Quick Answer
CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) is a licensed organization that collects and stores your credit history in Kenya. Lenders check your CRB record to decide whether to give you a loan. Kenya has three CRBs: TransUnion, Metropol, and Creditinfo.
What Information Does CRB Track?
Positive Information
- Loans repaid on time
- Credit accounts in good standing
- Current credit obligations
- Payment history patterns
Negative Information
- Late payments (30+ days)
- Defaulted loans
- Bounced cheques
- Bankruptcy or fraud
The 3 Licensed CRBs in Kenya
TransUnion Kenya
Metropol CRB
Creditinfo Kenya
How to Check Your CRB Status
Via USSD (Fastest)
Dial *987# (TransUnion) or *433# (Metropol) from your Safaricom line
Via Website
Visit crbcheck.co.ke, metropol.co.ke, or creditinfo.co.ke and register
Via IPRS (Government)
Use the government IPRS platform for consolidated credit information
How CRB Status Affects Your Loan Applications
Good CRB Status = More Options
- Access to bank personal loans
- Lower interest rates
- Higher loan limits
- Faster approval times
Negative CRB = Limited Options
- Banks likely to decline
- Higher interest rates if approved
- Lower loan amounts offered
- May need collateral or guarantor
How to Clear Your CRB Listing
- 1
Pay Off the Debt
Contact the lender and settle the outstanding amount. Request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
- 2
Get a Clearance Letter
After full payment, request a clearance letter from the lender confirming the debt is settled.
- 3
Lender Updates CRB
The lender must update CRB within 30 days. Your status changes from "defaulted" to "settled."
- 4
Verify Update
Check your CRB report after 30 days to confirm the update. If not updated, contact CRB to file a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CRB in Kenya?
CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) is an organization licensed by CBK that collects and maintains credit information about individuals and businesses. The three licensed CRBs in Kenya are TransUnion, Metropol, and Creditinfo.
How do I check my CRB status for free in Kenya?
You can get one free CRB report per year from each bureau. TransUnion: via *987# or crbcheck.co.ke. Metropol: metropol.co.ke or *433#. Creditinfo: creditinfo.co.ke. You can also use the IPRS platform.
How long does a CRB listing last in Kenya?
Negative listings remain for 5 years from the date of clearance/settlement. If you pay off the debt, the listing updates to "settled" but stays on record. Positive history also stays for 5 years.
Can I get a loan while listed on CRB in Kenya?
Yes, some lenders still approve loans for CRB-listed individuals. Mobile loans like Fuliza use M-Pesa history, not CRB. Some microfinance and informal lenders also work with negative listings.
How do I clear my CRB listing in Kenya?
Pay the outstanding debt in full, get a clearance letter from the lender, then the lender must update CRB within 30 days. If the listing is an error, file a dispute with the CRB directly.
Check Your CRB Status Now
Know where you stand before applying for a loan.