Metropol has called on financial institutions, particularly Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), to adopt balanced lending strategies that protect borrowers while preserving the stability of the credit market.
This comes against the backdrop of rising inflation and global economic uncertainties continue to exert pressure on borrowers and lenders
Speaking during the Metropol Credit Community Workshop held in Embu, Metropol Credit Reference Bureau Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Kipyakwai, asked lenders to reconsider overly restrictive credit policies in response to emerging economic headwinds linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The conflicts have triggered increased fuel prices, disrupted global supply chains, and intensified inflationary pressures across economies, placing additional strain on households and businesses.
Kipyakwai noted that while prudent risk management remains critical, excessive tightening of lending conditions could have unintended consequences, including reduced access to credit, slower business activity, weakened consumer spending, and broader economic contraction.
“Rather than adopting blanket restrictions on credit, lenders should consider targeted, risk-based interventions that help viable borrowers navigate the current challenges,” said Gideon.
Kipyakwai noted that maintaining access to affordable and responsible credit will be instrumental in supporting business continuity, safeguarding jobs, sustaining household consumption, and accelerating economic recovery.
Also Read: Why CRBs Are Now Opening, Not Blocking Door to Credit
“We encourage lenders to leverage comprehensive credit and market information to distinguish between temporary financial distress and long-term credit risk. This approach enables responsible lending while safeguarding portfolio quality.”
The two-day forum, which concluded on Friday, June, 12, 2026, brought together more than 100 participants from Central, Eastern, Upper Eastern, and Lower Eastern regions, including SACCO leaders, credit managers, and other key players within the financial services sector.
Discussions centered on strengthening credit market resilience through data-driven risk assessment, strengthening credit decision-making, and responsible lending practices amid a challenging economic environment.
Participants also underscored the growing importance of digital transformation in financial services. Credit providers were challenged to accelerate the adoption of secure and efficient digital systems that improve access to financial products, reduce loan processing times, and mitigate fraud risks.
The workshop further highlighted the role of technology and quality credit information in expanding financial inclusion while enabling lenders to manage risk more effectively.
