The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the licensing of 32 additional digital credit providers (DCPs) in April 2026, marking a significant expansion in Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital lending sector.
This latest approval by CBK brings the total number of licensed digital lenders in the country to 227, reflecting the regulator’s ongoing efforts to formalize and oversee the industry.
The CBK disclosed that it has received more than 800 applications from prospective digital lenders since March 2022, when the regulatory framework for digital credit providers was introduced.
Since then, the bank has undertaken an extensive and rigorous review process, working closely with applicants to ensure that only qualified and compliant entities are allowed to operate.
According to the regulator, its engagements with digital credit providers have gone beyond basic application reviews. The process has involved in-depth assessments of business models to determine sustainability and transparency, as well as a strong emphasis on consumer protection measures.
Additionally, the CBK has conducted thorough evaluations of the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors, and senior management teams, ensuring that those entrusted with running these platforms meet high standards of integrity and competence.
These measures are aimed at ensuring full compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, while also safeguarding the interests of consumers who increasingly rely on digital lending platforms for quick and accessible credit.
The CBK has in recent years stepped up oversight of the sector in response to concerns over predatory lending practices, data privacy violations, and lack of transparency among unregulated operators.
In a public notice, the Central Bank underscored the scale of the undertaking and acknowledged the collaborative nature of the licensing process.
“The CBK has received more than 800 applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their submissions,” the statement read. “We acknowledge the efforts of the applicants and the support of other regulators and agencies in this process.”
The continued licensing of digital credit providers signals the CBK’s commitment to fostering a well-regulated, inclusive, and consumer-focused financial ecosystem, while supporting innovation in Kenya’s fintech landscape.
List of Licenced Digital Credit Providers
- Abepot Credit Limited
- African Capital Limited
- Afrimoney Credit Limited
- Amaze Credit Limited
- Baecot Credit Ltd
- Beavers Credit Limited
- Becalob Credit Limited
- Betasoft Credit Limited
- Bluewave Cash Limited
- Dahawi Credit Limited
- Fluid Capital Limited
- Hakki Africa Limited
- Iboda Credit Limited
- Inkomoko Capital Kenya Limited
- Insight Credit Limited
- Izwe Loans Kenya Ltd
- Jawabu Biashara Limited
- Jefigs Credit Limited
- Karibu Credit Limited
- Kechita Capital Investment Limited
- Kopo Kopo Inc. Kenya Limited
- Lendara Credit Limited
- Lendbucks Ltd
- NJB Limited
- Novatok Credit Limited
- Primebridge Capital Limited
- Quickflex Ventures Ltd
- Rosky Credit Limited
- Sumpay Limited
- Tundar Capital Limited
- Wiresphere Limited
- Yehu Impact Limited.
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