Absa Kenya Accused of Loan-Shaming Borrowers at Work — Nyakundi Report Uncovers a Dirty Debt Collection Scheme
Absa Bank Kenya has been implicated in a disturbing debt collection scandal first reported by Nyakundi Reports. A third-party agency, Garth Africa, allegedly acting on Absa’s behalf, sent unsolicited emails exposing borrowers’ private loan information—and even copied their employers, causing public and professional embarrassment. These coercive tactics—commonly associated with rogue digital lending apps—mark a dangerous shift by a regulated bank into unethical and possibly illegal territory. Absa has not issued any denial or clarification, raising serious questions about internal oversight, data privacy violations, and regulatory silence from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). KBN is amplifying this story to demand accountability, protect borrower rights, and call on victims to come forward as this investigation continues.
“They copied my boss in a debt email. My personal loan became office gossip. And it all came from a company I’ve never even heard of—claiming to act for Absa.”
This chilling quote comes from a source who spoke to Nyakundi Reports, detailing how a Timiza borrower was publicly shamed at her workplace through unauthorized debt recovery tactics.
The organization allegedly behind the email? A shadowy third-party agency known as Garth Africa, operating on behalf of Absa Bank Kenya.
They shame you, Pressure you.Even if it means dragging your employer into your private business.
While Nyakundi Reports broke the story, KBN is now doing what we do best:
Amplifying the outrage,Connecting the dots, Demanding accountability.
Because if this happened once — it’s already too much.
And if it’s being outsourced — it’s probably widespread.
What Nyakundi Reported
Nyakundi Reports received testimony alleging:
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A Timiza borrower’s work email was copied in a debt recovery message.
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The email came from a firm called Garth Africa, claiming to act on behalf of Absa.
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The message contained private loan details, with no prior consent given.
- Victims felt “shamed, threatened, and trapped” — a tactic common with rogue digital lenders
The revelation sent shockwaves — because these are methods once exclusive to apps like Okash, Tala, Fairkash, and Zenka.
Now? Regulated banks are allegedly doing the same.
This is Bigger Than Just a Leak
It's about a licensed bank possibly sidestepping accountability by outsourcing dirty work to unofficial actors.
Garth Africa is:
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Not clearly listed on CBK’s regulated third-party list.
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Not known for compliance with Kenya’s data laws.
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Allegedly operating in the grey, if not illegal, zone.
And if Absa knows and approves — it's a scandal.
If it doesn’t know — it’s still a scandal.
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