Kenya Crypto Licence FAQ (VASP Act 2025)

Short answers on Kenya's deadline, regulators, capital and what foreign platforms must do.

What is the deadline for crypto firms in Kenya?

4 November 2026. Section 47 of the VASP Act 2025 gives anyone already providing virtual asset services one year from commencement (4 November 2025) to comply; the date is our calculation, as the Act states the period, not the date. The Regulations of 22 July 2026 add no extra transition. More.

Has any crypto exchange been licensed in Kenya?

Not that we can find. No VASP licence register has been published by the CBK or the CMA, and the CMA licensee directory has no virtual-asset category (checked 22 Oct 2026). The last regulator statement we found, of 18 November 2025, said no VASP had been licensed. Grants must be published in the Kenya Gazette within 30 days (s. 10(7)).

Who regulates crypto in Kenya, the CBK or the CMA?

Both, by activity. The Central Bank of Kenya licenses custodial wallet providers, payment processors and stablecoin issuers. The Capital Markets Authority licenses exchanges, brokers, investment advisers, managers, initial coin offerings, tokenisation and token issuance platforms (Act, First Schedule).

How much capital does a crypto exchange need in Kenya?

KSh 100 million paid-up capital and liquid capital of KSh 20 million or 8% of total liabilities, whichever is higher; the licence fee is KSh 1 million and the application fee KSh 100,000 (Regulations, First and Fifth Schedules). Exchange requirements.

Do foreign exchanges need a Kenyan licence?

If they actively solicit or target Kenyan consumers, or derive an economic benefit or income from Kenya, the Regulations treat them as operating in or from Kenya, physical presence or not (reg. 4(2)). A licensee then needs a Kenyan-registered company, an office in Kenya, a Kenyan bank account and a CEO domiciled in Kenya.

What is the penalty for operating without a licence?

A fine of up to KSh 25 million for a company; a fine of up to KSh 10 million or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, for an individual (Act, ss. 8(3), 40(3)). A director, partner or senior officer who knowingly authorised, permitted or aided the offence is liable as well (s. 41).

Can a Kenyan exchange list USDT or USDC?

Only stablecoins approved by the Central Bank of Kenya and issued by a licensed stablecoin issuer may be listed by a licensed exchange (reg. 60(6)). We found no published CBK approval of any stablecoin.

How long does a licence last?

Until 31 December of the year it is issued (s. 13). Renewal is annual and must be filed at least two months before expiry (reg. 11).