Sam sam 28

The Kenya virtual assets industry has taken a major step forward with the formal establishment of the Virtual Assets Association of Kenya (VAAK), a non-political, non-profit body formed to promote responsible growth, professionalism, and innovation across the digital asset ecosystem.

The Association comes into effect following the implementation of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act No. 20 of 2025), which designates both the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) as primary regulators responsible for licensing, supervising, and overseeing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in Kenya.

THE KENYA CRYPTO ACT |

The Kenya Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 provides for the legal framework to license and regulate the activities of VASPs in #Kenya

Date of Commencement: November 4, 2025

Read or Download here: https://t.co/jfEzMl7I2z pic.twitter.com/oWeQkEi7KJ

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) October 28, 2025

VAAK has been formed to complement this regulatory framework and provide a unified platform through which industry players can collaborate, innovate, and engage constructively with regulators.

 

The Association will focus on:

• Representation & Advocacy: Serving as the primary liaison between industry participants and regulators, that is CMA, CBK, and other authorities, to ensure industry perspectives are clearly articulated.

• Industry Development: Supporting standards, best practices, and responsible innovation in trading, custody, advisory, tokenization, stablecoins, and blockchain applications.

• Education & Awareness: Advancing public knowledge of virtual assets and the digital economy through training, research, and outreach.

• Societal Impact: Promoting financial literacy and community-based initiatives that broaden access to digital financial opportunities.

 

In his remarks, Dr. Peter Onyango, the Founding Chairperson of VAAK, emphasized the significance of the moment:

“Kenya has always been a pioneer in digital finance. With the new regulatory framework now in place, we have a unique opportunity to build a mature, well-governed, and globally competitive virtual assets industry.

VAAK will champion collaboration, transparency, and responsible innovation, ensuring that this sector grows in a way that protects consumers, empowers businesses, and positions Kenya as a continental leader.”

 

Membership will be open to:

Licensed VASPs

Blockchain innovators

Fintech firms

Technology developers

Advisory professionals, and

other stakeholders aligned with the Association’s mission.

REGULATION | ‘We Have Not Licensed Any VASPs Under the [VASP] Act to Operate In or From #Kenya,’ Says Central Bank and Capital Markets Regulator

The notice mentions the ‘obligations of VASPS in the prevention of #ML and #TF.’https://t.co/sk9uTleuvt @CBKKenya @CMAKenya pic.twitter.com/IhHxD1ResX

— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) November 18, 2025

 

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