How to Check CRB Status for Free in Kenya
Updated April 2026 • 5 min read
Many Kenyans do not know that they are legally entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three licensed Credit Reference Bureaus. This guide explains exactly how to claim your free CRB check and what it includes.
The Law Behind Your Free CRB Report
The Banking (Credit Reference Bureau) Regulations in Kenya require every licensed CRB to provide each consumer with at least one free credit report every 12 months upon request. This right is protected regardless of your credit history.
How to Get Your Free Annual Report from TransUnion Kenya
- Visit transunion.co.ke and navigate to the consumer section.
- Create or log in to your consumer account.
- Request your annual free credit report by submitting your national ID or passport number.
- Verify your identity through the OTP sent to your registered phone number.
- Download your report as a PDF. Keep a copy for your records.
If you have already used your free report for the year, additional reports from TransUnion cost a small fee.
How to Get Your Free Annual Report from Metropol CRB
- Dial *433# on your Safaricom line or download the Metropol CRB app.
- Register with your national ID number and phone number.
- Select "Get Credit Report" and choose the free annual report option.
- Your report will be sent to your registered email address within minutes.
Metropol's USSD channel (*433#) is one of the easiest ways to access a free CRB status check in Kenya.
How to Get Your Free Annual Report from CreditInfo Kenya
- Go to the CreditInfo Kenya consumer portal online.
- Register using your ID number, email, and phone number.
- Submit your free report request and verify your identity via OTP.
- Download or view your report online.
What Is Included in the Free CRB Report?
Your free annual CRB report contains the same information as a paid report, including:
- Your personal identification details
- All active and closed loan facilities
- Any negative listings (defaults, NPLs)
- Payment history summary
- Institutions that have queried your report (credit inquiries)
When the Free Report Is Not Enough
The free annual report is a great starting point, but there are situations where you need a paid, instant report:
- You have already used your annual free report.
- You need a report immediately before a loan application or job interview.
- You need a PDF copy with an official letterhead to submit as a clearance document.
- You want to check across all three bureaus at once.
In these cases, crbcheck.co.ke provides an instant report for just KES 200, paid via M-Pesa.
Tips to Maximise Your Free CRB Checks
- Space out your free reports — get one from each bureau at different times of the year to monitor your credit year-round for free.
- Download and save every free report as a PDF for future reference.
- If you spot an error, raise a dispute immediately — it is free to dispute inaccurate data.