Kenya’s Draft Payment-System Bill: Proposals and October 9 Consultation Deadline
The National Treasury and Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) invited public comments on a draft National Payment System Bill and policy that would replace the current payments statute. The written-submission deadline in the official notice is Friday, October 9, 2026. The draft remains a proposal and does not itself change the law.
What the draft aims to address
The draft proposes a wider legal framework for payment service providers, system operators and electronic money. The Treasury and CBK say the policy aims to support secure, accessible and interoperable payments, innovation, competition, financial inclusion, consumer and data protection, and financial stability.
Interoperability means that different payment providers and systems can connect more easily. The effect on customers, businesses and providers would depend on the final text, any regulations and how the rules are implemented.
Public participation and current status
The official notice invited comments by October 9, 2026, using the templates published with the draft. After consultation, the proposal would still need to proceed through the relevant law-making process before any new statutory requirements take effect.
Payment providers should not treat the draft as current licensing or compliance rules. They should continue following the laws and CBK requirements currently in force while monitoring official Treasury and CBK announcements.
Official documents
- CBK: draft policy, Bill and consultation information
- Official public notice: submission deadline and methods
- Full draft National Payment System Bill, 2026
Status checked October 9, 2026. A draft Bill is not law.
