How Long Does a CRB Listing Last in Kenya?
Updated April 2026 • 6 min read
One of the most important questions Kenyans with credit issues ask is: How long will this listing stay on my record? The answer depends on the type of listing — active default, settled account, or positive history. This article explains every scenario.
The Legal Framework
Credit Reference Bureaus in Kenya operate under the Banking Act (Cap 488) and the Credit Reference Bureau Regulations issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). These regulations set the maximum periods for retaining different types of credit information.
How Long Does an Active (Unresolved) Default Last?
An active default — meaning an unpaid debt you have not yet repaid — stays on your CRB record indefinitely until you resolve it. There is no automatic expiry for an active negative listing.
As long as the debt remains unpaid and the lender does not submit a clearance notice, the listing will remain active on your record regardless of how many years pass.
Practical implication: a 7-year-old unpaid mobile loan from 2019 will still appear on your record in 2026 unless it was resolved. Many Kenyans discover old forgotten debts when checking their CRB report.
How Long Does a Settled Default Last?
After you repay the outstanding debt and the lender submits a clearance notice, the status changes from "Default" to "Settled". A settled listing remains on your CRB record for up to 5 years from the settlement date, after which it is removed.
During those 5 years, the record shows:
- That the account defaulted (original date and amount)
- That the debt was since settled (settlement date)
This settled record is not a red flag in the same way as active default — lenders treat it as historical negative information that is progressively less significant as time passes.
How Long Does Positive Credit History Stay on Your Record?
Good credit history — a loan you repaid perfectly — also stays on your record for a period after closure. Under Kenyan CRB regulations, positive credit data is retained for 5 years from the closure/completion date of the credit facility.
This is actually beneficial: a well-managed loan you repaid 3 years ago continues to support your creditworthiness for another 2 years.
Summary Table: CRB Record Retention Periods
| Type of Information | How Long It Stays |
|---|---|
| Active default (unpaid) | Indefinitely — until resolved |
| Settled default (repaid) | Up to 5 years from settlement date |
| Positive credit history (loan repaid on time) | Up to 5 years from account closure |
| Credit enquiries (lender checks) | Up to 2 years |
Does a Settled Listing Affect Your Credit After Years?
As a general practical guide:
- 0–6 months after settlement: Lenders are cautious; mobile credit restores but larger borrowing remains restricted.
- 6–18 months after settlement: Progressively better access; banks start considering applications with additional scrutiny.
- 18–36 months after settlement: With a clean record since settlement, the settled listing carries much less weight in lending decisions.
- 3–5 years after settlement: The listing is aging off the record and has minimal practical impact, assuming clean behaviour since.
- After 5 years: The listing is removed entirely from your record.
Can a Listing Be Removed Before the 5-Year Period?
Yes, in the following circumstances:
- The listing is proven incorrect through a successful dispute, in which case it is removed immediately.
- The lender submits a correction (e.g., they realise an error was made) and requests removal before the period expires.
- In court-ordered situations where a bureau is instructed to remove a specific listing.
The Practical Implication: Act Now, Not Later
Because the 5-year clock starts from settlement date, not from the original default date, resolving your listing as quickly as possible is crucial. Every month you delay adds another month before the listing is fully removed. A debt defaulted in January 2023 and settled in April 2026 will clear in April 2031. If it had been settled in April 2023, it would already be gone.