Cryptocurrency businesses operating in Kenya are now required to obtain licences from the relevant regulators, following the expiry of the transition period for existing providers on November 4 this year.
The new framework places virtual asset service providers under the supervision of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), depending on the services they offer.
The two regulators announced on Friday, November 13, that the Virtual Asset Service Providers Regulations, 2026, had been gazetted.
The regulations seen by Kenyans.co.ke now give the CBK and CMA formal oversight of the sector while clearly establishing the procedures for licensing and supervising businesses offering virtual asset services.
Under the arrangement, businesses in the crypto sector must apply to the regulator responsible for the particular service they provide, as outlined in the First Schedule of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025.
Meanwhile, the regulators have urged businesses affected by the latest directive to check the detailed licensing requirements and application checklists on their respective websites.
Additionally, CBK revealed that the lists of licensed providers would be published once approvals are issued.
The CBK and CMA had announced in November 2025 that the Treasury was developing regulations to operationalise the law, with the process now reaching completion.
