This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
What are Credit Reference Bureaus? ¶
Organizations like Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) help lenders manage non-performing loans and reduce the risk of default by monitoring borrowers' behavior.
There are several CRBs licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya to collect, manage, and share financial information. Some of these CRBs include TransUnion (CRB Africa), Metropol Corporation, and CreditInfo.
Checking Your CRB Status ¶
To check your CRB status, you can contact the relevant CRB. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to check your status on each of these CRBs:
TransUnion (CRB Africa) ¶
First, register by sending your full names to 21272 via SMS. The SMS charges KES 19. Alternatively, you can download the TransUnion Nipashe app to save on the registration fee. Once registered, enter your ID number, choose 'Credit Status,' and you will receive your CRB status. If you receive a 'good' status, it means you are not blacklisted, while a 'default' status indicates that you are blacklisted.
Metropol Corporation ¶
First, pay a registration fee of KES 50 through the paybill number 220388. Then, enter your ID number as the account number. You will receive a SMS with a unique PIN, a reference number, and a special link. Dial 433# and enter your PIN to receive your CRB status. Alternatively, you can visit the Metropol website, log in, and view your status.
CreditInfo ¶
To check your status on CreditInfo, you will need to fill their request form online.
Consequences of Defaulting on a Loan ¶
The likelihood of getting listed by a CRB is very high if you default on a loan. To get yourself out of the list, you need to clear your outstanding loan(s). If you are unable to clear it in one go, you can negotiate the terms of repayment with your lender.
Published on September 21, 2019
