The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 32 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of approved digital lenders to 227.
The licensing follows an extensive review process that has seen the CBK receive over 800 applications since March 2022. The regulator has been working closely with applicants to assess their business models, governance structures, and compliance with customer protection standards.
“This is to ensure the adherence to the relevant laws and importantly that the interests of customers are safeguarded,” said the CBK in a statement.
DCPs play a significant role in expanding access to credit, particularly through mobile-based platforms such as Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes and mobile applications. They offer a wide range of loan products, including education loans, development loans, short-term personal loans, asset financing, and business loans. As of February 2026, licensed DCPs had issued 7.5 million loans valued at KES 133.5 billion.
CBK Tightens Oversight to Curb Predatory Lending
The licensing framework was largely driven by widespread concerns by the public over predatory lending practices, including high costs, unethical debt collection practices and the misuse of personal information.
Also Read: 110 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) licensed by the CBK in 2025
