Central Bank of Kenya Licenses 42 More Digital Lenders as Sector Hits 195 Providers
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the licensing of an additional 42 digital lenders, pushing the total number of authorised Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) operating in the country to 195.
In a press statement issued on Monday, December 30, the banking regulator confirmed that the latest approvals were granted in line with Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act. CBK noted that the names of the newly licensed lenders have been published on its official website.
“The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the licensing of an additional 42 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act,” the statement read. “This brings the number of licensed DCPs to 195 following the licensing of 27 DCPs announced in September 2025.”
The latest approvals come after a wave of licensing activity throughout the year. CBK had earlier licensed 41 digital lenders in June 2025, followed by another 27 in September, reflecting the rapid expansion of Kenya’s digital lending market.
List of 42 Additional CBK-Licensed Digital Credit Providers
- Acquire Credit Limited
- Adjacent Possible Finance Limited
- Aleza Limited
- ASA International Kenya Limited
- Auxiliary Credit Ltd
- BCF Kenya Limited
- Bidii Credit Limited
- Bingwa Micro Capital Limited
- Blesmark Credit Limited
- Boostline Capital Limited
- Cashmart Capital Limited
- Dotcash Credit Limited
- Edenbridge Capital Ltd
- Fincredit Limited
- Geoland Credit Limited
- Guava Capital Limited
- Jackfruit Associates Limited
- Jafari Credit Limited
- Jambofin Credit Limited
- Juhudi Kilimo Company Limited
- Keep Vision and Growth Credit Limited
- Liberty Afrika Technologies Ltd
- Lucason Capital Limited
- Maison Capital Limited
- Malicash Investment Limited
- Mimi Credit Limited
- MKash Solutions Limited
- Onwards Swift Company Limited
- Pato Capital Limited
- Peshee Capital Limited
- Real People Kenya Limited
- Rosatap Credit Limited
- Seanala Credit Limited
- Select Management Services Limited
- Snowflex Capital Limited
- Tazu Credit Limited
- Transsnet Credit Limited
- TrustGro SCA Limited
- Vision Edge Credit Partners Limited
- Wakanda Credit Limited
- Westlip Credit Limited
- Ziki Credit Limited
Digital Credit Providers are financial institutions that issue loans through digital platforms such as mobile applications, websites and USSD codes. Their products range from short-term personal loans and education financing to development loans, asset financing and business credit.
According to CBK, the impact of the sector has been significant. As of November 2025, licensed digital lenders had disbursed more than 6.6 million loans with a total value exceeding Ksh109.8 billion, highlighting the growing reliance on mobile-based credit among Kenyan consumers and businesses.
The regulator further revealed that it has received more than 800 applications from prospective digital lenders since March 2022. CBK said it continues to engage with applicants as part of an ongoing review process.
CBK officially began regulating digital credit providers in 2022, a move aimed at enhancing consumer protection, transparency and accountability in a sector that had previously operated with limited oversight. The introduction of licensing requirements marked a significant shift in how digital lenders operate in Kenya.
Licensed DCPs are required to comply with strict regulatory standards, including confidentiality of customer data, clear disclosure of loan costs, fair debt collection practices and adherence to anti-money laundering rules. Lenders must also demonstrate legitimate sources of funding to ensure the money is not linked to criminal activity.
In addition, digital lenders are prohibited from employing unethical debt recovery methods or unlawfully listing borrowers with credit reference bureaus (CRBs).
CBK emphasised that compliance with consumer protection standards is not optional, warning that licensed providers are expected to conduct their operations ethically and responsibly.
However, the regulator noted that several applications remain under review and urged applicants at various stages of the process to submit any outstanding documentation promptly to allow for the completion of their evaluations.
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Central Bank of Kenya Licenses 42 More Digital Lenders as Sector Hits 195 Providers