The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has urged Kenyans to report unlicensed mobile loan applications as regulators intensify efforts to crack down on illegal digital lenders accused of exploiting borrowers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, CBK directed members of the public to report unregulated Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) through its official email address, [email protected].
“Reports by the public on unregulated DCPs can be sent through [email protected],” CBK stated, encouraging Kenyans to help identify digital lenders operating without approval.
The directive follows rising concerns over unlicensed mobile loan apps accused of charging excessive fees, applying unfair lending practices and using aggressive debt collection methods against borrowers.
Some Kenyans have previously reported cases where digital lenders accessed phone contacts without consent and used them to pressure borrowers into repaying loans.
To help consumers identify legitimate lenders, CBK has published an updated Directory of Digital Credit Providers listing all licensed digital lenders in the country. The directory includes company names, physical and postal addresses, contact details and licensing dates.
The updated list, released on July 9, shows that Nairobi remains the main hub for licensed digital lenders, with many companies based in areas such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, Parklands, Ngong Road, Riverside, Mombasa Road and the Central Business District.
Outside Nairobi, a smaller number of licensed lenders are headquartered in counties including Kiambu, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Meru, Embu, Kericho, Bomet, Naivasha, Thika and Ruiru.
CBK also announced the licensing of an additional 25 digital credit providers, bringing the total number of approved mobile loan firms in Kenya to 252.
The regulator said it has received more than 800 licence applications since March 2022 and continues reviewing pending applications that have not yet met all regulatory requirements.
“The focus of the engagements with DCPs has been on business models, consumer protection and fitness and propriety of proposed shareholders, directors and management,” CBK said.
The bank encouraged applicants with outstanding documentation to submit the required information to complete the licensing process.
The growth of digital lending continues to accelerate in Kenya, with licensed Digital Credit Providers having issued more than 8.37 billion loans valued at approximately Ksh150.56 billion as of May 2026, highlighting the increasing reliance on mobile credit services among millions of borrowers.