CBK Seeks Public Input on New Rules for Non-Deposit Taking Credit Providers

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has called on the public to submit comments on the draft Central Bank of Kenya (Non-Deposit Taking Credit Providers) Regulations, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of the sector.

The move follows amendments to the CBK Act through the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, which expanded the regulatory scope from digital credit providers to all non-deposit taking credit providers. The changes also replaced the term “digital” with “non-deposit taking” to avoid confusion about the range of entities covered under the law.

CBK began regulating digital lenders in 2021 after the enactment of the CBK (Amendment) Act, introducing licensing and supervision mechanisms to curb issues such as high loan costs, unethical debt collection, and misuse of customer data. By 2022, 126 digital credit providers had been licensed, but regulatory challenges persisted.

The newly proposed regulations aim to operationalise the latest legislative changes and ensure that all credit providers who do not take deposits operate within a clear legal framework.

Members of the public have until Friday, September 5, 2025, to send their feedback via email to fin@centralbank.go.ke or in writing to the Director, Bank Supervision Department, CBK headquarters in Nairobi. The draft regulations are available on the CBK website.

CBK says the input will help refine the rules to protect consumers, promote transparency, and create a fair credit market that balances innovation with responsible lending practices.