Is your lender licensed? Check here before you borrow.
Many illegal loan apps operate in Kenya. They charge rates over 200% APR, harass borrowers, and share your contacts with criminals. ONLY borrow from CBK-licensed lenders. If unsure, search below.
Asks for access to your contacts, messages, photos, or location. Legitimate lenders DON'T need this.
Charges over 4% per month (48% APR). CBK-licensed lenders are capped at reasonable rates.
Calls your contacts, sends threatening messages, or shares your debt info publicly. This is ILLEGAL.
Can't find their office address or CBK license number. Legitimate lenders are transparent.
Promises instant approval with no credit check, no ID required, or "guaranteed" approval. Major red flag.
Deducts "processing fees" before disbursement without clear disclosure. Licensed lenders are transparent.
Unlicensed lenders operate illegally. Their loans may not be legally enforceable in court. Don't throw good money after bad.
Email: complaints@centralbank.go.ke
Phone: 020 286 0000
Website: www.centralbank.go.ke
Visit your nearest police station with evidence of harassment, threats, or illegal debt collection practices.
Go to your phone settings â Apps â [Loan App] â Permissions â Remove ALL permissions, especially contacts and SMS.
If they already accessed your contacts, send a message: "If you receive messages about my debt, ignore them. I borrowed from an illegal lender who is now harassing my contacts. I've reported to police."
Screenshot all messages, calls, and threats. Save as evidence for your police and CBK reports.
All legitimate lenders must be licensed by CBK. Use our directory above to verify, or check the official CBK website at www.centralbank.go.ke.
Stop paying immediately, report to CBK and police, revoke app permissions, warn your contacts, and document all harassment as evidence.
No. Only CBK-licensed institutions can report to CRBs. Threats of CRB listing from unlicensed lenders are illegal scare tactics.
No. Many unlicensed apps operate illegally. Always verify before borrowing. Licensed digital lenders include Branch, Tala, Zenka, OKash, M-Shwari, and Timiza.
Compare rates from 40+ CBK-licensed institutions
Share this directory to protect your friends and family