Kenya Proposes Crypto Ad Ban, New Transaction Fees

Kenya's National Treasury has released draft Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) regulations that would strictly limit cryptocurrency advertising and impose new fees on transactions and token offerings. The rules are open for public consultation until April 10.

If adopted, crypto firms would need regulator approval for all marketing—including social media, websites, and seminars—and face fines up to KES 3 million ($23,000) for campaigns running without a 'no objection' notice. Advertisements must be clear, disclose all fees and risks prominently, and cannot hide warnings in fine print. Misleading promotions, even by influencers, could result in similar fines or jail time.

Alongside advertising controls, Kenya proposes a 0.05% fee on every crypto transaction (charged to both buyer and seller), a 0.5% approval fee on token sales, and a flat KES 200,000 ($1,500) fee for stablecoin issuers. Startups would also pay licensing costs and annual renewals based on turnover. These charges reduce the 'take rate' that platforms earn per trade, potentially squeezing profits or leading to higher user fees.

The move follows Ghana's central bank, which recently urged crypto operators to refrain from mass marketing. Together, the East African nations signal a regional push to regulate retail-facing crypto activity, increase government revenue, and protect consumers from aggressive promotion.

For Nigerians involved in crypto—whether as investors, exchange operators, or startup founders—Kenya's draft rules highlight a tightening regulatory environment in West and East Africa. If Kenya implements these fees and ad restrictions, cross-border crypto businesses may face higher compliance costs, and users could see increased transaction charges. Nigeria's CBN and SEC may study Kenya's model as they consider their own virtual asset frameworks. Will you adjust platforms to meet stricter rules, absorb the added costs, or redirect focus to markets with lighter regulation?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/03/31/kenya-crypto-advertising-rules/