Kenya vs Vanuatu
Crypto regulation comparison
Kenya
Vanuatu
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.
Vanuatu has become a popular jurisdiction for crypto businesses due to its tax-free environment. The VFSC has developed a regulatory framework for digital assets.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
No tax
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
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- VFSC regulates digital asset businesses
- No income, corporate, or capital gains tax
- Popular jurisdiction for crypto business registration
- Citizenship by investment program exists
- Developing digital asset regulatory framework