Every Kenyan is entitled to one free CRB credit report per year by law. Most people only discover they are listed when a loan application is rejected. Check yours today before it costs you.
What Is CRB and Why It Matters in Kenya
CRB stands for Credit Reference Bureau. These are private companies licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya to collect and share credit information about borrowers. Banks, mobile lenders, SACCOs, and increasingly employers all check your CRB status before approving applications.
Which CRBs Operate in Kenya in 2026
| CRB | Website | SMS/USSD |
| Metropol CRB | metropol.co.ke | SMS ‘CRB’ to 22199 |
| TransUnion Kenya | transunion.co.ke | USSD *433# |
| Creditinfo Kenya | creditinfo.co.ke | Via website only |
How to Get Your Free Annual CRB Report
Under the Credit Reference Bureau Regulations, you are entitled to one free report per year from each bureau. Here is how to claim it from Metropol, the most widely used:
- Send an SMS with your full name and ID number to 22199
- You will receive a reference number via SMS
- Go to metropol.co.ke and enter your reference number
- Download your full credit report at no charge
For TransUnion, dial *433# and follow the prompts. The free annual report covers your full credit history.
How to Check Your CRB Status via SMS — Quick Check
For a quick status check (not the full report), Metropol offers a paid SMS check at KSh 50:
- Send your National ID number to 22199
- You will receive a response within minutes showing your status
- Status will show as either Positive, Listed or No Record
What a Negative Listing Means for You
- Automatic rejection for most bank loans and overdrafts
- Mobile loan limits reduced or suspended by Fuliza, KCB M-PESA, and others
- SACCO loan applications flagged for review
- Some employers now reject job applicants with active CRB listings
- Government tender applications can be blocked
How to Clear Your Name from CRB Kenya
- First, pay off the outstanding debt that caused the listing
- Get a clearance letter from the lender confirming payment
- Submit the clearance letter to the CRB that lists you
- The CRB must update your record within 30 days of receiving proof
- Request a new credit report to confirm the listing is removed
Important: The lender—not you— must instruct the CRB to remove the listing. If a lender refuses to do so after you have paid, report them to the Central Bank of Kenya.
How Long Does a CRB Listing Stay on Your Record
| Listing Type | Duration on Record |
| Negative listing (unpaid) | Until paid + 5 years |
| Negative listing (paid) | 5 years from date of clearance |
| Positive history | Permanent (helps your score) |
Jobs That Now Check Your CRB Status Before Hiring
- Banks and financial institutions — mandatory by CBK rules
- Insurance companies and brokers
- Government parastatals and county governments
- Large private employers in finance, legal, and executive roles
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