List Of 22 Mobile Loan Providers Approved By CBK

CBK stated on Monday, January 30 that the licensing is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act).

List Of 22 Mobile Loan Providers Approved By CBK
A person using a mobile loan app. /KENYAN WALLSTREET

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the licensing of 12 more Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the number of approved Digital Credit Lenders in Kenya to 22.

CBK stated on Monday, January 30 that the licensing is pursuant to Section 59(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act (CBK Act).

"CBK has received 381 applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their applications. Additionally, CBK has engaged other regulators and agencies pertinent to the licensing process, including the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner," CBK said.

CBK further noted that the focus of the engagements has been inter alia on business models, consumer protection and fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors, and management.

CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge. /FILE

This is to ensure adherence to the relevant laws and importantly that the interests of customers are safeguarded.

CBK further acknowledged the efforts of the applicants and the support of other regulators and agencies in this process.

"Other applicants are at different stages in the process, largely awaiting the submission of requisite documentation. We urge these applicants to submit the pending documentation expeditiously to enable the completion of the review of their applications," added CBK.

Reports by the public on unregulated DCPs can be sent through dcps@centralbank.go.ke.

CBK affirmed that the licensing and oversight of DCPs as indicated previously was precipitated by concerns raised by the public about the predatory practices of the unregulated DCPs, and in particular, their high cost, unethical debt collection practices, and the abuse of personal information.

Here is the full list of 22 licensed Digital Credit Providers:

1. Ceres Tech Limited

2. Getcash Capital Limited 

3. Giando Africa Limited (Trading as Flash Credit Africa)

4. Jijenge Credit Limited

5. Kweli Smart Solutions Limited

6. Inventure Mobile Limited (Trading as Tala)

7. Jumo Kenya Limited

8. Letshego Kenya Ltd

9. MFS Technologies Limited

10. M-Kopa Loan Kenya Limited

11. Mwanzo Credit Limited

12. Mycredit Limited

13. MyWagepay Limited

14. Natal Tech Company Limited

15. Ngao Credit Limited

16. Pezesha Africa Limited

17. Rewot Ciro Limited

18. Sevi Innovation Limited

19. Sokohela Limited

20. Tenakata Enterprises Limited

21. Umoja Fanisi Limited

22. Zanifu Limited

An image of the Central Bank of Kenya in Nairobi. /FILE