Caritas Microfinance Bank Releases Information following Ombudsman Intervention

Caritas Microfinance Bank finally released information thanks to the intervention of the Commission. Mwangi Wahome and Co Advocates made an appeal for review to the Commission on behalf of their client, Mr. Mark Mwaura Macharia, following the failure by the bank to supply them with information.

According to the law firm, they made an information request to the Head of Legal, Caritas Microfinance Bank, pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 8 of the Access to Information Act, 2016, requesting for the following information;

1. Certified copy of the account opening form(s) with respect to A/C No. 1***056****17
2. The class of loan facility allegedly advanced to their client (e.g. Asset Finance Loan, Salary Finance etc.)
3. Certified copy of the loan application form(s) for the financial facility allegedly advanced to the requestor
4. Certified copy of the Loan Account Statement
5. Account Number and/or name and/details of the account holder/person who used to service the loan before defaulting
6. Any other relevant document and /or information relating to financial facility, A/C No. 1***056****17 and requestor’s alleged indebtedness to the bank

The bank did not respond to the information request within the stipulated timelines prompting the law firm to seek the intervention of the Commission.

The Commission took up the matter with the Managing Director, Caritas Microfinance Bank, on 24^th April, 2024, requesting the bank to respond to the information request in line with Section 9 (4) of the Access to Information Act, 2016.

In their response in a letter dated 8^th May, 2024, the bank provided the requested documents to the law firm and to the Commission.

“Reference is made to the above subject matter and your email dated 24^th April, 2024. In line with your letter, please find attached the following documents as per your request. Kindly acknowledge receipt and do not hesitate to contact us if in need of any further information,” read the letter from the bank.