The landscape for digital assets in Kenya is entering a new era of oversight. The National Treasury has officially released the draft Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Regulations, 2026, marking a significant step toward formalizing the country’s crypto and digital asset industry. See details here:
Developed by a Multi-Agency Task Force in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), these regulations aim to bring order, security, and transparency to a sector that has long operated in a legal grey area.
Why Now? The VASP Act 2025
The new regulations are designed to operationalize the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025. The core objective is to create a robust legal framework for:
- Licensing: Ensuring only vetted entities operate within the Kenyan market.
- Consumer Protection: Safeguarding Kenyans against fraud and high-risk speculative activities.
- Financial Integrity: Implementing standards to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
How to Access the Documents
For stakeholders, investors, and the tech-savvy public, the draft Regulations and the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) are available for download on the following official portals:
- National Treasury: www.treasury.go.ke
- Central Bank of Kenya: www.centralbank.go.ke
- Capital Markets Authority: www.cma.or.ke
- Retirement Benefits Authority: www.rba.go.ke
Your Voice Matters: Public Participation
In compliance with the Statutory Instruments Act, the National Treasury is inviting the public to weigh in on these rules before they are finalized. Whether you are a blockchain developer, a crypto investor, or a concerned citizen, this is your chance to shape the future of digital finance in Kenya.
How to Submit Your Comments
You can submit your inputs or memoranda to the Principal Secretary of the National Treasury using this official template found on their website.
- Email: Send to pstnt@treasury.go.ke and copy vasps@treasury.go.ke.
- Physical Delivery: Hand-deliver to the National Treasury Building in Nairobi.
- Post: P.O. Box 30007-00100, Nairobi.
- Deadline: All submissions must be received on or before Friday, 10th April 2026.
Note: The Treasury will also be hosting public participation forums across the country. Check this schedule to find a session near you.
The Bottom Line
Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in regulated digital innovation. By participating in this process, stakeholders can ensure that the final regulations strike the right balance between fostering innovation and protecting the public interest.
