The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 27 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of approved digital lenders to 153 as of September 2025. This move is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to formalize a rapidly growing sector that has faced criticism for predatory practices.

• Licensed digital lenders disbursed 5.5 million loans worth KSh 76.8 billion by June 2025.
• The CBK has received over 700 applications since March 2022.
• New proposed draft regulations for Non-Deposit Taking Credit Providers (NDTCPs) include a tiered licensing system and annual charges up to KSh 500,000.