The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 42 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the number of licensed DCPs to 195.
In a statement, CBK stated that it had received more than 800 applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their applications.
“This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act). This brings the number of licensed DCPs to 195 following the licensing of 27 DCPs announced in September 2025,” the statement read in part.
The Central Bank explained that the focus of engagements with digital lenders covers business models, consumer protection, and fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors, and management.
“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,” it added.
The place of licensed digital lenders in the Kenyan society
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, as at November 2025, licensed digital credit providers (DCPs) had granted 6.6 million loans valued at Ksh 109.8 billion.
DCPs predominantly carry out their lending activities digitally, including through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes. The loan products they offer include education loans, development loans, short-term personal loans, asset-financing, and business loans.
Furthermore, CBK elaborated that other applicants are at different stages in the licensing process, largely awaiting the submission of requisite documentation.
“We urge these applicants to submit the pending documentation expeditiously to enable completion of the review of their applications,” the entity explained.
The 195 licensed Digital Credit Providers (DCPs)
According to the CBK directory of Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) as updated on December 24, 2025, licensed digital lenders in the country include the following.
Abito Limited, Absolute Credit Kenya Ltd, Acquire Credit Limited, Adjacent Possible Finance Limited, Adroit Credit Limited, Ajax Credit Kenya Limited, and Aleza Limited,
The list also includes Blesmark Credit Limited, BRAC Kenya Company Limited, Bytech Credit Limited, Chelete Credit Limited, Colkos Enterprises Limited, Ellegant Credit Limited, Fabilo Credit Ltd, and Fahari Point Capital Limited.
There are also Wakanda Credit Limited, Ziki Credit Limited, Zenka Digital Limited, Wabema Credit Ltd, Reazilla DCP Limited, and Mwananchi Credit Ltd in the directory.
CBK’s full list of licensed digital lenders can be accessed by clicking here.
Protecting consumers in the digital lenders market
Members of the public can report unregulated DCPs through dcps@centralbank.go.ke to foster the protection of consumers in the industry.
The licensing of DCPs was initiated after complaints from the public about
the predatory practices of unregulated DCPs, especially regarding their high cost, unethical debt collection practices, and the abuse of personal information.
Kenyans have in the past lamented that some digital lenders had gone to the extent of calling their contacts, including family relatives, to inform them of their kin’s failure to pay loans.
The licensing process by the CBK came as a relief to many who had suffered in the hands of persistent digital lenders who used various means to get customers to pay their loans.
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