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The Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) under the Central Bank now holds data on 95% of Kenya’s adult population, thanks to integration with mobile lenders, SACCOs, and utility providers. Launched in full in March 2024, the enhanced system uses AI to assess creditworthiness beyond traditional banking. Over 18 million individuals have active credit scores, up from 8 million in 2020. The move has reduced non-performing loans in the banking sector to 8.1%. Fintechs can now access verified data via API, improving loan pricing. The CBK says the system promotes financial inclusion while curbing over-indebtedness through a national borrowing limit framework.