Kenya Proposes 10% Excise Duty on Crypto Trading Fees in 2026 Finance Bill

Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 proposes a 10% excise duty on fees charged by Virtual Asset Service Providers for crypto trading and related activities. The proposed tax rate is double the 5% tax on the betting industry in Kenya. The proposal has sparked renewed GenZ protests against the legislation, increasing operational costs for crypto platforms.

Proposed crypto excise duty

• ▪Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 proposes to introduce a 10% excise duty on fees charged by Virtual Asset Service Providers for crypto trading and other activities.

VASP operational impact

• ▪The proposed excise duty on crypto platforms increases the cost of operations for Virtual Asset Service Providers.

Comparison to betting tax

• ▪The proposed excise duty on crypto platforms will be double the 5% tax on the betting industry in Kenya.

Perspective of GenZ protesters

• ▪GenZ protesters in Kenya have renewed demonstrations in opposition to the Finance Bill 2026's proposed crypto tax.

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