CBK Licensed Loan Apps — Kenya 2026
The Central Bank of Kenya regulates loan apps under the 2023 Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider (NDTCP) framework. Only borrow from apps on this list — unlicensed lenders have no legal accountability to you.
What CBK Regulation Requires Loan Apps to Do
11 Verified Licensed Apps
Hustler Fund
Government InitiativeGovernment-Backed (Hustler Fund Act) · Government Initiative
Operated by Safaricom under presidential mandate. Cheapest rates at 8% p.a.
M-Shwari
Licensed Bank ProductCBK Licensed Bank (NCBA) · Commercial Bank Product
Joint product of Safaricom and NCBA Bank. Fully regulated under Banking Act.
KCB M-Pesa
Licensed Bank ProductCBK Licensed Bank (KCB) · Commercial Bank Product
KCB Bank Kenya is a fully licensed commercial bank under CBK.
Fuliza
Licensed Bank ProductCBK Licensed Bank (NCBA) · Overdraft — Commercial Bank Product
Safaricom + NCBA product. Regulated. Watch daily fees — expensive for long-term use.
Eazzy Loan (Equity Bank)
Licensed Bank ProductCBK Licensed Bank (Equity Group) · Commercial Bank Product
Equity Bank is a tier-one CBK licensed bank. Very competitive rates at 14% p.a.
Timiza (Absa Bank)
Licensed Bank ProductCBK Licensed Bank (Absa) · Commercial Bank Product
Absa Kenya (formerly Barclays) is a fully licensed CBK commercial bank.
Tala Kenya
CBK Licensed NDTCPCBK Regulated — Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider · Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider (NDTCP)
Tala was among the first fintechs licensed under CBK's 2023 NDTCP framework.
Branch Kenya
CBK Licensed NDTCPCBK Regulated — Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider · Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider (NDTCP)
Branch International holds a CBK NDTCP licence. Regulated since 2023.
Zenka Finance
CBK Licensed NDTCPCBK Regulated — Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider · Non-Deposit Taking Credit Provider (NDTCP)
Zenka holds a CBK licence. First loan is often free — useful for building credit.
Faulu Microfinance
CBK Licensed NDTCPCBK Licensed Microfinance Bank · Microfinance Bank
Faulu is a fully licensed microfinance bank under CBK with deposit-taking powers.
KWFT (Kenya Women Finance Trust)
CBK Licensed NDTCPCBK Licensed Microfinance Bank · Microfinance Bank
Licensed microfinance bank focused on women entrepreneurs.
Apps Not on This List
Loan apps not registered with the CBK operate without legal oversight. If they mistreat you — abusive calls, sharing contacts, wrong CRB listings — you have no formal regulator to complain to. CBK consumer protection rules simply do not apply to them.
How to Verify an App Yourself
- 1Visit the CBK website at centralbank.go.ke and navigate to "Licensing" → "Credit Providers"
- 2Check the CBK Consumer Protection page for the latest list of licensed NDTCPs
- 3Search the app name on the CBK public register — licensed apps are listed by company name, not always app name
- 4For bank-backed products (M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa), check the partner bank's CBK licence status
- 5If in doubt, call CBK on 020 286 0000 or email ccpd@centralbank.go.ke