The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is stepping up preparations for the regulation of digital assets by recruiting professionals to manage licensing and compliance for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). This hiring effort comes even as the detailed rules needed to enforce the country’s crypto law remain unfinished.
The regulator recently announced four vacancies within its Digital Payment Services Division, with applications set to close on May 18. The roles focus on licensing approvals, regulatory compliance, and oversight of businesses operating in Kenya’s growing virtual asset ecosystem.
Building Capacity Before Full Regulation
This marks the first time the CBK has publicly sought specialists dedicated specifically to supervising VASPs. The move signals a proactive attempt to ensure the institution is ready to enforce compliance once the regulatory framework becomes operational.
Among the open positions is a managerial role responsible for leading the licensing function. The successful candidate will evaluate applications from crypto firms, make recommendations on approvals or denials, and establish internal procedures to guide the licensing process.
Two additional deputy manager roles will support this effort. One will concentrate on licensing and product approvals, while the other will oversee compliance and supervision. The compliance-focused position is expected to monitor licensed VASPs using risk-based approaches, covering areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), cybersecurity standards, and adherence to regulatory conditions.
A senior business analyst role completes the recruitment set, focusing on reviewing applications and offering guidance to prospective applicants navigating the regulatory environment.
Legal Framework in Place, Rules Still Pending
The hiring initiative follows the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act in October 2025, a landmark law that formally introduced legal recognition for crypto-related activities in Kenya. The legislation gave the CBK authority to supervise digital assets used in payment systems, an area that has seen increasing adoption through remittances and mobile money integrations.
However, the operational guidelines required to enforce the law are yet to be finalized. Draft regulations released by the National Treasury in March were opened for public feedback until April 10, but they have not yet been officially enacted.
The proposed rules outline the creation of a 13-member coordination committee designed to harmonize oversight across different regulatory bodies. This committee would include the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), and the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4), alongside the CBK.
Kenya Joins Continental Shift Toward Crypto Regulation
Kenya’s efforts reflect a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly working to bring cryptocurrency activities under formal supervision. Countries such as Rwanda and Ghana are also exploring regulatory frameworks to manage the risks and opportunities associated with digital assets.
Despite this momentum, many jurisdictions continue to face delays between passing legislation and implementing detailed regulations. Kenya appears to be navigating this gap by strengthening its internal capacity in advance.
Preparing for an Inevitable Rollout
While the final regulatory framework is still pending, the CBK’s recruitment drive suggests that enforcement may not be far off. By assembling a dedicated team early, the central bank is positioning itself to quickly transition from policy to practice once the rules are formally adopted.
For now, the message is clear: Kenya’s top financial regulator is preparing for a regulated crypto future—even if the rulebook is still being written.
