This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, the Digital Lenders Association of Kenya (DLAK) issued a statement condemning debt shaming practices by two online credit operators, Opesa and Okash.
According to DLAK, these lenders have been invading customers' privacy by reaching out to their contact lists to recover loan funds, which is against Kenyan data protection laws.
“Not only does this behavior go against Kenyan data protection laws, but it reeks of indignity. By reaching out to a customer’s contact list, Opesa and Okash rob the individual of basic dignity and consumer rights,” reads DLAK statement.
DLAK Chairperson Robert Masinde further stated, “This can have long term effects on their psychological well-being and damage relations that may have taken years to build.”
DLAK members include Tala, Alternative Circle, Stawika Capital, Zenka Finance, MyCredit, Okolea, LPesa, Kopacent, Four Kings Investment among others.
The association has been working to promote consumer protection and data privacy in the digital lending industry.
