The number of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Kenya saw a decline in 2025, reflecting a significant shift towards digital and mobile banking services.

• 2,228 ATMs were operational in December 2025, a decrease of 2.66 percent from the previous year.
• The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reported the drop, citing banks encouraging digital channels and competition from mobile money services like Safaricom’s M-Pesa.
• M-Pesa continues to dominate, processing over 21.9 billion transactions worth Sh20.2 trillion in the six months to March 6, 2026.

Kenyan banks significantly boosted their clerical workforce in 2025, driven by branch network expansion.

• The number of clerical staff rose by 21.3 percent to 14,757 in 2025, up from 12,169 the previous year.
• The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reported these figures, which also indicated a 5.9 percent overall increase in banking sector employment to 41,124.
• This growth in clerical roles, which include positions like bank tellers and customer service assistants, coincides with banks like Family Bank and I&M Bank expanding their physical presence.

Inquiries for borrower profiles from credit reference bureaus (CRBs) saw a significant 23 per cent increase in 2025. This surge is attributed to commercial banks stepping up lending to the private sector and needing to assess repayment abilities.

• 47.3 million credit reports were requested by commercial and microfinance banks in 2025, up from 38.6 million in 2024.
• The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) published the annual report detailing these findings.
• The increase in CRB queries reflects a rebound in private sector lending as banks became more active in extending credit.

Members of the Kenyan Parliament have initiated a move to introduce stricter regulations governing mobile phone loans. This legislative effort aims to address concerns surrounding the proliferation and potential predatory practices associated with digital lending platforms.

• The proposed laws seek to introduce greater oversight and transparency in the mobile lending sector.
• Key stakeholders involved include Members of Parliament and potentially the Central Bank of Kenya.
• A notable detail is the perceived need to protect consumers from exorbitant interest rates and unfair debt collection methods commonly associated with these loans.