Kenya has three credit reference bureaus (CRBs) licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya: Metropol, TransUnion (Credit Reference Bureau Africa Ltd) and Creditinfo. Lenders share your loan information with them, so check all three. Under the Banking (Credit Reference Bureau) Regulations, 2020, you are entitled to a free credit report from each bureau at least once a year, within 30 days of an adverse action notice, and every six months after asking for inaccurate information to be corrected.
How to check with each bureau
| Bureau | How to check |
|---|---|
| Metropol | Dial *433# on Safaricom, use the Crystobol app or crystobol.metropol.co.ke, or email creditbureau@metropol.co.ke |
| TransUnion | Text your name to 21272 or use the Nipashe app; one-off KES 50 registration to paybill 212121 (ID number as account) |
| Creditinfo | Through Creditinfo’s website; contact cikinfo@creditinfo.co.ke or +254 709 593 000 |
What the bureau must do
A bureau must give you your report within five working days of your request. Negative information includes loans not serviced for 90 days, dishonoured cheques, fraud and insolvency. Since 2020, lenders cannot submit negative information on loans below KES 1,000.
Found a listing? See how to clear a CRB listing. Need proof for a job or tender? See CRB clearance certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is checking my CRB status free?
Yes, at least once a year from each bureau, under the CRB Regulations 2020. Some online channels charge a fee for verification or registration.
Which CRBs are licensed in Kenya?
Metropol, TransUnion (Credit Reference Bureau Africa Ltd) and Creditinfo, per CBK’s directory.
Can I be listed for a loan under KES 1,000?
No. CBK set a KES 1,000 minimum for negative information in 2020.
More: CRB hub · CBK-licensed digital lenders · Guides
Sources
- Banking (Credit Reference Bureau) Regulations, 2020 (Kenya Law) (checked 13 October 2026)
- CBK press release – CRB Regulations 2020 (checked 13 October 2026)
- CBK – Directory of licensed credit reference bureaus (checked 13 October 2026)
- Metropol CRB – FAQ (checked 13 October 2026)
- TransUnion Kenya – Nipashe (checked 13 October 2026)
- Creditinfo Kenya – Clearance Certificate (checked 13 October 2026)
