NAIROBI, Kenya – The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has called on members of the public to report unlicensed mobile loan applications as it steps up efforts to eliminate illegal digital lenders accused of exploiting borrowers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the regulator asked Kenyans to report any suspected unregulated Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) through its dedicated email address, dcps@centralbank.go.ke, saying public cooperation is key to identifying lenders operating without regulatory approval.
The appeal comes amid sustained efforts by CBK to clean up Kenya’s fast-growing digital lending sector, which has in recent years attracted widespread complaints over excessive interest rates, hidden charges and abusive debt collection practices.
Some borrowers have also accused rogue lenders of accessing personal phone contacts without consent and using intimidation to recover loans, raising concerns about consumer privacy and data protection.
To help borrowers identify legitimate lenders, CBK has published an updated Directory of Licensed Digital Credit Providers, last revised on July 9, containing the names, physical and postal addresses, telephone contacts, email addresses and licensing dates of all approved lenders operating in Kenya.
The latest update follows the licensing of an additional 25 Digital Credit Providers, bringing the total number of licensed firms to 252.
The directory shows that Nairobi remains the country’s digital lending hub, with most licensed lenders headquartered in commercial areas including Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, Parklands, Riverside, Ngong Road, Mombasa Road and the Central Business District.
Outside the capital, licensed digital lenders are based in counties including Kiambu, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Meru, Embu, Kericho and Bomet, as well as towns such as Naivasha, Thika and Ruiru.
CBK revealed that it has received more than 800 applications for Digital Credit Provider licences since March 2022 and continues to assess applicants that are yet to satisfy all regulatory requirements.
According to the regulator, the licensing process evaluates applicants’ business models, consumer protection measures and the suitability of shareholders, directors and management teams before approval is granted.
The bank also urged applicants with outstanding documentation to submit the required information to facilitate the completion of the licensing process.
The digital lending sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years. As of May 2026, licensed Digital Credit Providers had disbursed more than 8.37 billion loans worth approximately Sh150.56 billion, underlining the increasing reliance on mobile credit by millions of Kenyans.
