Kenya vs Uzbekistan
Crypto regulation comparison
Kenya
Uzbekistan
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.
Uzbekistan has actively regulated crypto since 2018, when it established the NAPM (initially NAPCI) to oversee virtual assets. Licensed crypto exchanges operate in a regulatory sandbox. Individual crypto trading profits are exempt from tax. Uzbekistan has also established a state-backed mining pool and licensing regime for miners, leveraging its energy resources.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
1.5-3% (proposed digital asset tax)
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CBK (Central Bank of Kenya), CMA (Capital Markets Authority)
Regulator
NAPM (National Agency for Prospective Projects)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under NAPM virtual asset framework
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
- NAPM oversees virtual asset regulation and licensing
- Licensed exchanges operate under regulatory framework since 2018
- Individual crypto trading exempt from income tax
- State-backed mining pool and licensing for crypto miners
- Only licensed platforms can offer crypto services; unlicensed platforms blocked