A CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) in Kenya is a company licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya to collect, store, and share information about how individuals and businesses borrow and repay loans. These bureaus receive credit records from banks, SACCOs, microfinance institutions, digital lenders, and other financial service providers. The information helps lenders determine whether a person repays loans responsibly and manages credit properly. A CRB clearance certificate is an official document issued by a CRB to confirm your current credit status and indicate whether you have any negative loan listings or unpaid loan defaults. The certificate mainly acts as proof of your credit history and financial reliability. Today, CRB clearance certificates have become increasingly important in Kenya, as many organizations and institutions now conduct credit checks before offering services or opportunities.
What Is a CRB Clearance Certificate?
A CRB clearance certificate is an official document issued by a licensed Credit Reference Bureau in Kenya that confirms your credit status and borrowing history, according to the Readiwork Team. The certificate contains your full name as it appears on your National ID, your ID number, your credit score, and information showing whether you have any negative loan listings or unpaid loan defaults. It also includes a statement confirming whether you are cleared or currently listed for outstanding debts.
Why Do You Need a CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya?
A CRB clearance certificate is required in many situations where a person’s financial responsibility and credit history need to be verified. A study of Kenyan Wallstreet highlights the common situations where you may be asked to provide a CRB clearance certificate:
- Loan and Credit Applications – Banks, SACCOs, microfinance institutions, and digital lenders often request the certificate before approving loans or other credit facilities.
- Employment Opportunities – Many government institutions, county governments, NGOs, and private companies require job applicants to submit a CRB clearance certificate as part of the recruitment process.
- Tender and Business Applications – Individuals and businesses applying for government tenders or contracts may be required to provide the certificate as proof of financial compliance and responsible credit history.
- Political and Public Office Positions – Candidates seeking elective or public office positions may sometimes be asked to present a CRB clearance certificate during the vetting and approval process.
How to Get a CRB Clearance Certificate via USSD Code
If you do not have internet access, you can apply for a CRB Clearance Certificate using a USSD code on your mobile phone. Licensed CRBs in Kenya offer this service, allowing you to register, check your credit status, and request your certificate directly from your phone. Below are the two USSD methods you can use.
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Method One: Using TransUnion CRB Registration via *212#
TransUnion Kenya provides a convenient way to check your credit status and obtain a CRB Clearance Certificate directly from your phone using the USSD code *212#, without visiting any office. Follow the steps below to get your CRB clearance certificate.
Quick tip: Before applying for the clearance certificate, ensure that all your loans are fully settled and not in default, because TransUnion will not issue a clearance certificate to anyone with outstanding non-performing loans.
Step 1: Register and Check Your Credit Status
- Dial *212# on your Safaricom or Airtel line and follow the prompts to register.
- When prompted, pay KES 50 via M-Pesa Paybill number 212121, using your National ID number as the account number.
- After payment, dial *212# again and select Credit Report to view your current credit status.
- Your credit status will show as “Good, Default, or Cleared”, indicating whether you are eligible for a clearance certificate.
Step 2: Settle Any Outstanding Debts
- If your status shows a default or negative listing, you must first contact the lender and repay the outstanding loan in full.
- After repayment, request a batch number or clearance letter from the lender as proof of payment — TransUnion requires this to update your credit profile.
- Allow some time for the lender to notify TransUnion and for your status to be updated from Default to Cleared before proceeding.
Quick Tip: If your record is already clean with no defaults, you can skip the step above
Step 3: Apply for the CRB Clearance Certificate
- Dial *212# again on your phone and navigate to Request Clearance Certificate.
- Pay KES 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill number 212121, using your National ID number as the account number.
- Your clearance certificate will be sent to your registered email address within 24 to 48 hours of payment.
Quick Tip: Ensure you use the same phone number and ID linked to your TransUnion account to avoid processing delays.
Method 2: Using Metropol CRB Registration via *433#
Metropol CRB offers one of the most straightforward ways to check your credit status and obtain a CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya, accessible directly from your phone via the USSD code *433#. Use the following procedure.
Step 1: Register for Metropol CRB Services
- Dial *433# on your mobile phone and follow the on-screen prompts.
- When prompted, enter your National ID number to begin the registration process.
- You will be asked to make a one-time registration payment of KES 100 via M-Pesa Paybill number 220388, using your National ID number as the account number.
- After your payment is successful, Metropol will send you an SMS containing your Crystobol PIN, which you will use to log in to your account going forward.
- This PIN is unique to your Metropol account and is separate from your M-Pesa PIN — keep it safe.
Step 2: Check Your Credit Status
- Once registered, dial *433# again and log in with your Crystobol PIN to access your credit report.
- Your credit status will show as excellent, Good, or poor, indicating whether you qualify for a clearance certificate.
- If your status shows a default or negative listing, contact the lender, repay the outstanding loan in full, and obtain a batch number from them as proof of clearance before proceeding.
Step 3: Apply for the CRB Clearance Certificate
- Once your credit status confirms no outstanding defaults, dial *433#, log in, and select Clearance Certificate (Option 4) from the menu.
- Pay KES 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill number 220388, using your National ID number as the account number.
- Alternatively, visit metropol.co.ke, log in with your Crystobol PIN, select Clearance Certificate, make the payment, and download the certificate directly from the website.
- Your certificate will be delivered to your registered email address or made available for download on the Metropol Crystobol app, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
How to Get a CRB Clearance Certificate from Credit Info Kenya (Step-by-Step Guide)
Credit Info Kenya is the third licensed Credit Reference Bureau in Kenya, regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. It is the only one of the three CRBs that operates exclusively through an online portal, as it does not have a USSD like others. This means you will need internet access and an email address to complete the entire process.
Step 1: Register on the Credit Info Portal
- Visit the official Credit Info Kenya website
- Click on Sign Up or Register to create a new account.
- You will need your National ID number, a valid email address, and your mobile phone number to complete the registration.
- Once registered, verify your account through the confirmation link sent to your email before proceeding.
Step 2: Request and Review Your Credit Report
- After logging in, navigate to the Credit Report section and submit a request for your report.
- Each CRB is required to provide one free credit report per year — take advantage of this before paying for additional reports.
- If you need more than one report in the same year, each additional report costs KES 50.
Quick Tip: Review your report carefully to confirm your credit status shows no active defaults or negative listings before paying for the clearance certificate, to avoid losing KES 2,200 on a certificate that reflects an unresolved debt.
- If your report shows a default, contact the lender, repay the outstanding loan in full, and obtain a batch number as proof of payment. Allow 3 to 7 days for the lender to notify Credit Info and for your record to be updated before rechecking.
Step 3: Apply for the CRB Clearance Certificate
- Once your credit report confirms a clean record with no defaults, log back into your account.
- Navigate to the Clearance Certificate tab, fill in the required application form, and submit.
- Pay the certificate fee of KES 2,200 through the available payment channels on the portal.
- Your clearance certificate will be sent to your registered email address once the payment is confirmed and processed.
Application of CRB Clearance Certificate Via TransUnion Online Portal
a) Register on the TransUnion Portal
- Visit the official TransUnion Kenya website
- Click on Sign Up or Register to create a new account.
- You will need your National ID number, a valid email address, and your mobile phone number to complete the registration.
- Alternatively, you can download the TransUnion Nipashe App from the Google Play Store or App Store and register using the same details — the app offers the same features as the web portal in a more mobile-friendly format.
- Verify your account through the confirmation message sent to your registered email or phone before proceeding.
b) Request Your Credit Report
- After logging in, navigate to the Credit Report section and submit a request.
- Each CRB is required to provide one free credit report per year
- If you need more than one report within the same year, each additional report costs KES 50, payable via M-Pesa Paybill number 212121 using your National ID number as the account number.
c) Request the Clearance Certificate
- Once your credit report confirms a clean record, log in to your account and navigate to the Clearance Certificate section.
- Make a payment of KES 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill number 212121, using your National ID number as the account number.
- Once payment is confirmed, your certificate will be sent to your registered email address, or you can download it directly from the portal or Nipashe app, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
Quick Tip: The online portal and Nipashe app both provide the same outcome. If you do not have reliable internet access, you can complete the entire process using the USSD code *212# on your mobile phone instead, following the same payment details.
How to Apply for a CRB Clearance Certificate From Metropol Portal
a) Download the App or Access the Website
- Download the Metropol Crystobol App from the Google Play Store on your Android device, or visit the Metropol website.
- Open the app or website and click Register if you are a first-time user, or Log In if you already have a Crystobol account.
b) Register and Activate Your Account
- To register, enter your National ID number, mobile phone number, and email address when prompted.
- Pay a one-time registration and activation fee of KES 100 via M-Pesa Paybill number 220388, using your National ID number as the account number. This fee is charged only once during registration — you will not be charged again on future logins.
- After successful payment, you will receive an SMS containing your Crystobol PIN and a link to your free credit report. Keep this PIN safe, as it is your permanent login credential for the Metropol platform.
c) Check Your Credit Status and Review Your Report
- Log in using your Crystobol PIN and select Listing Status to confirm whether your credit record is clean, in default, or cleared.
- To get a more detailed breakdown of your credit history — including the specific lenders who have listed you and full repayment records — you can request a detailed credit report for KES 250, payable via M-Pesa Paybill 220388, with your ID number as the account number.
- If you only need your credit score, that is available separately for KES 150 via the same Paybill.
d) Apply for the Clearance Certificate
- Once your credit status confirms there are no outstanding defaults, log in to the Crystobol app and navigate to the Certificate of Clearance section.
- Make a payment of KES 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill number 220388, using your National ID number as the account number.
- Your certificate will be sent to your registered email address, or you can download it directly from the app, typically within 24 to 48 hours of payment.
How Much Does a CRB Clearance Certificate Cost in Kenya?
A CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya currently costs about KES 2,200 when applying through licensed Credit Reference Bureaus such as TransUnion Kenya, Metropol Corporation, or Credit info Kenya, as highlighted by Kennedy (2026). The payment is usually made through M-Pesa or other approved payment methods provided by the CRB before applying for the certificate.
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Conclusion
Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate online in Kenya is as simple as following the right procedure. The certificate must be offered only by 3 certified institutions: TransUnion Kenya, Credit Info Kenya, and Metropol Corporation. There are two methods to apply for the CRB certificate: via USSD or through the official websites of the three institutions listed above. By following the step-by-step process illustrated above, you can easily see your credit status and also get your CRB certificate, but before you apply for the certificate, ensure that you have cleared your loan to avoid losing KES 2,200 because the certificate will reflect an unresolved debt.
