How to Check Your CRB Status in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Updated April 2026 • 6 min read

Your CRB status determines whether banks, SACCOs, mobile lenders, and even employers view you as creditworthy. In Kenya, three licensed Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) — TransUnion Kenya, Metropol CRB, and CreditInfo Kenya — hold your credit history. This guide shows you exactly how to check your CRB status quickly and securely.

What Is a CRB Status?

Your CRB status is a summary of your borrowing and repayment history. It tells lenders whether you have honoured past loans, whether you have any outstanding defaults, and how much credit you have used. A positive CRB status means you have repaid debts on time. A negative CRB status (being "CRB listed") means you have defaulted on at least one loan.

Why You Should Check Your CRB Status Regularly

  • Loan applications — Lenders check your CRB before approving any loan. Knowing your status lets you fix problems before applying.
  • Employment — Some government positions and financial institutions require a CRB clearance certificate.
  • Error detection — Mistakes on your credit record can silently block you from credit. Only by checking can you find and dispute them.
  • Peace of mind — Knowing your exact status removes guesswork about whether your name appears in any CRB database.

Method 1: Check via CRB Check Kenya (Fastest)

The quickest way to check your CRB status online in Kenya is through crbcheck.co.ke. Here is the step-by-step process:

  1. Go to crbcheck.co.ke/signup.php and create a free account using your name, phone number, national ID, and email.
  2. Log in and click Check CRB Status.
  3. Choose a plan: Listing Status (KES 200) for a quick status check or Credit Report (KES 300) for a full detailed report.
  4. Enter your name, ID number, and the M-Pesa number you want to pay from.
  5. An M-Pesa STK push prompt will appear on your phone. Enter your M-Pesa PIN to confirm payment.
  6. Your report is generated and displayed on screen within minutes. You can also download it as a PDF.

Method 2: Check Directly via the Credit Bureaus

Each of the three licensed CRBs in Kenya provides access to your report directly:

TransUnion Kenya

Visit transunion.co.ke or call their customer service line. You can request your annual free report or pay for an immediate report. The process requires your national ID or passport number.

Metropol CRB

Use the Metropol CRB app (available on Android and iOS), visit metropol.co.ke, or dial *433# on your Safaricom line to access your CRB status via USSD. Your first report each year is free.

CreditInfo Kenya

Log on to the CreditInfo Kenya portal or visit their Nairobi offices. ID verification is required. Their online portal allows you to request and download your credit report.

What Information Do You Need to Check Your CRB Status?

Regardless of which method you use, you will need:

  • Your National ID number or passport number
  • Your full name as it appears on your ID
  • Your phone number (for M-Pesa payment or USSD)
  • An active email address (to receive your report)

How to Read Your CRB Status Result

Once you get your report, look for these key sections:

  • Listing Status — Shows whether you are positively or negatively listed, or not listed at all.
  • Open Accounts — Active loan facilities and credit cards currently in your name.
  • Closed Accounts — Past loans that have been fully repaid.
  • Negative Listings — Any defaults, non-payments, or overdue amounts.
  • Inquiries — A record of who has checked your CRB report in the past 12 months.

What to Do If You Are Negatively Listed

If your CRB status shows a negative listing, do not panic. Here is what you should do:

  1. Identify the debt — The report will show which lender reported you and the outstanding amount.
  2. Pay or dispute — If the debt is valid, pay it promptly. If it is incorrect, raise a dispute with the bureau and the lender.
  3. Request an update — After paying, ask the lender to submit a clearance notice to the CRB. Updates can take 30 days.
  4. Re-check your report — Verify the negative listing has been removed by requesting a new report.

How Much Does It Cost to Check CRB Status in Kenya?

Each licensed CRB in Kenya is required by law to provide one free credit report per year. After that, fees apply. Online services like crbcheck.co.ke charge KES 200 for a listing status check and KES 300 for a full credit report, payable via M-Pesa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Each CRB bureau is legally obliged to give you one free report per year. After that initial report, you pay a small fee for additional checks.

Via crbcheck.co.ke, your report is ready within minutes after M-Pesa payment. Direct bureau checks may take 24–48 hours.

No. Self-checks (also called soft inquiries) do not affect your credit score. Only hard inquiries by lenders may have a minor impact.
Ready to check your CRB status? Get your report in minutes via M-Pesa for only KES 200. Check My CRB Status

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