Being listed on CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) can feel like a financial death sentence in Kenya. You cannot get loans, open bank accounts, or even get hired for certain jobs. But here is the good news: CRB blacklisting is NOT permanent, and you CAN clear your record legally.
What is CRB Blacklisting?
In Kenya, there are three licensed Credit Reference Bureaus:
- 1.Metropol CRB - Most widely used
- 2.TransUnion CRB - International bureau
- 3.Creditinfo CRB - Growing presence
When you default on a loan for 90+ days, lenders report you to CRB. This creates a negative listing that prevents you from accessing credit across Kenya.
Step-by-Step: How to Clear CRB Listing
Step 1: Get Your CRB Report (FREE)
By law, you are entitled to ONE FREE CRB report per year from each bureau.
How to Request:
- âĸ Metropol: metropolcreditbureau.co.ke | 0709 189 000
- âĸ TransUnion: transunion.co.ke | SMS 21272
- âĸ Creditinfo: creditinfo.co.ke | 0709 106 000
Step 2: Verify All Debts
Review your CRB report carefully. Check:
- â Are all debts correct?
- â Are amounts accurate?
- â Are there any duplicate listings?
- â Are there any errors? (Very common!)
Pro Tip: Up to 30% of CRB reports contain errors. If you find errors, dispute them immediately with the bureau.
Step 3: Pay Off All Outstanding Debts
This is the ONLY legal way to clear CRB listing. You must:
- 1. Contact each lender listed on your CRB report
- 2. Negotiate payment terms (most lenders offer discounts of 20-50%)
- 3. Get a written payment agreement
- 4. Pay the agreed amount
- 5. Get an official clearance letter
Step 4: Request Delisting from CRB
After paying all debts, submit these documents to each CRB:
- âĸ Copy of National ID
- âĸ Clearance letters from all lenders
- âĸ Payment receipts
- âĸ Filled CRB delisting form
Timeline: CRB has 30 days to update your record after receiving proof of payment.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| CRB Report (First Request) | FREE |
| Additional CRB Reports | KES 50-200 |
| CRB Delisting Fee | FREE |
| Debt Payment | Varies (negotiate discount) |
How Long Does It Take?
Debt Negotiation: 1-2 weeks
Contact lenders and agree on payment terms
Payment Processing: 1-3 days
Pay debt and receive clearance letter
CRB Update: Up to 30 days
CRB updates your record after verification
Total Timeline: 6-8 weeks from start to finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
â Do Not Pay CRB Brokers
There are NO legal shortcuts. Anyone claiming to remove CRB listings for a fee is a scammer. The only legal way is to pay your debts.
â Do Not Ignore the Problem
CRB listings stay on your record for 5-7 years if unpaid. Deal with it now!
â Do Not Pay Without Documentation
Always get a written clearance letter BEFORE paying. Some lenders forget to delist you.
After CRB Clearance: Rebuilding Credit
Once cleared, here is how to rebuild your credit score:
- 1. Start with small loans: Apply for Hustler Fund (KES 500-5,000) or M-Shwari (KES 100-1,000). Repay on time to build positive history.
- 2. Use Fuliza responsibly: Fuliza does not report to CRB if paid within 7 days. Use it to show active credit management.
- 3. Get a mobile loan app: Tala, Branch, Zenka report positive payments to CRB. This improves your score.
- 4. Wait 6-12 months: Your credit score improves gradually. After 6 months of on-time payments, you will qualify for larger loans.
Ready to Get Back on Track?
After clearing CRB, check out loans that do not require perfect credit scores