Kenya's President has signed into law a Bill that mandates the Central Bank of Kenya to licence and regulate digital lending apps. It is estimated that there are over 200 apps, which mostly use data to determine the credit worthiness of potential borrowers. The apps lend credit without requiring collateral, making them popular among low and middle income earners. They have however been accused of predatory practises as well as debt shaming, leading to calls for their regulation. Prior to this amendment, the law only regulated loans issued by deposit taking institutions such as banks.  Some of the successful digital loan apps are registered outside the country. The law will now require them to take out licences within the next six months.