Paul Arithi 
Kenya’s premier competitive intelligence provider in the financial sector, on hosted industry players for the inaugural Digital Lenders Awards 2025 and awarded trailblazers in Kenya’s digital lending ecosystem.
Over 20 CBK-regulated digital lenders attended the inaugural event themed “Promoting Best Practice in the Provision of Instant Credit.”
The awards featured 12 categories, with judging led by PKF Kenya to ensure impartiality through financial analysis, customer surveys, and expert assessments. Strathmore University joined as the knowledge partner, enhancing the evaluation’s credibility.
The judging panel, consisting of financial experts, technologists, and consumer advocates, analyzed entries submitted by digital lenders through a multi-phase process.
PKF Kenya conducted financial audits to verify loan portfolios, profitability, and cost-income ratios.
Think Business’s CSI gathered feedback from over 10,000 borrowers through online surveys on app usability, transparency, and problem resolution.
Independent IT firms carried out security penetration testing and usability evaluations of the apps. Judges also conducted field visits to the offices of shortlisted lenders to assess operational practices and governance frameworks. Eligibility was limited to CBK-regulated Digital Credit Providers (DCPs).
Award Categories & Winners
- Overall Best Digital Lender in Kenya 2025
This premier award evaluates lenders on financial health, innovation, risk management, and customer satisfaction. Key metrics include asset quality (non-performing loans), liquidity ratios, profitability, and cost efficiency (20% weighting).
Technological innovation and user experience scores derived from Think Business’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) contribute 40% to the final assessment.
- Winner:Little Pesa
- 1st Runner-Up:Sevi Innovation
- Best Mobile Digital Lending App
Focusing on user-centric design, this category prioritizes apps with intuitive interfaces, rapid response times, and robust security protocols. Judges will assess functionality (30%), data protection measures (25%), and app store ratings (15%).
- Winner:Little Pesa
- 1st Runner-Up:Bayes (PI Capital)
- Best Digital Lender for Individuals
Judges seek lenders offering diverse personal loan products (40%), transparent terms, and accessible financial advice.
Customer support availability and customization options are critical differentiators.
- Winner:Fincorp Credit
- 1st Runner-Up:Mwananchi Credit
- 2nd Runner-Up:Little Pesa
- Best Digital Lender for Small Business
This category highlights lenders supporting SMEs through flexible loan terms (20%), business advisory services (20%), and high loan volumes (30%). Submissions require evidence of impact, such as client testimonials.
- Winner:Fincorp Credit
- 1st Runner-Up:Umoja Fanisi Limited
- 2nd Runner-Up:Sevi Innovation
- Fastest Growing Digital Lender
Growth metrics such as year-over-year revenue increases (25%), market share expansion (25%), and customer acquisition rates (25%) define this category.
- Winner:Fincorp Credit
- 1st Runner-Up:Autochek
- 2nd Runner-Up:Umoja Fanisi Limited
- Most Inclusive Digital Lender
Recognizing lenders bridging socioeconomic gaps, this award emphasizes accessibility for marginalized communities, geographic reach, and products tailored for low-income borrowers.
Initiatives supporting differently-abled users and rural populations carry a 40% weighting.
- Winner:Sevi Innovation
- 1st Runner-Up:Fincorp Credit
- 2nd Runner-Up:Bytech Credit
- Most Affordable Digital Lender
Transparency in fee structures (35%) and competitive interest rates (40%) determine affordability. Entrants must disclose all charges upfront.
- Winner:Umoja Fanisi Limited
- 1st Runner-Up:Mwananchi Credit
- 2nd Runner-Up:Little Pesa
- Best Digital Lender in Risk Management
With cyber threats and fraud posing critical challenges, this award honors lenders demonstrating advanced risk modeling (25%), real-time fraud detection systems (25%), and proactive mitigation strategies.
- Winner:Tala
- 1st Runner-Up:Umoja Fanisi Limited
- 2nd Runner-Up:Little Pesa
- Best Digital Lender in Customer Experience
Customer satisfaction surveys (50% weighting) and resolution rates for complaints (25%) are central to this category. Lenders are evaluated on response times, first-contact resolution efficiency, and net promoter scores.
- Winner:Ngao Credit
- 1st Runner-Up:Little Pesa
- 2nd Runner-Up:Fincorp Credit
- Best Digital Lender in Governance
Compliance with CBK regulations (50%) and ethical practices, such as fair debt collection policies, form the core criteria. Lenders must provide audit reports and compliance certifications.
- Winner:Little Pesa
- Most Trusted Digital Lender
Blending CSI results (40%) with brand perception surveys (20%), this award recognizes lenders excelling in transparency, dispute resolution, and customer loyalty2.
- Winner:Lockbx
- 1st Runner-Up:Fincorp Credit
- 2nd Runner-Up:Little Pesa
- Best Contribution to the Growth of Digital Lending
Open to institutions and individuals, this category rewards thought leadership (25%), technological advancements (25%), and contributions to industry-wide standards.
- Winner:Jijenge Credit
- 1st Runner-Up:Lockbx
- 2nd Runner-Up:Little Pesa
The 1st edition of the digital lenders’ awards provided a platform for lenders to benchmark their performance in areas such as innovation, risk management, and customer satisfaction while offering winners valuable media exposure and networking opportunities to enhance their brand equity.
It also emphasized the importance of ethical lending practices, regulatory compliance, and governance to foster public trust, while highlighting the role of digital lenders in contributing to Kenya’s economic growth through products tailored for small businesses and individuals.
Ochieng Oloo, Founder & CEO of Think Business Ltd, emphasized the awards’ significance by stating: “Kenya’s digital lending sector has revolutionized access to credit, empowering millions. These awards will not only celebrate pioneers but also set benchmarks for sustainable, customer-centric growth”
With Kenya’s digital lending market projected to grow by 22% annually, these awards aim to reinforce Kenya’s position as Africa’s fintech hub.
“By celebrating innovation we’re shaping a more inclusive financial future,” added Oloo.
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