In Kenya, a CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) clearance certificate is crucial for individuals and businesses looking to demonstrate their creditworthiness. Whether you are applying for a loan, seeking employment, or conducting business, having a clean credit report can be vital. Below is a detailed guide on how to apply for a CRB clearance certificate in Kenya.
What is A CRB Clearance Certificate?
A CRB clearance certificate verifies that you have no outstanding negative listings on your credit report. It’s an official record from licensed Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) that confirms your current credit status, and is often requested by banks, employers, and other institutions.
Requirements For Applying For A CRB Clearance Certificate
1. National ID or Passport – You must have your national identification card or a valid passport to register for a CRB account.
2. Valid Email Address – Most CRBs communicate through email, so having an active email is essential.
3. Mobile Money Account – Payments for CRB clearance certificates are usually made via mobile money services such as M-Pesa.
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Licensed CRBs in Kenya
Before applying, it’s important to note that there are three licensed CRBs in Kenya:
1. TransUnion
2. Metropol
3. CreditInfo
Each bureau operates independently, and you may apply to one or all three depending on your preference or the institution requesting the certificate. Here’s a guide on how to apply through each CRB.
How to Apply for CRB Clearance Using Your Mobile Phone (USSD Code)
If you are using a mobile device, you can easily obtain your CRB clearance through the following steps.
1. Applying for A CRB Certificate from Transunion
Step 1: Register for CRB Services:
- Dial *212# on your mobile phone (available on Safaricom and Airtel)
- Enter your ID number when prompted.
- You will receive a summary of your credit status (whether you’re listed or not).
Step 2. Make Payment
To get a detailed credit report, pay Ksh 50 via M-Pesa Paybill 212121 (account number is your ID number)
After receiving the report, request the clearance certificate by paying an additional fee of Ksh 2,200.
Step 3. Download Your Certificate
Once payment is confirmed, you can download your CRB clearance certificate from the TransUnion Portal or have it sent to your email.
2. Applying for A CRB Certificate from Metropol
Step 1: Register For CRB Services
- Dial *433# on your mobile phone.
- Enter Your ID number to Register.
- You will receive an SMS with a special code (PIN) to access Metropol services.
Step 2: Make Payment
- Pay Ksh 100 via M-Pesa Paybill 220388(the account number is your ID number).
- You will receive a summary of your credit status and can request a detailed credit report.
Step 3: Request The Certificate
- To get a clearance certificate, make an additional payment of Ksh 2,200.
- Once the payment is processed, you will receive the certificate via email or through the Metropol CRB app (available on Google Play Store).
3. Applying for A CRB Certificate from CreditInfo
Step 1: Register on CreditInfo Portal
- Visit the CreditInfo website and sign up for an account.
- You will need your ID number, email address, and mobile number to complete the registration process.
Step 2: Request Credit Report
Once logged in, request a copy of your credit report. The first report is free, but additional reports cost Ksh 50.
Step 3: Request The Certificate
- After reviewing your report, request a clearance certificate, which costs Ksh 2,200.
- The certificate will be sent to your registered email address.
How To Get A CRB Certificate Online (via Respective CRBs Websites)
The following are the steps to follow when applying for the clearance certificate online:
1. Applying For A CRB Clearance Certificate Online From TransUnion
a) Register on the TransUnion Portal
Go to the TransUnion Africa Website.
Create an account by entering your ID number, mobile phone number, and email address.
b) Request Your Credit Report
After logging in, request your credit report. The first report each year is free.
For additional reports, pay a fee of Ksh 50 through M-Pesa pay bill number 212121, with your ID number as the account number.
c) Request for the Clearance Certificate
To apply for a clearance certificate, make a payment of Ksh 2,200 via M-Pesa using the same Paybill number (212121).
Once payment is confirmed, the certificate will be sent to your email, or you can download it directly from the portal.
2. Applying For A CRB Clearance Certificate From Metropol Online
a). Download the Metropol Crystobol app from the Google Play Store or access their website here.
b). When you log in, check your credit status by paying Ksh 100 via M-Pesa pay bill 220388, using your ID number as the account number.
c). After reviewing your credit status, you can request a detailed credit report for an additional rate.
d). To apply for the clearance certificate, you make a payment of Ksh 2,200 via M-Pesa pay bill 220388.
e). The certificate will be emailed to you once the payment is processed, or you can download it from the app or website.
3. Applying For A CRB Clearance Certificate From CreditInfo Online
NB: The process is still the one explained in the upper part of the article.
Important Tips
- Annual Free Credit Report – CRB offers one free credit report annually. Take advantage of this to check your status before applying for a certificate.
- Keep Your Credit Record Clean – Ensure any outstanding loans are cleared before applying to avoid delays in receiving the certificate.
- Check With All CRBs – Sometimes, it is recommended to check your status with all three CRBs, since institutions may not necessarily report to all of them.
When is A CRB Clearance Certificate Needed?
The following are the common scenarios where a CRB clearance Certificate is required;
1. Applying for a loan from a financial institution.
2. Applying for a government tenders or contracts.
3. Seeking employment in certain sectors.
4. Applying fora visa or immigration processes.
5. Opening a business account with some banks.
How To Remove Yourself from The CRB Blacklist
1. Check your CRB Status – You can do this by getting a credit report from any of the three licensed CRBs in Kenya. You can check your status by dialing the USSD codes explained above or by visiting their various websites.
2. Identify the Defaulted Loan or Debt – Once you have your credit report, identify the specific loan or debt that caused you to be blacklisted.
3. Clear the Outstanding Debt – To remove yourself from the blacklist, you must fully repay your debt. You can either pay the full amount or negotiate a settlement with the lender to settle the debt for a lower amount.
4. Request a Clearance Certificate from The Lender – The certificate serves as proof that the debt has been fully cleared and it will help in the process of updating your credit status with the CRB.
5. Follow Up with The Lender – After getting the clearance letter the lender should notify the CRB that the debt has been cleared, but it’s advisable to follow up yourself to ensure your record is updated. You can directly contact the CRB and present the clearance letter to confirm that your record has been updated.
6. Wait for Removal from The Blacklist – Once the debt is cleared, the CRB will update your status. However, it is important to note that your credit history may still reflect that you were once blacklisted for five years, even though the negative listing has been resolved. But you will no longer be denied credit or other financial services as a result of the previous listing.
Key Considerations
1. Partial payments Do Not remove you from the blacklist.
2. Lenders have up to 30 days to update your CRB status.
3. You should dispute incorrect listings.
4. Maintain a good credit history.
Is It Possible to Apply for A CRB Clearance Certificate Via eCitizen?
As of now, it is not possible to apply for a CRB clearance certificate via the eCitizen portal in Kenya. This is because the eCitizen platform is primarily used for accessing government services such as passport applications, driving licenses, and business registration.
CRB services including obtaining a clearance certificate, are managed independently by licensed Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) such as TransUnion, Metropol, and Credit Info.
Our Do-It-For-You CRB Clearance Certificate Application Service
This is a real-time cyber service that enables you to get your CRB clearance certificate application handled fast and securely.
Note! The service is charged upfront. Follow the following procedure to make the payment.
- Go to your M-PESA menu
- Select Lipa na M-PESA
- Select Pay Bill
- Enter Business no 880100
- Enter Account Number 9534700014
- Enter Amount Ksh 2700
- Enter your 4-digit secret pin
- Confirm by selecting OK
- IMPORTANT: Fill in the required details in the form below
Conclusion
Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya is fast and efficient. Whether you’re using TransUnion, Metropol, or CreditInfo, you can complete the process from your comfort. Follow the steps of each Bureau, ensure your payments are made, and you’ll have your clearance certificate in no time.
Magdalene is a young Kenyan web content author with a deep love for innovation and finding solutions designed to make the world a better place. The BA Marketing & Comms major at Kisii University boasts strong writing skills thanks to her prior training under the Ajira Digital Program by the Government of Kenya.