The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 25 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of approved lenders to 252 as it continues to strengthen oversight of the country’s fast-growing digital lending sector.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, CBK said the latest approvals were granted under Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, following the licensing of 32 DCPs announced in April 2026.
“The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the licensing of an additional 25 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act). This brings the number of licensed DCPs to 252 following the licensing of 32 DCPs announced in April 2026,” CBK said.
CBK also said it has received more than 800 licence applications since March 2022 and has been working closely with applicants to assess their compliance with regulatory requirements.
According to the regulator, the review process focuses on business models, consumer protection measures, and the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors and management to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard consumers’ interests.
“This is to ensure adherence to the relevant laws and importantly that the interests of customers are safeguarded. We acknowledge the efforts of the applicants and the support of other regulators and agencies in this process.”
Digital Credit Providers primarily offer loans through digital platforms, including Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes. Their products range from education and development loans to short-term personal loans, asset financing and business loans.
CBK said that as of May 2026, licensed DCPs had issued more than 8.37 million loans worth KSh150.56 billion, underscoring the sector’s growing role in expanding access to credit.
The regulator noted that while 25 additional firms have now been licensed, other applicants remain at various stages of the approval process, with many yet to submit the required documentation. It urged the affected applicants to provide the outstanding documents to facilitate the completion of the licensing process.
The central bank also encouraged members of the public to report any unregulated digital lenders as part of efforts to protect consumers and enhance compliance within the sector.
CBK introduced the licensing and supervision of Digital Credit Providers following widespread public complaints about the conduct of unregulated lenders, including high lending costs, unethical debt collection practices and the misuse of customers’ personal information.
