Kenya vs Kyrgyzstan
Crypto regulation comparison
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
No Regulation
Legal
Kenya has no comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation, though it is one of Africa's leading crypto markets by adoption. The Central Bank has issued warnings but no formal ban. Kenya's 2023 Finance Act introduced a 3% Digital Asset Tax on income from digital asset transfers, signaling growing regulatory attention.
Kyrgyzstan adopted the Law on Virtual Assets in 2022 requiring licensing for exchanges, mining, and VASPs. Over 120 licensed VASPs operate. Crypto turnover exceeded traditional securities market in 2024.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
1.5-3% (proposed digital asset tax)
Tax Rate
10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CBK (Central Bank of Kenya), CMA (Capital Markets Authority)
Regulator
State Financial Supervision Authority
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under Virtual Assets Law
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation, but the 2023 Finance Act introduced a 3% Digital Asset Tax
- CBK has issued multiple warnings about crypto but has not imposed a ban
- CMA considering a framework for digital asset regulation
- Kenya consistently ranks among the top countries globally for crypto adoption (P2P volume)
- M-Pesa mobile money dominance shapes how Kenyans access crypto via P2P exchanges
Key Points
- Law on Virtual Assets adopted in 2022 with licensing framework
- Over 120 licensed VASPs active by late 2024
- Three license types: trading operator, currency exchanger, mining operator
- Crypto sector contributed 800M KGS in taxes in 2024
- Virtual assets not recognized as legal tender but circulate under special regime