Credit Reference Bureau Licence — Fees and Charges in Kenya

A Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) is an institution licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to collect, store, and disseminate credit information about borrowers to licensed financial institutions (subscribers). CRBs underpin the credit information-sharing system that allows lenders to assess borrower risk. They are regulated under the Banking (Credit Reference Bureau) Regulations, 2020, which replaced the 2013 Regulations.

Fees and Charges

Fee Item	Amount (KES)
Application processing fee (non-refundable)	10,000
Annual licence fee	100,000
CRB clearance certificate (first issuance to individuals)	Free

Key Application Requirements

Requirement	Details
Company incorporation	Registered limited company with BRS
Memorandum and Articles of Association	Certified copy
Fit and proper forms	All proposed directors, senior officers, and significant shareholders
Sworn declarations	In the forms prescribed in the Second Schedule to the Regulations
IT and data management systems	Detailed description; must include unique identifier system for borrowers
Service policies and procedures manuals	Required
Security and control measures	To prevent misuse or improper management of credit information
Physical infrastructure	Secure premises meeting CBK data security standards

After the initial application is reviewed by CBK inspectors and found satisfactory, the CBK notifies the applicant to pay the KES 100,000 annual licence fee by banker's cheque, and to submit a statutory declaration by the CEO confirming compliance with the Regulations. The CBK then formally licences the CRB and publishes a notice in the Kenya Gazette. A CRB licence is non-transferable. Any change of significant ownership requires CBK prior approval. Regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) under the Banking (Credit Reference Bureau) Regulations, 2020, and Section 31(3) of the Banking Act, Cap. 488.

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