Think Business, Kenya’s premier competitive intelligence provider in the financial sector, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 hosted over 20 Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)-regulated digital lenders at the inaugural Digital Lenders Awards 2025 celebrating trailblazers in Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital lending ecosystem.
The groundbreaking awards event, themed “Promoting Best Practice in the Provision of Instant Credit,” recognized the crucial role of digital lenders in transforming financial services and driving financial inclusion across Kenya.
(TOP: Little Pesa representatives receive their awards from the 2025 Think Business Digital Lenders Awards).
Ochieng Oloo, the founder and CEO of Think Business, emphasized the awards’ significance stating: “Kenya’s digital lending sector has revolutionized access to credit, empowering millions. These awards not only celebrate pioneers but also set benchmarks for sustainable, customer-centric growth.”
The awards featured 12 categories, judged by PKF Kenya to ensure impartiality through financial analysis, customer surveys, and expert assessments.
Award Categories and Winners
- Overall Best Digital Lender in Kenya 2025 – Little Pesa
- Best Mobile Digital Lending App – Little Pesa
- Best Digital Lender for Individuals – Fincorp Credit
- Best Digital Lender for Small Business – Fincorp Credit
- Fastest Growing Digital Lender – Fincorp Credit
- Most Inclusive Digital Lender – Sevi Innovation
- Most Affordable Digital Lender – Umoja Fanisi
- Best Digital Lender in Risk Management – Tala
- Best Digital Lender in Customer Experience – Ngao Credit
- Best Digital Lender in Governance – Little Pesa
- Most Trusted Digital Lender – Lockbx
- Best Contribution to the Growth of Digital Lending – Jijenge Credit
The judging panel, consisting of financial experts, technologists, and consumer advocates, analyzed entries submitted by digital lenders through a multi-phase process. This included financial audits by PKF Kenya, customer feedback from over 10,000 borrowers Think Business’s CSI surveys, independent IT security and usability assessments, and on-site visits to shortlisted lenders to assess operational practices and governance.
The first 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 promoting ethical lending practices, regulatory compliance, and governance to foster public trust. It also highlighted the role of digital lenders in contributing to Kenya’s economic growth through products tailored for small businesses and individuals.
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 today, we’re shaping a more inclusive financial future,” added Oloo.
For over 20 years, Think Business has driven industry excellence through awards programs in banking, insurance, and investment. Its expertise in data analytics and strategic research underpins initiatives like the CSI, which has become a gold standard for consumer insights in East Africa.
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