- CBK urges Kenyans to report illegal mobile loan apps.
- 25 new lenders licensed, raising the total to 252.
- Licensed lenders issued Ksh 150.56 billion in loans by May 2026.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has urged Kenyans to report illegal mobile lending applications, as part of an intensified crackdown on unlicensed digital lenders accused of exploiting and harassing borrowers.
In a statement released on 14 July 2026, the regulator directed the public to flag unauthorised Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) through its dedicated email channel.
“Reports by the public on unregulated DCPs can be sent through dcps@centralbank.go.ke,” the CBK said, calling on the public to help identify lenders operating without official approval.
The directive follows years of complaints about the practices of unregulated lenders. These include very high interest rates, hidden fees and debt collection tactics in which some operators access borrowers’ phone contacts without permission to threaten or embarrass them.
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To help consumers identify legitimate lenders, the CBK keeps an updated list of approved DCPs. The list includes contact details, physical addresses and licensing dates.
Nairobi remains the country’s main hub for digital lending, with most operators based in commercial areas such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani and the central business district. Licensed lenders are increasingly setting up in other counties too, including Kiambu, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos and Meru.
The update follows the licensing of 25 new digital credit providers, bringing the total number of approved digital lenders in Kenya to 252.
The CBK said it has received more than 800 licence applications since the regulatory window opened in March 2022, and that applications still in the pipeline continue to be reviewed. It said its vetting process looks at the viability of business models, consumer protection measures, and the fitness and propriety of directors, shareholders and management teams. Lenders with pending applications have been urged to submit outstanding documents quickly to complete their registration.
The scale of the sector is significant. By May 2026, licensed digital credit providers had disbursed more than 8.37 million loans worth about Ksh 150.56 billion, showing the growing role mobile loans now play in Kenya’s financial system.
By Bernard Magada
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