Get a bank, microfinance bank or payment service provider licence from CBK
Central Bank of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Meet CBK early, get your company name approved, incorporate, then apply to CBK with the application form, fit and proper forms, a three-year feasibility study and proof of capital. The application fee is KSh 5,000; once CBK gives approval in principle and checks your premises and systems, you pay the licence fee and get the licence.
- Fee
- KSh 5,000Application fee, bank / mortgage finance / non-bank financial institution (non-refundable)KSh 5,000Application fee, microfinance bank (non-refundable)KSh 5,000Application fee, payment service provider (non-refundable)
- Where
- Bank Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Nairobi (P.O. Box 60000-00200). Payment service providers: Director, Banking and Payment Services, CBK (nps@centralbank.go.ke).
What you need
- Application form CBK IF 1-1 plus fit and proper forms for directors, the CEO (CBK IF 1-2) and significant shareholders (CBK IF 1-3)
- Certified copies of the certificate of incorporation and memorandum and articles of association
- A feasibility study covering at least three years, with projected financial statements
- Proof of capital and its sources: certified bank statements, fixed deposit receipts or government securities
- For each key person: KRA PIN, tax compliance certificate and a recent CRB credit report
- Payment service providers: a certificate of good conduct for directors, senior managers and significant shareholders
Steps
- Contact CBK early for a preliminary meeting. For a payment service, email the concept note and meeting request to nps@centralbank.go.ke.
- Get CBK's approval for the name, then incorporate the company with the Registrar of Companies.
- Submit the application form, fit and proper forms and supporting documents to CBK with the KSh 5,000 application fee.
- With CBK's approval in principle, set up premises, IT systems and staff, then ask CBK to assess them.
- Pay the annual licence fee. CBK gazettes the institution and issues the licence.
Watch out
- A microfinance bank name approval lasts 12 months. You must get the licence within that time.
- The first year's licence fee is paid in full, even if the licence is issued late in the year.
- Every proposed shareholder must swear that the capital is not from crime or illicit activity.
Who can apply
- A limited liability company incorporated after CBK approves its name (banks, mortgage finance companies and non-bank financial institutions).
- Payment service providers: first confirm your service is a payment service under the National Payment System Act and Regulations. Ask CBK if unsure.
Official sources (3)
- The A-Z of licensing a commercial bank, a mortgage finance company or a non-bank financial institution (March 2026) centralbank.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The A-Z of licensing a microfinance bank centralbank.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Payment Service Providers (PSPs) authorization checklist centralbank.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026