🛡️ Licensed Lenders Directory Kenya
Is your lender licensed? Check here before you borrow.
WARNING: Unlicensed Loan Apps
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.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)
Equity Bank
Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Absa Bank Kenya
NCBA Bank Kenya
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
I&M Bank Kenya
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)
National Bank of Kenya
Safaricom (M-Shwari, Fuliza)
Branch International Kenya
Tala Kenya
Zenka (formerly PesaPap)
OKash
Timiza (Barclays/Absa)
🚩 Red Flags: How to Spot Illegal Lenders
Suspicious App Permissions
Asks for access to your contacts, messages, photos, or location. Legitimate lenders DON'T need this.
Extreme Interest Rates
Charges over 4% per month (48% APR). CBK-licensed lenders are capped at reasonable rates.
Harassment & Threats
Calls your contacts, sends threatening messages, or shares your debt info publicly. This is ILLEGAL.
No Physical Address
Can't find their office address or CBK license number. Legitimate lenders are transparent.
Too Good to Be True
Promises instant approval with no credit check, no ID required, or "guaranteed" approval. Major red flag.
Hidden Fees
Deducts "processing fees" before disbursement without clear disclosure. Licensed lenders are transparent.
🆘 What to Do If You Borrowed from an Illegal Lender
1. STOP Paying Immediately
Unlicensed lenders operate illegally. Their loans may not be legally enforceable in court. Don't throw good money after bad.
2. Report to CBK
Email: complaints@centralbank.go.ke
Phone: 020 286 0000
Website: www.centralbank.go.ke
3. Report to Kenya Police
Visit your nearest police station with evidence of harassment, threats, or illegal debt collection practices.
4. Revoke App Permissions
Go to your phone settings → Apps → [Loan App] → Permissions → Remove ALL permissions, especially contacts and SMS.
5. Warn Your Contacts
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."
6. Document Everything
Screenshot all messages, calls, and threats. Save as evidence for your police and CBK reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a lender is licensed in Kenya?
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.
What should I do if I borrowed from an unlicensed lender?
Stop paying immediately, report to CBK and police, revoke app permissions, warn your contacts, and document all harassment as evidence.
Can unlicensed lenders report me to CRB?
No. Only CBK-licensed institutions can report to CRBs. Threats of CRB listing from unlicensed lenders are illegal scare tactics.
Are all digital loan apps licensed?
No. Many unlicensed apps operate illegally. Always verify before borrowing. Licensed digital lenders include Branch, Tala, Zenka, OKash, M-Shwari, and Timiza.
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