Ever heard someone say they've been "listed" and wondered what on earth they're talking about? Well, grab your chai ☕ and settle in, because we're about to spill the tea on credit scores and CRB listings. Trust me, this info is more valuable than a prime plot in Kilimani! 🏙️

What's the Deal with CRB?

First things first, CRB stands for Credit Reference Bureau. It's not some secret society, I promise! 😂 As Angela Mwirigi, our Director- Digital Financial Services explains, "There are three of them actually, main ones in Kenya. Credit reference bureaus and by the way, it's a wonderful thing for Kenya."

Think of CRBs as the watchdogs of the financial world. They keep track of how well you're handling your loans and credit. It's like having a financial report card, only this one follows you long after you've left school!

Why Should I Care About CRB? 🤷‍♂️

You might be thinking, "Ah, sijui! Why should I bother about this CRB thing?" Well, my friend, here's why:

1. It's your financial CV: Banks check your CRB report before giving you a loan. Good report = better chances of getting that loan!

2. It's everywhere: Almost all financial institutions in Kenya use CRB info.

3. It affects your borrowing power: A good credit score could mean lower interest rates and higher loan limits. Cha-ching!

The Three Flavors of CRB Listings

Just like your favourite ice cream shop, CRB has different flavours of listings:

1. Positive listing: You're the star student! 🌟 You've been paying your loans on time.

2. Negative listing: Uh-oh, you've been naughty! 😬 You've defaulted on a loan.

3. Neutral listing: You're just starting out, building your credit history.

As Angela puts it, "Neutral is you've just taken a loan, you're beginning to build your credit history which is critical."

The Impact of CRB Listings

Being listed negatively on CRB is like stepping on a Lego brick in the dark - painful and something you'd rather avoid! 😖 It can affect your ability to get loans in the future. Our Director Angela warns, "If you default and you've been listed and you can pay off the debt now cause you want to build a name of good standing again. So what you do is once you pay off that debt you pull out that credit report."

How to Maintain a Good Credit Score 📈

1. Pay your loans on time: Treat your loan repayments like a mobile money request from your mom - urgent and non-negotiable!

1. Don't overstretch yourself: Borrowing from multiple sources is like trying to eat at all the kibandas in town - it'll end badly!

2. Communicate with your lenders: If you're struggling, talk to your bank. They're not monsters, they'll listen!

3. Use credit responsibly: Don't borrow to fund your next Instagram post. Borrow for things that'll improve your life or business.

What If I'm Already Blacklisted? 😱

Don't panic! It's not the end of the world. Here's what our Director advises: "Take that credit report. If you go into the branch, the branch will listen to you and KCB is in every single town. Go into the branch, doesn't matter where you are in this country and they will listen to you."

Your credit score and CRB listing are more than just numbers – they’re a reflection of your financial health. Treat them with the respect they deserve, and they’ll open doors to endless opportunities. Remember, borrowing responsibly isn’t just about getting what you want today; it’s about ensuring you can thrive tomorrow.

So next time you’re tempted to take a loan for that third round at your favourite nyama choma joint, think twice. Your future self (and your credit score) will thank you.

In case you missed our live session with Angela Mwirigi on Responsible Borrowing, catch it here.