Mambo Ni Matatu: 3 Main Ways You Can Improve Your Credit Score In Kenya

Improving your credit score requires responsible financial behavior and a consistent effort over time. Here are three main ways you can work on improving your credit score.

1. Pay Your Bills on Time: Timely payment of your credit obligations is one of the most crucial factors in determining your credit score. This includes paying your loans, credit card bills, and other financial commitments on or before the due date. Late payments or defaults can significantly damage your credit score. Setting up reminders, automating payments, or creating a budget to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your bills can help you make on-time payments consistently.
2. Reduce Outstanding Debt: The amount of debt you owe relative to your available credit (credit utilization ratio) is another critical factor affecting your credit score. To improve your credit score, work on paying down your outstanding debts, especially high-interest debts like credit card balances. Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30% – in other words, use no more than 30% of your available credit limit. Reducing your debt will positively impact your credit score over time.                                                                                                         
3. Build a Positive Credit History: Establishing a positive credit history can boost your credit score. If you don’t have any credit history, consider applying for a credit card or a small personal loan from a reputable lender. Use these credit accounts responsibly by making regular payments and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. Over time, a consistent positive payment history will demonstrate your creditworthiness to lenders and improve your credit score.

Improving your credit score takes time, and there are no quick fixes. Additionally, regularly checking your credit report for errors or inaccuracies and disputing them if necessary can also help ensure your credit score is accurate.