The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved 25 New more Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of licensed digital lenders to 252 as of July 2026
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has continued its efforts to regulate Kenya’s fast-growing digital lending industry by approving 25 additional Digital Credit Providers (DCPs)on 9th July 2026.
With this latest approval, the total number of licensed digital lenders in Kenya has increased to 252 as of July 2026, marking another significant milestone in the country’s journey toward a safer, more transparent, and consumer-friendly digital lending market.
The licensing exercise is part of CBK’s ongoing mandate to eliminate predatory lending practices, improve consumer protection, and ensure only qualified lenders operate in Kenya.
Full List of the 25 Newly Approved Digital Lenders July 2026
The newly licensed Digital Credit Providers are:
- Baraka Credit Ltd
- Bashy African Credit Ltd
- Centenary Micro Enterprises Ltd
- Equal Reach Credit Ltd
- Eversure Credit Ltd
- Glad Agritech Kenya Ltd
- Hawkins Credit Ltd
- Jiweze Credit Ltd
- KalTris Ltd
- KN Global Services Ltd
- Lin-Cap Ltd
- Nirvana Credit Ltd
- Onwards Digital Company Ltd
- PesaKay Credit Ltd
- RapidCash Ventures Ltd
- Rukisha Solutions Ltd
- Signature Capital Ltd
- Solvezy Technology Kenya Ltd
- Statim Capital Ltd
- Stemtide Credit Ltd
- Stepwise Credit Ltd
- Transventures Capital Ltd
- Trinmarc Ventures Ltd
- Vision Fund Kenya Ltd
- WeLend Ltd
These companies are now authorized to provide digital credit services in Kenya after successfully meeting the licensing requirements established under the Central Bank of Kenya Act and the Digital Credit Providers Regulations.
CBK’s Digital Lending Journey Since 2022
Kenya’s digital lending industry experienced explosive growth over the last decade, with hundreds of mobile loan apps entering the market.
While many lenders offered quick access to credit, the industry also attracted concerns including:
- Excessively high interest rates
- Hidden fees
- Unethical debt collection practices
- Unauthorized access to borrowers’ phone contacts
- Harassment of customers
- Poor data privacy practices
- Unlicensed lending operations
To restore confidence in the sector, Parliament amended the Central Bank of Kenya Act in 2021, giving CBK powers to regulate Digital Credit Providers.
April 2022: Licensing Begins
CBK officially began accepting applications from digital lenders in March-April 2022.
The regulator required every digital lender operating outside commercial banks, SACCOs, and licensed microfinance banks to apply for a Digital Credit Provider license.
The licensing process includes detailed assessments covering:
- Ownership structure
- Capital adequacy
- Corporate governance
- Consumer protection policies
- Risk management
- Data protection compliance
- Anti-money laundering procedures
- Fit-and-proper requirements for directors and shareholders
Only applicants meeting all regulatory requirements receive approval.
Kenya Now Has 252 Licensed Digital Lenders
Following the latest approvals, 252 Digital Credit Providers have now been licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya.
This demonstrates CBK’s commitment to gradually formalizing the digital lending sector while ensuring only responsible lenders remain in operation.
Although licensing has progressed steadily, more than 800 applications are still pending review, showing the enormous interest in Kenya’s digital lending market.
CBK has consistently emphasized that every application undergoes a rigorous review before approval is granted.
Why CBK Licensing Matters
Licensing benefits both borrowers and the financial sector.
Some of the key advantages include:
Better Consumer Protection
Licensed lenders must comply with strict consumer protection rules, reducing cases of harassment and unfair lending practices.
Responsible Lending
Approved lenders are expected to assess borrowers responsibly and disclose loan terms clearly before disbursement.
Greater Transparency
Borrowers can identify legitimate lenders instead of falling victim to fraudulent loan apps.
Improved Data Privacy
Licensed Digital Credit Providers must comply with Kenya’s data protection laws and safeguard customer information.
Stronger Financial Inclusion
A regulated lending environment encourages responsible access to credit for individuals and small businesses.
What Borrowers Should Do
Even with more licensed lenders entering the market, borrowers should continue exercising caution.
Before taking any loan:
- Confirm the lender is licensed by CBK.
- Read the interest rates carefully.
- Understand all fees and charges.
- Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.
- Avoid lenders requesting upfront processing fees.
- Compare several lenders before making a decision.
Responsible borrowing helps maintain a healthy credit history and reduces the risk of over-indebtedness.
What This Means for Kenya’s Digital Lending Industry
The approval of another 25 Digital Credit Providers signals that Kenya’s digital lending sector is maturing.
Rather than allowing unchecked growth, CBK is building a regulated ecosystem where innovation can thrive alongside consumer protection.
As more lenders receive licenses, borrowers are expected to benefit from:
- Increased competition
- Better loan products
- Improved customer service
- More transparent pricing
- Higher compliance standards
The continued licensing process is also expected to encourage greater confidence among investors, fintech companies, and consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many digital lenders are licensed by CBK?
As of July 2026, the Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 252 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs).
How many new lenders were approved?
CBK has approved 25 additional Digital Credit Providers, bringing the total to 252.
Are all loan apps in Kenya licensed?
No. While 252 lenders have been licensed, many digital lenders are still undergoing the licensing process, and others may not yet be approved.
How many applications are still pending?
More than 800 applications remain under review as CBK continues evaluating prospective Digital Credit Providers.
Why is CBK licensing important?
Licensing helps protect borrowers by ensuring digital lenders meet regulatory standards for transparency, consumer protection, governance, and responsible lending.
Final Thoughts
The approval of 25 more Digital Credit Providers is another important milestone in Kenya’s financial sector reforms. Since the licensing framework was introduced in 2022, the Central Bank of Kenya has steadily transformed the digital lending landscape by ensuring only compliant and responsible lenders are allowed to operate.
With 252 licensed Digital Credit Providers as of July 2026 and hundreds more applications still under review, Kenya continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading regulated digital finance markets. Borrowers are encouraged to choose CBK-licensed lenders, review loan terms carefully, and borrow responsibly to enjoy the benefits of a safer and more transparent digital credit ecosystem.