What to Do If You’ve Been Listed on CRB for More Than 5 Years in Kenya (One-Stop Guide)

If your name has sat on a Kenyan CRB for 5+ years, don’t panic. There’s a clear process to fix errors, expunge outdated listings, and get your CRB clearance certificate. This guide also covers the all-too-common case where you’ve already cleared the loan but you’re still negatively listed—plus the exact steps to force updates.

Quick note: negative CRB records don’t just block loans. Some employers, tender committees, and international programs ask for CRB clearance during background checks. There have also been instances of visa applications being complicated by negative CRB history, which can shut you out of overseas education, jobs, or travel. All the more reason to clean this up early.

What the rules actually say (in plain English)

• Retention limits: Negative entries on non-performing loans should not sit on your report forever. They can remain for up to 5 years after final settlement. If it’s been longer than that, push for expungement.
• Updates & timelines: After you pay or resolve a dispute, the lender must instruct CRBs to update your status; CRBs then reflect updates promptly (typically within a couple of working days after receiving the lender’s notice).
• Your free entitlements: You’re entitled to one free credit report per CRB every 12 months. Use it to track changes and confirm corrections.

Step-by-step: Remove an over-5-year listing (or fix a “paid but still negative” record)

1) Pull all three CRB reports

Get your latest report from:

• TransUnion (Nipashe app/SMS)
• *Metropol (Crystobol app/USSD 433#)
• CreditInfo Kenya (web portal)

Confirm for each entry:

• Date listed
• Date of last payment / settlement
• Current status (e.g., Default, Paid/Settled)
• Lender name and CRB reference

2) Build a simple “evidence timeline”

Write down:

• Date you were listed
• Date you fully settled (attach receipts/clearance letter)
• Today’s date

If 5+ years have passed since settlement, that negative record should be expunged. If you’ve paid but it’s less than 5 years, the status should read Paid/Settled (not an active default).

3) Write to the lender (they control the switch)

Send a short email/letter that includes:

• Your account details and the CRB reference
• Your proof of settlement
• A clear request to instruct all three CRBs to:
  • Expunge entries older than the legal retention period, or
  • Correct the status to Paid/Settled

Ask for written confirmation once they’ve sent the update notices.

4) File a dispute with the CRB(s)

If the lender delays—or you want to speed things up—open a dispute with each CRB that shows the negative entry. Attach:

• Your timeline
• Proof of settlement
• Your request to expunge/correct based on age/status

CRBs flag the item as “under investigation,” contact the lender, and must close the loop within set timelines. If the lender doesn’t verify in time, the CRB can remove the disputed item.

5) Still stuck? Escalate

• Central Bank of Kenya (Consumer Protection): lodge a complaint with your evidence and correspondence.
• Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC): if data is inaccurate or not corrected, assert your rights to correction/deletion under the Data Protection Act.

6) After correction/expungement, request your CRB clearance certificate

Once your report shows no negative listings, request your clearance certificate (commonly needed for jobs, tenders, and travel paperwork). Keep a PDF copy and calendar a reminder to re-pull your free annual reports.

Special case: You paid the loan but you’re still negatively listed

This is common—and fixable:

1. Confirm all arrears are zero.
2. Get a lender clearance letter + final statement showing a zero balance.
3. Ask the lender (in writing) to update all three CRBs immediately and share the amendment notice.
4. Nudge the CRBs to confirm they’ve received the lender’s update.
5. If nothing moves, open a dispute with the CRBs and attach your clearance.
6. Escalate to CBK (and ODPC if accuracy is the issue).

Need help removing a CRB listing fast?

If you want a clear, actionable plan to clean your CRB record, follow our proven approach here:
How to clear from CRB in Kenya and improve your credit score for bigger loans
We break down lender follow-ups, CRB disputes, and CBK escalations—so you can get your name cleared and your opportunities back.

Remember!

If you need quick, transparent logbook loan, contact us through our contact form, call us on +254791573231 or visit one of our branches across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties to explore your financial options.