The Central Bank of Kenya is hiring senior staff to oversee licensing, product approval and compliance for virtual asset service providers, setting up the operational backbone for a crypto regulatory framework that is moving closer to implementation.
The regulator advertised multiple Central Bank of Kenya vacancies within its Digital Payment Services Division. Applications close on May 18. The roles focus on reviewing licensing applications, approving virtual asset products, conducting risk-based supervision, and carrying out AML and cybersecurity checks on firms operating in Kenya’s digital asset space.
The recruitment comes seven months after Parliament passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 in October, giving Kenya its first formal legal framework for crypto and related digital assets. The law assigns the Central Bank of Kenya oversight of payment-linked virtual assets, including crypto-based remittances and integrations with mobile money systems.
At the same time, the National Treasury completed public participation on draft VASP regulations in April 2026. The rules are still awaiting gazettement, a step required before licensing can begin. The hiring for crypto regulation roles points to preparation for enforcement once the legal instruments are fully in force.
Licensing and supervision framework takes shape
The CBK roles to enforce the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act, 2025 include positions dedicated to processing licensing applications and reviewing virtual asset products for approval or rejection.
Once operational, the unit will be responsible for risk-based supervision of licensed firms, including on-site inspections, ongoing compliance monitoring, and enforcement of licensing conditions. The framework also includes oversight of capital adequacy requirements, cybersecurity standards, and data protection obligations. The structure indicates that the regulator is preparing for immediate onboarding of firms once regulations are gazetted.
AML focus and FATF considerations
A key element of the hiring drive is strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls within the virtual asset sector. The Central Bank of Kenya is expected to work alongside other regulators to monitor compliance with global AML standards.
Kenya has been under increased scrutiny from international financial watchdogs, and the development of a formal VASP oversight framework is part of efforts tied to improving regulatory compliance in the financial system.
Dual regulatory structure for digital assets
Under the proposed framework, oversight is divided between regulators. The Central Bank of Kenya will supervise payment-related virtual assets and stablecoin activity, while the Capital Markets Authority will regulate exchanges and tokenisation platforms. This split is designed to separate payment functions from investment-focused crypto activities, creating defined supervisory responsibilities across the financial system.
CBK Advertised Positions
Beyond crypto regulation, the Central Bank of Kenya vacancies include roles across payments operations, banking infrastructure, and risk management functions.
The advertised positions include managers and officers in SWIFT Secretariat Services, RTGS and KEPSS operations, clearing systems, liquidity management, and financial institutions oversight. Additional roles cover banking services across regional offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Eldoret, and Kisii.
The recruitment also includes operational risk, reconciliations, accounts management, and document administration roles within the Banking and Payment Services Department.
Within the Digital Payment Services Division, the bank has advertised senior positions focused on oversight, compliance, and legal advisory for virtual asset activities. These include Manager, Virtual Assets Service Provider Licensing, Deputy Manager roles in licensing and oversight, Senior Manager Oversight & Compliance, and Legal Counsel for digital payment services. A separate Senior Business Analyst role has also been created for virtual asset product approval and licensing review, pointing to a structured approval pipeline for new entrants.
Entry into formal financial system integration
The regulatory framework is expected to integrate virtual assets into Kenya’s formal payments ecosystem, creating channels for regulated interaction between banks and licensed virtual asset service providers. This could allow financial institutions to engage with digital asset firms under defined compliance rules, including cross-border payment services and crypto-linked settlement structures.
Application process for CBK vacancies
Applicants interested in Central Bank of Kenya open vacancies are required to register on the CBK Careers portal before applying. The system allows users to create accounts, update profiles, upload documents, and apply for available roles. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. CBK has stated that it does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. It also warns that canvassing leads to automatic disqualification.
For assistance, applicants can contact the recruitment office via telephone or email.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.