Understanding your financial health is crucial, particularly your creditworthiness, known in Kenya as the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) status. 

This status can influence your ability to secure loans and credit facilities, and the terms of credit offered to you. 

For most people, checking their CRB status may seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. 

This guide simplifies the process, providing clear steps on how to check CRB status with Kenya’s three main CRB agencies: 

• TransUnion (CRB Africa)
• Metropol Corporation
• Credit Info

So whether you’re an entrepreneur, seeking a personal loan, or just curious about your financial standing, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. 

What is CRB and Why Does it Matter? 

The Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) is an institution that maintains credit information on individuals and companies, including loan repayment records and overall financial behavior. 

Lenders use this data to assess creditworthiness. 

Your CRB status offers a snapshot of your financial reliability. 

A positive status reflects a history of timely loan repayments and responsible financial choices, enhancing your prospects for future borrowing. 

Conversely, a negative status can be a barrier to accessing credit. 

Regularly checking your CRB status keeps you informed and helps correct any inaccuracies, while also guiding you on improving your credit score if needed.

How to Check Your CRB Status 

TransUnion

Via SMS:

• Send your full names to 21272.
• Enter your ID number.
• Choose “CC” (meaning Credit Status).
• Receive your CRB status via SMS.

TransUnion Nipashe App:

• Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
• Register and follow the prompts to check your status.

TransUnion Website:

• Visit the TransUnion website and register.
• Follow the instructions to check your status or request a report.

Fees:

• Credit Report: KES 650 (one free report per year).
• Clearance Certificate: KES 2,200.

Metropol

Via USSD:

• Dial *433# and follow the prompts.
• Pay KES 50 registration fee via Paybill number 220388, using your ID number as the account number.
• Receive an SMS with your PIN, a reference number, and a link.

Metropol Crystobol App:

• Download from Google Play or App Store.
• Register and log in to view your status.

Metropol Website:

• Visit the Metropol website, register, and log in to view your listing status.

Fees:

• Credit Score: KES 150 (one free report per year).
• Credit Report: KES 250.
• Clearance Certificate: KES 2,200.

Creditinfo

Creditinfo Website:

• Visit the Creditinfo website and complete the online credit request form.
• Your report will be sent to your email.

Fees:

• The first report is free; subsequent reports may incur a fee.
• Clearance Certificate: KES 2,200.

General Steps for All Bureaus

• Choose a Bureau: Decide which CRB (TransUnion, Metropol, or Creditinfo) you want to check your status with.
• Register: Follow the specific registration process for the chosen bureau.
• Pay Fees: Pay any applicable fees for the services you require.
• Receive Report: Access your credit report or status as provided by the bureau.

Tips

• Annual Free Report: Remember, you’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau.
• Clearance Certificate: If you’ve cleared all your debts and need to prove your creditworthiness, you can apply for a clearance certificate from any of the bureaus, which costs KES 2,200.

Understanding Your Credit Report 

Once you receive your CRB report, it’s important to understand its contents:

• Personal Information: Verify the accuracy of your name, ID number, and contact details.
• Credit History: This section outlines past and current credit facilities, such as loans and credit cards, including amounts, issuance dates, and repayment status.
• Payment Patterns: Consistent on-time payments are crucial for a positive credit score.
• Status Indicators: ‘Performing’ means up-to-date payments; ‘Non-Performing’ indicates late or missed payments.
• Credit Score: A numerical representation of your creditworthiness, with a higher score indicating better credit health.
• Inquiries: This section records when lenders have requested your credit report.

Final Take on How to Check CRB Status in Kenya

If you’re all about being financially responsible, then always keeping track of your credit record is important. With the available options discussed above, you’re able to monitor your credit score and quickly fix any issue that might arise before it balloons out of control. 

FAQs About CRB Status Checks