Digital Credit Lenders in Kenya: CBK Approval & Licensed Providers

Kenyaโ€™s digital lending sector has experienced exponential growth, driven by mobile technology and financial inclusion efforts. However, concerns over predatory lending and data privacy led theย Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)ย to introduce strict regulations. Since 2022,ย Digital Credit Lenders (DCPs)ย must obtain CBK approval to operate legally.

As of 2025,ย 85 digital lendersย have been licensed, with hundreds more under review. This guide covers everything you need to know aboutย CBK-approved digital credit lenders, the licensing process, and how to identify legitimate providers.


1. The Rise of Digital Credit Lenders in Kenya

Kenyaโ€™s digital lending boom began in the early 2010s with apps likeย Tala, Branch, and M-Shwari, offering instant loans via mobile phones. However, the lack of regulation led to:

  • Exorbitant interest ratesย (some exceeding 100% APR)
  • Aggressive debt collectionย (shaming borrowers via contacts)
  • Data privacy violationsย (unauthorized access to phone data)ย 

To curb these practices, theย CBK Act 2021ย andย Digital Credit Providers Regulations 2022ย mandated licensing for all digital lenders.


2. How Digital Credit Lenders Get CBK Approval

The CBK licensing process is rigorous, ensuring only compliant lenders operate. Hereโ€™s how it works:

Key Licensing Requirements

  • Business Registration: Must be a legally incorporated entity in Kenya.
  • Fit & Proper Checks: Directors/shareholders must pass integrity tests.
  • Capital Proof: No fixed minimum, but sufficient funds must be shown.
  • Consumer Protection Policies: Clear loan terms, fair pricing, and complaint mechanisms.
  • Data Protection Compliance: Must align with Kenyaโ€™sย Data Protection Act.
  • AML/CFT Policies: Anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing measures.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

  1. Name Approval: Reserve a business name with CBK.
  2. Application Submission: Submit Form CBK DCP with supporting documents.
  3. Review & Testing: CBK assesses the application (60โ€“90 days) and tests API integration.
  4. Approval & Gazette Notice: Payย KSh 20,000ย annual license fee and receive approval.

Rejection Reasons: Incomplete documents, poor AML policies, or failed API testing.


3. Full List of Licensed Digital Credit Lenders (2025)

As of May 2025, 85 digital lenders are CBK-approved. Below are some key providers:

No.Provider NameContactPhysical Address
1Ambush Capital Limited (FlashPesa)+254769159474Unit 1302, Applewood Adams, Ngong Road, Nairobi
2Anjoy Credit Limited+254769984360Transnational House, Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi
3Asante FS East Africa Limited+254111017500Delta Corner Towers, Waiyaki Way, Westlands
4Autochek Limited+254111034300West Park Towers, Mpesi Lane, Nairobi
5Azura Credit Limited+254705903265Top Plaza, Kilimani Street, Westlands
6Bytech Credit Limited+254781646440Suite B7, Chania Avenue, Kilimani
7Ceres Tech Limited+254702038679Victoria Court, Ruaraka
8Chapeo Capital Limited+25472523523533 Spring Valley Road, Nairobi
9Chime Capital Limited+254720990601Agip House, Harambee Avenue
10Colkos Enterprises Limited+254722253228Amani Court, Adams Arcade
11Creditarea Capital Limited (Kashbean)+254709462700Baba Dogo Business Park, Nairobi
12Decimal Capital Limited+254721858774Nachu Plaza, Upperhill
13Dexintec Kenya Limited+254727620547Cardinal Otunga Plaza, Koinange Road
14Dime Credit Limited+254722217215Two Rivers Mall, Limuru Road
15Dreamlife Technology Limited+254115263074Tetezi Towers, Ngong Road
16ED Partners Africa Limited+254722462044Haven Court, Waiyaki Way
17EDOMX Limited+254701220220The Address, Muthangari Drive
18Ellegant Credit Limited+254746851679Lonak Business Centre, Kasarani
19Extend Money Services Limited+254709503000Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road
20Factorhouse Limited+254726770992Liberty Plaza, Mombasa Road
21Fahari Point Capital Limited+254721457267Kalson Towers, Parklands
22Fezotech Kenya Limited+254111753435The Arch Place, Kilimani
23Fincorp Credit Limited+254706355355Ecobank Towers, Muindi Mbingu Street
24Fortune Credit Limited+254722982474Enwealth Business Centre, Ngong Lane
25Fourth Generation Capital Limited+254113862239Africa Reit House, Nairobi
26Getcash Capital Limited+254736276000Devcon House, Lunga Lunga
27Giando Africa Limited (Flash Credit Africa)+254713948254Krishna Center, Woodvale Groove
28Hela Capital Limited+254207766666Feruzi Towers, Kiambu Road
29Inventure Mobile Limited (Tala)0800720597 (Toll-Free)The Oval, Westlands
30Inspire Credit Limited+254758555333Muthaiga Square, Thika Road
31Ismuk Credit Limited+254768654598Delta House, University Way
32Jijenge Credit Limited+254722843770Town House, Kaunda Street
33Jumo Kenya Limited+254787777771Merchant Square, Riverside
34Kweli Smart Solutions Limited+254791578693Eaton Place, UN Crescent
35Lenana Innovative Solutions Limited+254110010394Garden Estate, Nairobi
36Letshego Kenya Ltd+254730687000Upper Hill Chambers, Ngong Avenue
37Lipa Later Limited+254709684000Lavington, Olenguruone Avenue
38Little Pesa Limited+254746510778Reliable Towers, Mogotio Road
39Lobelitec Credit Limited+254740006073Galana Plaza, Galana Road
40LockBx Limited+254726210997Sifa Towers, Nairobi
41Maralal Ledger Limited+254724055813Feruzi Towers, Kiambu Road
42Marble Capital Solutions Limited+254729141295Maasai Mall, Ongata Rongai
43MCF 2 Kenya Limited+254707136044EL Molo Drive, Lavington
44Mint Credit Limited+254799555333Trance Towers, South B
45MFS Technologies Limited+254709184000Capital West, Lantana Road
46MKM Capital Limited+254707039513Western Heights, Nairobi
47M-Kopa Loan Kenya Limited+254707333222Riverside Paddocks, Nairobi
48Mogo Auto Limited+254768469112Pine Tree Plaza, Ngong Road
49Momentum Credit Limited+254709434900International House, Mama Ngina Street
50Mwanzo Credit Limited+254704239633Bandari Plaza, Woodvale Groove
51MyWagepay Limited+254709508080Valley View Park, City Park Drive
52Natal Tech Limited+254715678901Nairobi
53Ngao Credit Limited+254724055813Feruzi Towers, Kiambu Road
54Okolea International Limited+254722436243Greenfield Towers, Donholm
55Pezesha Africa Limited+254709751000Kabarsiran Avenue, Westlands
56Pi Capital Limited+254700123456Mirage Towers, Westlands
57Rewot Ciro Limited+254728235235Peponi House, Spring Valley
58Risine Credit Limited+254711222333International Life House
59Senti Capital Limited+254721345678Pioneer House, Moi Avenue
60Sevi Innovation Limited+254737222111Wakulima House, Nairobi
61Sokohela Limited+254799456789Royal Plaza, Kenyatta Avenue
62Tenakata Enterprises Limited+254789123456Nyali Plaza, Mombasa
63UbaPesa Limited+254710111222Timau Plaza, Argwings Kodhek Road
64Umoja Fanisi Limited+254722436243Greenfield Towers, Donholm
65Zanifu Limited+254732532532Victoria Plaza, Parklands
66Zenka Digital Limited+254732532532Victoria Plaza, Parklands
67Zillions Credit Limited (Zash Loans)+254700123456Mirage Towers, Westlands
68Aspira Kenya Limited+254709686000Park Suites, Parklands
69Choice Microfinance Bank Limited+254709972000Chester House, Koinange Street
70E-Finance Group Limited+254700170026Ruiru Business Centre
71Evolution Capital Partners Limited+254728743534Karen Plains Arcade
72Fairloan Financial Services Limited+254721657089Fortis Tower, Westlands
73Fundis Capital Limited+254704453111Wilson Business Park
74GetBucks Kenya Limited+254727320000Corner House, Kimathi Street
75Jitegemea Credit Scheme Limited+254713640067KTDA Farmers Building
76Key Partners Limited+254724148173Professional Centre, Parliament Road
77Kilimo Capital Limited+254703889900Banda House, Milimani Road
78Kitaa Digital Financial Solutions+254743794284The Hive, Ngong Lane
79Kwikcash Kenya Limited+254735325365International House
80Lendify Limited+254799460048Tausi Lane, Muthithi Road
81Lentera Digital Limited+254745645789The Mirage, Tower B
82Leo Capital Kenya Limited+254790333111Cresent Business Center
83Liberty Capital Limited+254705888777Greenfield Towers
84Lipana Loan Limited+254728917862Vision Tower, Mombasa Road
85Maisha Microfinance Bank Limited+254709074000Lavington Mall, James Gichuru Road

4. Recent Changes in Digital Lending Regulations

The Business Laws Amendment Act 2024 introduced major updates:

  • โ€œDigital Creditโ€ term removed: Now classified underย โ€œNon-Deposit Taking Credit Providersโ€
  • Stricter Penalties: Unlicensed lenders face fines up toย KSh 20 million.
  • Enhanced Consumer Rights: Clearer pricing, fair debt collection, and complaint resolutionย 8.

5. How to Choose a Safe Digital Lender

To avoid scams, check:
โœ… CBK License Status (Verify here)
โœ… Transparent Fees (No hidden charges)
โœ… Data Privacy Policy (GDPR/DPA compliance)
โœ… Customer Reviews (Check Play Store/App Store ratings)

Award-Winning Lenders (2025):

  • Little Pesaย (Best Overall)
  • Fincorp Creditย (Best for SMEs)
  • Umoja Fanisiย (Most Affordable)

Conclusion

The CBKโ€™s regulation of digital credit lenders has brought much-needed transparency and consumer protection. Borrowers should only use licensed lenders and report unlicensed apps to the CBK.

For updates, visit the CBK website or follow financial news platforms.

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