs licensed so far, CBK will publish the full list of licensed entities on its website for the public to verify any digital lender operating in the country.
CBK is the principal regulator of the financial sector under the CBK Act, 2015 and is responsible for financial stability, integrity and public interest in the Kenyan financial system.
Also Read: Why the CRSP List Was Revised – KRA Issues Official Clarification
CBK Licenses 41 Additional Digital Credit Providers, Total Rises to 126