Kenya proposes central bank approval for major payments investments

Kenya's draft National Payment System Bill, 2026 would require investors acquiring at least 10% of a licensed payment service provider or operator to get prior written approval from the Central Bank of Kenya. It also sets minimum capital of KES 250 million ($1.9 million) for e-money issuers and KES 50 million ($385,178) for wallet providers, with a one-year compliance window.

• CBK approval threshold set at 10% ownership in payment firms
• Minimum capital: KES 250M ($1.9M) for e-money issuers
• Wallet providers face KES 50M ($385,178) minimum capital
• Mergers and acquisitions of payment firms also need CBK approval