A CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) clearance certificate is an important document that confirms your creditworthiness. It is often required for loan applications, job opportunities, government tenders, and business transactions in Kenya.
This guide provides a step-by-step process on how to apply for a CRB clearance certificate from Kenya’s three licensed credit reference bureaus: TransUnion, Metropol, and CreditInfo.
What is a CRB Clearance Certificate?
A CRB clearance certificate is an official document issued by a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) confirming that:
✅ You have no outstanding loans or negative listings.
✅ You are in good financial standing.
✅ Your credit history is clean.
📌 Who Needs a CRB Clearance Certificate?
✔ Job seekers (especially for government positions)
✔ Individuals applying for loans or credit cards
✔ Businesses bidding for government tenders
✔ Employees switching jobs
✔ Entrepreneurs opening bank accounts
How to Apply for a CRB Clearance Certificate in Kenya
✅ Step 1: Choose a Licensed CRB Provider
Kenya has three licensed CRBs that issue clearance certificates:
1️⃣ TransUnion (USSD: *212#)
2️⃣ Metropol (USSD: *433#)
3️⃣ CreditInfo (Online Portal)
Each operates independently, and some organizations may request clearance from all three CRBs.
Method 1: Applying for a CRB Certificate via USSD Code
1. Applying for a CRB Certificate from TransUnion
📌 *Dial 212# on your phone (Safaricom & Airtel).
📌 Enter your ID number to register.
📌 Pay Ksh 50 for a credit report via M-Pesa Paybill 212121 (Account: Your ID number).
📌 If your report is clean, request a CRB clearance certificate.
📌 Pay Ksh 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill 212121.
📌 Download your certificate from the TransUnion portal or get it via email.
2. Applying for a CRB Certificate from Metropol
📌 *Dial 433# on your phone.
📌 Enter your ID number to register.
📌 Pay Ksh 100 via M-Pesa Paybill 220388 (Account: Your ID number) to check your credit status.
📌 Pay an additional Ksh 2,200 to get a CRB clearance certificate.
📌 Download your certificate from the Metropol Crystobol app or via email.
3. Applying for a CRB Certificate from CreditInfo
📌 Visit the CreditInfo website and sign up.
📌 Provide your ID number, email, and phone number.
📌 Request a free annual credit report (additional reports cost Ksh 50).
📌 If your record is clean, apply for a clearance certificate at Ksh 2,200.
📌 The certificate is emailed to you upon processing.
Method 2: Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate Online
If you prefer applying online, follow these steps:
1. Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate from TransUnion Online
📌 Go to TransUnion Africa
📌 Register with your ID, phone number, and email.
📌 Request a credit report (first report is free; additional reports cost Ksh 50).
📌 If your record is clear, pay Ksh 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill 212121 to get a clearance certificate.
📌 Download your certificate from the portal.
2. Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate from Metropol Online
📌 Download the Metropol Crystobol app (from Google Play Store) or visit their website.
📌 Register and pay Ksh 100 to check your credit status.
📌 Pay Ksh 2,200 via M-Pesa Paybill 220388 to request a clearance certificate.
📌 The certificate is emailed or can be downloaded from the app.
3. Applying for a CRB Clearance Certificate from CreditInfo Online
📌 Visit the CreditInfo website.
📌 Sign up with your ID number, phone number, and email.
📌 Check your credit report (first report is free).
📌 Pay Ksh 2,200 to get a clearance certificate.
📌 The certificate will be sent via email.
How to Remove Yourself from the CRB Blacklist
If you are blacklisted due to unpaid loans, follow these steps:
✅ Check your CRB Status (via TransUnion, Metropol, or CreditInfo).
✅ Identify the defaulted loan or debt.
✅ Repay the outstanding amount in full.
✅ Obtain a clearance letter from the lender.
✅ Follow up with the CRB to update your records.
✅ Wait for removal from the blacklist (this may take up to 30 days).
📌 Important: Even after clearing a default, your credit history remains visible for 5 years.
When Do You Need a CRB Clearance Certificate?
✔ Applying for a loan (banks & financial institutions)
✔ Bidding for a government tender
✔ Applying for a government job
✔ Visa or immigration applications
✔ Opening a business bank account
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get a CRB clearance certificate?
✔ For individuals with no default history → Instant download.
✔ For blacklisted individuals → After full loan repayment & verification (takes up to 30 days).
2. Can I get a CRB certificate via eCitizen?
❌ No. CRB clearance certificates are not available on eCitizen. You must apply through TransUnion, Metropol, or CreditInfo.
3. Does a CRB clearance certificate expire?
✔ No, but some institutions may request a recent copy (within 6 months).
4. What if I have a pending loan?
✔ You must clear all pending loans before getting a CRB clearance certificate.
HELB Clearance vs. CRB Clearance – What’s the Difference?
| HELB Clearance | CRB Clearance |
|---|---|
| Confirms HELB loan repayment | Confirms overall credit status |
| Required for government jobs & tenders | Required for loans & business deals |
| Free for non-beneficiaries, Ksh 1,000 for loanees | Ksh 2,200 fee |
Where to Contact CRBs for Assistance
📌 TransUnion: +254 20 517 9900 | TransUnion Africa
📌 Metropol: +254 709 834 000 | Metropol Website
📌 CreditInfo: +254 709 684 000 | CreditInfo Kenya
Conclusion
Applying for a CRB clearance certificate in Kenya is simple and fast if you have a clean credit record. If you have a negative listing, ensure you clear all outstanding debts before applying.
📌 Don’t wait until the last minute! Get your CRB clearance certificate today and stay financially compliant! 🚀
