How to Get a CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya (2026): Metropol, TransUnion, Creditinfo
Updated 4 November 20266 min readBy the KaziMatch careers team
You get a CRB clearance certificate by applying to a credit reference bureau licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya, such as Metropol, TransUnion or Creditinfo, through its website, app or office. You pay the bureau's fee, and if you have no negative listing, it issues the certificate, usually as a PDF.
Last checked: November 2026. Confirm details on the official portal before you pay.
What is a CRB?
A credit reference bureau (CRB) collects information on how people and businesses repay loans, from banks, SACCOs, mobile lenders and some other institutions. Licensed bureaus in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. Well-known licensed bureaus include:
- Metropol CRB
- TransUnion Kenya
- Creditinfo Kenya
Use the official website or app of each bureau, and check the Central Bank of Kenya website for the current list of licensed bureaus and their official contacts.
CRB report vs CRB clearance certificate
People confuse these two. They are different documents.
| CRB credit report | CRB clearance certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A detailed record of your loans and repayment history | A short official statement that you have no negative listing (or that a listing has been cleared) |
| Used for | Checking your own credit and spotting errors | Job applications, especially public sector |
| Cost | Kenyans are entitled to a free credit report from each licensed bureau once a year; check with the bureau | Paid; check the bureau's current fee |
Most public sector adverts ask for the clearance certificate, not just the report.
Who needs it?
- Applicants for public service, county, parastatal and constitutional office roles
- Candidates for finance, banking and procurement jobs
- Some private employers during background checks
It is one of the five clearances in the Chapter Six clearance checklist.
What you need
- Your national ID number
- Your phone number and email
- A way to pay the fee, such as M-Pesa
- If you were previously listed: proof that the debt was paid (clearance letter from the lender)
Step-by-step: how to get a CRB clearance certificate
The exact steps differ between bureaus, but the process is usually:
- Choose a licensed bureau. Check whether the advert names a specific one. If not, any licensed bureau is generally accepted.
- Register on the bureau's website or app with your ID number and phone number. Some bureaus also offer USSD or SMS registration.
- Verify your identity as instructed, for example by answering questions about your credit history or confirming a code.
- Request your free credit report first if available, and check it for errors or negative listings.
- Apply for the clearance certificate.
- Pay the fee through the payment method shown. Check the current fee with the bureau before paying.
- Receive the certificate, usually by email or download, once the bureau confirms your status.
How long does it take?
If you have no negative listing, it can be quick. If there is a listing to clear, it depends on how fast the lender updates the bureau after you pay. Allow extra time.
How long is it valid?
There is no single validity period that every employer uses. Many public bodies prefer a recently issued certificate, so check the advert. Your status can change if you default after the certificate is issued.
If you have a negative listing
A negative listing means a lender reported you for an overdue loan. You can still get cleared.
- Get your credit report to see which lender listed you and for how much.
- Contact the lender and pay or agree a settlement.
- Ask the lender for a clearance letter and ask them to update the bureau.
- Follow up with the bureau with your clearance letter if your status is not updated.
- Apply for the clearance certificate once your record shows the debt is settled.
Mobile loans, SACCO loans and unpaid HELB loans can all appear on your credit record. If HELB is the issue, see our HELB clearance guide.
If the listing is wrong
You have the right to dispute incorrect information. Raise a dispute directly with the bureau, with any supporting documents. If it is not resolved, the Central Bank of Kenya provides information on how to escalate complaints.
Tips
- Check your free report every year, not only when you need a job.
- Keep loan clearance letters safely; you may need them years later.
- Do not pay agents who promise to "remove you from CRB" for a fee. Only paying or disputing through official channels changes your record. See job scams in Kenya for similar tricks.
Next steps
Collect your other clearances at the same time: certificate of good conduct, KRA tax compliance certificate and EACC clearance. Then browse jobs on KaziMatch.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a CRB report and a CRB clearance certificate?
- A CRB report shows your full loan and repayment history. A clearance certificate is a short official statement that you have no negative listing, which is what most public sector employers ask for.
- Which CRB should I use for a job application?
- Use any bureau licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya, such as Metropol, TransUnion or Creditinfo, unless the advert names a specific one.
- Can I get a CRB clearance certificate if I was listed?
- Yes, once you settle the debt. Pay or agree a settlement with the lender, get a clearance letter, make sure the lender updates the bureau, then apply for the certificate.
- Is a CRB report free in Kenya?
- Kenyans are entitled to a free credit report from each licensed bureau once a year. The clearance certificate is a separate paid document; check the current fee with the bureau.