The 3 Credit Reference Bureaus in Kenya: TransUnion, Metropol & CreditInfo Explained
March 24, 2026 • 7 min read
Kenya has exactly three licensed Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs), all regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Many Kenyans assume they only have one CRB record — but in reality, data is held and shared across all three, and your records may differ between them depending on which lenders have reported to each bureau.
1. TransUnion Kenya
TransUnion is part of the global TransUnion group, one of the three largest credit bureaus in the world. In Kenya, TransUnion is the bureau most frequently used by commercial banks and large microfinance institutions.
- Data sources: Commercial banks, mortgage companies, MFIs, licensed digital lenders, insurance companies
- Scoring model: VantageScore-aligned, with Kenya-specific adjustments
- What they produce: Full credit report, credit score, credit summary
- How to get your report: Via their "My Credit" online portal, or in person at their Nairobi office with original ID. Free annual report available.
TransUnion's data is particularly comprehensive for urban Kenyans with formal banking relationships. If your loan is from a major commercial bank, it is almost certainly reported to TransUnion.
2. Metropol Corporation
Metropol is a Kenyan-founded and operated CRB — the only one among the three. It was one of the first CRBs licensed by the CBK and has deep roots in the cooperative and SACCO lending sector.
- Data sources: Banks, SACCOs, MFIs, hire purchase companies, utility providers
- Scoring model: Proprietary Crystallake Score — designed specifically for East African credit behaviour, including mobile money and informal credit patterns
- What they produce: Credit report, Crystallake Score, credit alerts
- How to get your report: Via their Metropol Crystobol app, online portal, or USSD (*433#). Free annual report; monthly subscription available for alerts.
Metropol is widely used by SACCOs and cooperative lenders. If you have borrowed from a SACCO or cooperative, Metropol likely has your data. Their Crystallake model is also respected among Kenyan lenders for handling thin-file customers better than international models.
3. CreditInfo Kenya
CreditInfo Kenya is part of the global CreditInfo Group, operating across 30+ countries including multiple African markets. In Kenya, CreditInfo works closely with newer fintech lenders and growing digital credit platforms.
- Data sources: Banks, fintech lenders, MFIs, insurance, telco data (where consented)
- Scoring model: CreditInfo Score, incorporating alternative data and machine learning
- What they produce: Credit report, credit score, fraud alerts
- How to get your report: Online via their Kenya portal or at their Nairobi office. Free annual report available.
CreditInfo is increasingly used by digital-first lenders and has been expanding its footprint in the Kenyan market. If you use newer lending platforms, your data may be primarily at CreditInfo.
Which Bureau Do Kenyan Lenders Use?
Different lenders have contracts with different bureaus — and some use more than one:
| Lender Type | Likely Bureau(s) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Banks (KCB, Equity, NCBA, etc.) | TransUnion (primary), may use others |
| SACCOs and cooperatives | Metropol (primary) |
| Microfinance institutions | TransUnion or Metropol |
| Digital lending apps (Tala, Branch, etc.) | CreditInfo or TransUnion |
| Insurance companies | TransUnion or CreditInfo |
Can My Record Differ Between Bureaus?
Yes — and this is an important point. Because lenders are not required to report to all three bureaus, your credit file may look different at each one:
- A bank loan default could appear on TransUnion but not Metropol
- A SACCO default may appear on Metropol but not CreditInfo
- A digital lender listing may appear on CreditInfo but not TransUnion
This is why it is good practice to check your report at all three bureaus at least once a year — especially before a major loan application.
Which CRB Does CRB Checker Kenya Use?
CRB Checker Kenya connects to the CRB licensed databases to retrieve your credit report. The report you receive through our platform will clearly indicate your credit status and score. Check your report now for the fastest result.