CRB Clearance Certificate Requirements in Kenya (2026)
Updated April 2026 • 5 min read
Applying for a CRB clearance certificate in Kenya requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing the right documentation. Getting this wrong means a rejected application and lost fees. This article gives you the complete requirements list.
Eligibility Requirement: A Clean CRB Record
The most important requirement is eligibility: you can only obtain a CRB clearance certificate if your credit record is free of outstanding negative listings. A "negative listing" means an active default — an unpaid debt that a lender has reported to the bureau.
If your record shows any active defaults, your certificate application will be rejected. You must first clear those listings. Start by checking your status at crbcheck.co.ke for KES 300 to confirm your record is clean before spending KES 2,200 on a certificate application.
Documentation Required
The documents required are broadly consistent across all three licensed CRBs (TransUnion Kenya, Metropol CRB, CreditInfo Kenya):
For Individual Applicants
- Original National Identity Card (or passport for non-citizens). Some online applications accept a clear scanned copy. Your ID number is the primary identifier used to search your credit record.
- KRA PIN Certificate: Some bureaus require your KRA Personal Identification Number as a secondary identification document. Have your KRA PIN printed or accessible before starting the application.
- Working email address: The certificate may be delivered via email. Ensure you provide an email you actively monitor.
- Active mobile phone number: Used for OTP verification during online applications and for communication.
- Application fee payment: Approximately KES 2,200. Most bureaus accept M-Pesa, debit/credit card, or direct bank transfer.
For Corporate Applicants (Company CRB Certificate)
If a company is applying for a CRB clearance certificate (required for tenders):
- Certificate of Incorporation
- KRA PIN Certificate for the company
- ID cards of all directors
- Board resolution authorising the application
- Application fee (rates may differ from individual — check directly with the bureau)
Where to Apply
| Bureau | Online | Walk-in | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransUnion Kenya | transunionkenya.com | TransUnion Kenya offices | ~KES 2,200 |
| Metropol CRB | metropol.co.ke | Metropol CRB offices | ~KES 2,200 |
| CreditInfo Kenya | creditinfo.co.ke | CreditInfo offices | ~KES 2,200 |
Online applications are generally preferred for speed and convenience. Walk-in is an option if you prefer to collect a physical copy or have issues with the online process.
What the Certificate Contains
A valid CRB clearance certificate in Kenya will contain:
- Your full name and national ID number
- A declaration that you have no adverse credit listings as of the issue date
- The bureau's official letterhead, stamp, and digital signature
- A unique certificate reference number (for verification)
- The certificate validity period (typically 30–90 days from issuance)
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
CRB clearance certificates are date-specific — they certify your clean status on the issuance date. They are generally considered valid for 30 to 90 days. Employers and institutions typically specify an accepted validity window — always check before applying for a fresh certificate.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
- Active (unresolved) negative listing on the applicant's record
- ID number mismatch between the application and the bureau's records
- Incomplete application (missing KRA PIN, unclear ID scan)
- Payment not received or confirmed
To avoid rejection: check your CRB status first, ensure all your documents are accurate and consistent, and confirm payment goes through before expecting a certificate.