Credit2 min read
What Is a CRB Check?
What a CRB check is in Kenya, what a credit report contains, why lenders use it, and how you can review your own record and build a healthier credit history.
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Financial Technology
CRB checks for informed credit decisions
Credit bureau information helps lenders and businesses understand an applicant's credit history. WeLend offers CRB checking solutions to support responsible decision-making.
At a glance
CRB Checks
- Credit bureau checks
- Credit history
- Responsible lending
The basics
What is a CRB check?
A CRB check retrieves information held by a Credit Reference Bureau about a person's or business's credit history — for example, past and current credit facilities and how they have been repaid.
In Kenya, Credit Reference Bureaus are licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya. Lenders use credit bureau information, together with other information, to assess credit applications responsibly.
Purpose
How credit checks are used
Assess applications
Understand an applicant's credit history as one input into a credit decision.
Manage risk
Support responsible lending and reduce the risk of over-indebtedness.
Build trust
Help good borrowers benefit from a positive repayment history.
Good practice
Responsible use of credit information
- Credit checks should be carried out for a legitimate purpose, such as assessing an application
- Customers' personal data should be handled securely and in line with Kenya's data protection requirements
- Credit information is one input — responsible decisions consider the full picture
FAQ
CRB Checks: frequently asked questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the WeLend Assistant, or talk to our team directly.
Ask on WhatsApp(opens WhatsApp in a new tab)What is a CRB check?
A CRB check retrieves information from a Credit Reference Bureau about a person's or business's credit history. In Kenya, CRBs are licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya.
Who uses WeLend's CRB checking solutions?
They are intended for lenders and businesses that need credit bureau information as part of responsible decision-making. Talk to the business team about your use case.
Can WeLend check or clear my personal CRB status?
The WeLend Assistant can't access or change anyone's credit records. For questions about your own situation, please contact the WeLend team on WhatsApp.
How is CRB checks priced and integrated?
Scope, integration approach and commercial terms depend on your use case, so they're agreed directly with each business. Talk to the WeLend business team on WhatsApp to discuss your requirements.
Resources
Helpful guides
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Need credit bureau checks in your process?
Talk to our business team about how CRB checks could support your decisions.