The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed 32 additional Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total to 227. CBK issued the announcement on April 14 pursuant to section 59(2) of the CBK Act. The move seeks to ensure adherence to laws protecting customers.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced the licensing of 32 additional Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) in a press statement on April 14, 2026. "The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announces the licensing of an additional 32 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act)," the statement read. The names of the new providers appear on CBK's official website.
Since March 2022, CBK has received over 800 applications and continues reviewing them. Discussions with applicants have focused on business models, consumer protection, and the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors, and management. "The focus of the engagements with DCPs has been inter alia on 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," CBK stated.
The new licences come months after CBK approved 42 DCPs in December 2025, raising the total from 195 to 227. DCPs offer digital loans via mobile apps, websites, or USSD codes, including education loans, development loans, short-term personal loans, asset financing, and business loans.
As of February 2026, licensed DCPs had disbursed 7.5 million loans worth Ksh 133.5 billion. They must comply with CBK rules on data confidentiality, full cost disclosure, fair debt collection, credit listing restrictions, and anti-money laundering controls. Licensed providers must show legitimate funding sources and avoid unethical recovery practices or listing borrowers with Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs). CBK urged remaining applicants to submit pending documentation.
