The Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 29 additional Digital Credit Providers, lifting the number of regulated digital lenders in the country to 281. The announcement was made on 30 September 2026 under Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act.
The latest batch follows the licensing of 25 DCPs in July 2026. Since the framework took effect in March 2022, CBK has received more than 900 applications from firms seeking to operate digital lending businesses.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Mobile: Swipe left / right → ←
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| New licences (30 Sept 2026) | 29 |
| Total licensed DCPs | 281 |
| July 2026 batch | 25 |
| Applications since March 2022 | More than 900 |
| Loans issued (to Aug 2026) | 9,596,520 |
| Value of loans issued | KSh 165.1 billion |
| Average loan size (approx.) | About KSh 17,200 |
← Swipe on mobile → Source: CBK press release, 30 September 2026. Average calculated from total value divided by number of loans.
What CBK Is Checking
In its press release, CBK said it works with applicants on business models, consumer protection measures, and the fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors and management. The aim is compliance with the law and protection of customers who use digital loans.
Many of the remaining applicants are still at different stages of review. CBK has urged those yet to submit documents to do so quickly so their files can be completed.
Scale of Regulated Digital Lending
Licensed DCPs now form a major source of short-term and small-ticket credit for households and small businesses. Most of the lending happens through mobile apps and USSD codes, without a branch visit.
Products listed by the regulator include education loans, development loans, short-term personal loans, asset financing and business loans.
By August 2026, the licensed group had granted 9,596,520 loans worth KSh 165.1 billion. That is cumulative disbursements reported by CBK, not the size of the outstanding loan book at a single date.
Why the Regulation Exists
CBK brought digital credit under formal licensing after public complaints about unregulated lenders. Common issues raised included high cost of credit, aggressive or shaming debt-collection tactics, and misuse of personal data, including contact lists on borrowers’ phones.
Borrowers are advised to deal only with licensed providers and to check the official CBK list before downloading an app or dialling a USSD code for a loan.
How Borrowers Can Stay Safe
- Confirm a lender is on the CBK list of licensed Digital Credit Providers before you borrow.
- Read the full cost of credit, including fees and interest, before accepting any offer.
- Do not share your M-Pesa PIN, ID documents or contact list with unsolicited “loan agents”.
- Report unregulated or abusive digital lenders to CBK through the channels published on its website, including the dedicated DCP contact route used for complaints.
The full list of the 29 newly licensed firms is available from CBK’s 30 September 2026 press release and supporting materials. Public directories of licensed DCPs are updated as new batches are approved.
Read also:Best Loan Apps in Kenya: 2026 Guide
Bottom Line
CBK has added 29 more Digital Credit Providers, taking the regulated total to 281 as of 30 September 2026. Licensed lenders had already issued more than 9.5 million loans worth KSh 165.1 billion by August.
The pipeline still holds hundreds of applications, and the regulator continues to push unfinished applicants to complete their documentation. For borrowers, the practical step remains the same: use only licensed DCPs and verify them on the CBK side before taking a digital loan.
Sources:
Central Bank of Kenya – Press Release: Licensing of 29 Additional Digital Credit Providers (30 September 2026);
Tuko – CBK Approves 29 New Digital Loan Providers (30 September 2026);
Kenyans.co.ke – CBK Approves 29 New Digital Lenders (30 September 2026);
TechTrendsKE – CBK licenses 29 more digital lenders;
Central Bank of Kenya.
This article is for information only and is not credit, legal or financial advice. Always verify a lender’s licence status on the official CBK directory before borrowing.