The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed 32 additional digital lenders, expanding the number of firms authorized to operate in Kenya’s fast‑growing digital credit market.
In a Gazette Notice on May 8, CBK said the lenders were approved under the Central Bank of Kenya Act and the Digital Credit Providers Regulations, 2022.
“PURSUANT to Regulation 5 (4) of the Central Bank of Kenya (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, 2022, it is notified for general information that the Central Bank of Kenya, on 28th April, 2026, licensed the following entities as Digital Credit Providers” read part of the notice.
CBK said the licenses took effect on April 28, 2026, after the firms met requirements on consumer protection, corporate governance, and data security.
CBK‑Licensed Digital Lenders (32)
| No. | Licensed Digital Credit Provider |
| 1 | Apebot Credit Limited |
| 2 | Africa Capital Limited |
| 3 | Afrimoney Credit Limited |
| 4 | Amazze Credit Limited |
| 5 | Baecot Credit Limited |
| 6 | Beaver Credit Limited |
| 7 | Becalo Credit Limited |
| 8 | Betasoft Credit Limited |
| 9 | Bluewave Cash Limited |
| 10 | Dahawi Credit Limited |
| 11 | Fluid Capital Limited |
| 12 | Hakki Africa Limited |
| 13 | Iboda Credit Limited |
| 14 | Inkomoko Capital Kenya Limited |
| 15 | Insight Credit Limited |
| 16 | Izwe Loans Kenya Limited |
| 17 | Jawabu Biashara Limited |
| 18 | Jefis Credit Limited |
| 19 | Karibu Credit Limited |
| 20 | Kechita Capital Investment Limited |
| 21 | Kopo Kopo Inc Kenya Limited |
| 22 | Lendara Credit Limited |
| 23 | Lendbucks Limited |
| 24 | NJB Limited |
| 25 | Novato Credit Limited |
| 26 | Primebridge Capital Limited |
| 27 | Quickflex Ventures Limited |
| 28 | Rosky Credit Limited |
| 29 | Sumpay Limited |
| 30 | Tundar Capital Limited |
| 31 | Wirosphere Limited |
| 32 | Yehu Impact Limited |
CBK Governor Kamau Thugge said licensing is part of ongoing efforts to bring digital lenders under firm regulatory oversight, curb predatory lending practices, and strengthen consumer confidence in the sector.
Also Read: CBK Reveals Banks with Lowest and Highest Loan Interest Rates [FULL LIST]
CBK Tightens Scrutiny as Digital Lender Applications Surge
Since digital lender regulations took effect in March 2022, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has received over 800 applications from firms seeking approval to operate locally.
CBK says it has carried out extensive engagement with applicants, reviewing their business models, governance arrangements, and the suitability of shareholders, directors, and senior management.
The review process has also examined compliance with consumer protection requirements to ensure borrowers are shielded from unfair practices.
CBK noted that many applications remain under review, largely due to missing or incomplete documentation, and has urged affected firms to track the submission of the outstanding materials to allow the licensing process to be concluded.
“We urge these applicants to submit the pending documentation expeditiously to enable completion of the review of their applications,” the statement said.
Also Read: CBK Licenses 32 More Digital Loan Apps as Total Hits 227
Digital Lenders Expand as Mobile Loans Gain Popularity
Digital credit providers in Kenya primarily operate via mobile platforms, including apps and USSD services, enabling millions of users to access loans quickly and conveniently.
Their products range from short‑term personal loans to education financing, business credit, asset financing, and development loans.
Ease of access has driven strong growth in the sector, especially among individuals and small businesses looking for fast financing.
By February 2026, licensed digital lenders had issued an estimated 7.5 million loans totaling KSh133.5 billion, underlining the sector’s growing influence in Kenya’s digital economy.
