Kenya proposes up to $1.93m capital requirement for payment firms

Kenya's Central Bank is proposing minimum core capital thresholds from KES 5 million ($38,610) for basic data services to KES 250 million ($1.93 million) for electronic money issuers under the National Payment System Bill, 2026. Existing providers would have one year from enactment to comply.

• Minimum capital ranges from KES 5M ($38,610) to KES 250M ($1.93M)
• Multiple licences require 100% of the top tier plus 50% per extra category
• Shareholder loans and borrowed funds won't count as core capital
• Existing providers get one year to comply after enactment