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 Total Cost of Credit is a list of all costs incurred in borrowing and servicing a loan.

It includes interest expenses, bank fees and charges, and third-party fees and charges. The total cost of credit = KESONIA + Premium (K) + Fees and Charges.

Premium (K) comprises of bank operation costs + Return on shareholders+ Return to shareholders + Borrower’s risk premium.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the total cost of borrowing a loan expressed as an annual percentage. It includes the applicable bank interest rate as well as all related fees, commissions, and third-party costs.

APR/TCC disclosure promotes transparency by clearly presenting the full cost of credit including interest, fees, and charges in a standardized format. This enables consumers to compare loan offers accurately, make informed decisions,

 No. Borrowers should also consider:

  • Loan tenure and repayment flexibility

  • Early repayment terms

  • Customer service quality

  • Additional product benefits

The Central Bank Rate (CBR) is the benchmark interest rate set by the Central Bank of Kenya’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). It signals the monetary policy stance and influences lending and deposit rates across the banking sector.

KESONIA is a transaction-based benchmark rate that reflects the average interest rate at which banks in Kenya lend and borrow unsecured overnight funds in Kenyan Shillings. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) serves as the official administrator of KESONIA.

 

Central Bank Rate (CBR)

KESONIA

Set by the Monetary Policy Committee

Market-determined based on actual interbank transactions

Signals monetary policy direction

Reflects real overnight interbank lending rates

Changes periodically after MPC meetings

Published daily

Influences overall interest rate environment

Used as a transparent pricing benchmark for loans

 

 

 

It modernizes Kenya’s interest rate framework by enhancing transparency, reliability, and credibility. This strengthens monetary policy transmission, boosts confidence in domestic financial markets, and aligns Kenya with international best practices

When the CBR or KESONIA rate changes, market interest rates may also change, which in turn can increase or reduce the interest rate applied to your loan.

Yes. The TCC template and APR calculator will help you estimate the total borrowing costs. However, it is advisable to confirm the figures with your bank, as all calculator outputs are indicative, non-binding estimates and do not represent final loan terms or guaranteed pricing.

    Banks should provide:

  • The Total Cost of Credit breakdown

  • The full APR

  • The repayment schedules

  • All applicable fees and third-party charges

  • Other applicable terms and conditions of the loan

You can contact the following:

Kenya Bankers Association
International Life House, Mama Ngina Street P.O. Box 73100–00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: info@kba.co.ke 

Central Bank of Kenya
Haile Selassie Avenue

P.O Box 60000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: comms@centralbank.go.ke 

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