Updated 18 October 2026
A CRB clearance certificate is a document from a credit reference bureau confirming that debts you were listed for have been paid. Employers in some sectors, government appointments, lenders and landlords may ask for one. TransUnion is one of the licensed credit reference bureaus in Kenya, alongside Metropol and Creditinfo. This guide explains when you need a clearance certificate, the steps to get one from TransUnion, the documents to prepare and how to handle listings that are wrong.
Clearance Certificate Versus Credit Report
| Document | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Credit report | Your full borrowing and repayment history and current status |
| Clearance certificate | Confirmation that listed defaults have been settled |
A credit report is what you check regularly. A clearance certificate is what you present to someone who needs proof that past defaults are settled.
When You Might Need One
- Applying for some public service jobs or appointments that require clearance documents.
- Applying for a loan after a past default.
- Showing a landlord or business partner that your record is clean.
Step 1: Clear the Debt
Pay the full amount owed to the lender that listed you, or complete the agreed settlement. Keep every receipt, M-Pesa message or bank slip.
Step 2: Get a Clearance Letter From the Lender
Ask the lender for a letter confirming that the loan is fully paid. Digital lenders may issue this by email. The lender should also update the bureau, but having your own letter speeds things up if there is a delay.
Step 3: Check Your Status With TransUnion
Request your credit report through TransUnion’s official consumer channels, such as its app, website or customer service. Check whether the listing now shows as settled. Our guide to check your CRB status explains how to request reports.
Step 4: Apply for the Clearance Certificate
- Use TransUnion’s official consumer channel to request a clearance certificate.
- Provide your ID details and contact information.
- Upload or present the lender’s clearance letter and proof of payment if requested.
- Pay the certificate fee through the official payment method shown. The fee is set by the bureau.
- Receive the certificate by email or download it once processed.
If the Listing Is Wrong
If you are listed for a loan you never took, a loan already paid, or an amount that is incorrect, raise a dispute with TransUnion. Provide your evidence. The bureau checks with the lender and corrects confirmed errors. Disputes are free. Do not pay for a clearance certificate until the record is accurate.
How Long It Takes
Once the lender has updated the bureau, certificates are often processed quickly. Delays usually come from lenders who have not yet reported the payment. Following up with both the lender and the bureau, with your clearance letter in hand, usually resolves this.
Beware of Fixers
Some people offer to remove CRB listings or produce clearance certificates for a fee. These are scams, and forged certificates can lead to criminal charges. Only the bureau can issue a genuine certificate, and only paying the debt or winning a dispute changes your status.
After You Are Cleared
Rebuild your credit record by borrowing small amounts and repaying on time, keeping few active loans and budgeting carefully. Read our guide on improving your credit score on Business Radar. If you need extra income to stay on top of repayments, browse jobs on JobinKenya.
Before paying any fee, confirm you are on TransUnion’s genuine channel by typing its address yourself instead of clicking links sent by SMS.
Keeping Your Record Clean
Many Kenyans end up listed for small amounts on digital loans they forgot about, sometimes just a few hundred shillings. Review every loan app on your phone, check whether any balance remains and clear it. Delete apps you no longer use only after confirming you owe nothing. Keep a simple list of active loans with due dates, and never take a new loan to repay an old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CRB clearance certificate free?
Credit reports are free once a year, but clearance certificates carry a fee set by the bureau.
Do I need certificates from all three bureaus?
It depends on who is asking. Some employers specify one bureau, others accept any licensed bureau.
How long is a clearance certificate valid?
It reflects your status on the date issued. Many institutions want a recent one.
Can I get a certificate while a loan is still unpaid?
No. The listed debts must be settled first.
What if the lender has closed down?
Raise the issue with the bureau and provide whatever proof of payment you have.
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