How to Get a CRB Clearance Certificate Online in Kenya

Updated April 2026 • 6 min read

Getting a CRB clearance certificate used to mean visiting a bureau office in Nairobi. Today, much of the process can be done online — from checking your status to applying for the certificate itself. This guide walks you through every online step.

What Is a CRB Clearance Certificate?

A CRB clearance certificate is an official document issued by a licensed Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) confirming that you have no outstanding negative credit listings in their database. It is commonly required for:

  • Job applications (especially government, banking, and corporate sector roles)
  • Tender bidding and government procurement
  • Applying for large bank loans or mortgages
  • Business registration processes

In Kenya, the three licensed CRBs — TransUnion Kenya, Metropol CRB, and CreditInfo Kenya — can all issue clearance certificates.

Step 1: Check Your CRB Status First

Before applying for a clearance certificate, confirm that you actually have a clean record. If your record shows a negative listing, you will not be issued a certificate — you'll need to clear the listing first.

Get your credit report instantly at crbcheck.co.ke for just KES 300 via M-Pesa. The report shows your full listing status, any adverse information, and facility details from all three bureaus.

Step 2: Resolve Any Negative Listings

If your report shows a negative listing, take these steps before applying for a certificate:

  1. Contact the lender that submitted the listing.
  2. Pay the outstanding balance in full (or negotiate a settlement).
  3. Obtain a clearance letter from the lender.
  4. Wait 30–90 days for the CRB to update your record.
  5. Re-check your report to confirm the listing has been resolved.

See our full guide: How to Get CRB Clearance in Kenya.

Step 3: Apply for the Certificate Online

Once your record is clean, here is how to apply online at each bureau:

TransUnion Kenya

  1. Visit transunionkenya.com and create an account or log in.
  2. Navigate to "Credit Clearance Certificate" under the consumer services section.
  3. Provide your national ID number and personal details.
  4. Pay the applicable fee (approximately KES 2,200 as of 2026).
  5. Download the certificate directly from the portal once processed (typically same day or next business day).

Metropol CRB

  1. Visit metropol.co.ke and register or sign in.
  2. Select "Clearance Certificate" from the consumer menu.
  3. Fill in your ID details and pay the fee (approximately KES 2,200 as of 2026).
  4. The certificate is emailed to you within 1–2 business days.

CreditInfo Kenya

  1. Visit creditinfo.co.ke and create a consumer account.
  2. Request a clearance certificate by submitting your ID details.
  3. Pay the fee and receive the certificate via email within 1–2 business days.

How Much Does a CRB Clearance Certificate Cost?

The CBK-regulated fee for a CRB clearance certificate is approximately KES 2,200 per bureau. If you need a certificate from all three bureaus, that is around KES 6,600 total. For most employment and tender purposes, a single bureau certificate is acceptable.

Note: checking your credit report (separate from the certificate) costs KES 300 at crbcheck.co.ke — and is the essential first step before purchasing a certificate.

What Does the Certificate Look Like?

A CRB clearance certificate is a formal PDF document with:

  • Your full name and ID number
  • A confirmation statement: "the above-named individual has no adverse credit listings as at [date]"
  • An official bureau stamp and digital signature
  • A unique certificate number for verification
  • Certificate validity period (usually 30–90 days from issuance)

How Long Is a CRB Clearance Certificate Valid?

CRB clearance certificates are typically valid for 30 to 90 days from the date of issue. Always check the validity date before submitting to any employer or institution, and apply for a fresh certificate if the one you have has expired.

Tips for a Smooth Online Application

  • Ensure your ID number matches exactly across all documents.
  • Use a valid and accessible email address — the certificate may be delivered by email.
  • Apply at least a week before you need to submit the certificate (process plus email delivery can take 1–3 business days).
  • Download and save the certificate as a PDF immediately — online portals sometimes expire download links.
Start here: Check your CRB status before paying for a certificate — confirm your record is clean first. Check My CRB Status

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