Kenya’s Central Bank Bolsters Crypto Oversight Amid Regulatory Developments

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is actively hiring for senior positions in its Digital Payment Services Division, signaling a commitment to regulating the country’s nascent virtual asset service provider (VASP) sector. These roles focus on licensing, compliance, and product approval—areas critical as Kenya prepares to implement landmark crypto regulations.

The CBK posted four open positions on Monday with deadlines set for May 18:

• Manager, Licensing Function - responsible for reviewing applications and developing operational procedures
• Two Deputy Manager roles focusing on licensing/product approval and oversight/compliance
• Senior Business Analyst to handle application reviews and regulatory guidance

The hiring initiative comes after Kenya’s parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act in October 2025, creating the legal framework for crypto operations. The CBK will oversee virtual assets used for payments—a market where crypto-linked remittances and mobile money integrations have seen significant growth.

While the primary regulations are still pending finalization (with a draft released in March awaiting gazettement), the CBK’s proactive approach suggests an imminent rollout. The proposed framework establishes a 13-member inter-agency Coordination Committee including representatives from various state bodies like the Capital Markets Authority and Financial Reporting Centre.

All positions require backgrounds in payments, banking, financial services or law with senior roles emphasizing experience in AML/CFT frameworks and international VASP standards.