CBK (Central Bank of Kenya) and National Treasury have invited public comments on the draft National Payment System Policy and National Payment System Bill, 2026, which seek to modernise Kenya’s payments framework and replace the existing Act.

Submissions close on 9th October 2026, with public participation forums scheduled across the Country from 28 September to 9 October.

The National Treasury has collaborated with the CBK to develop this draft National Payment System Policy and National Payment System Bill, 2026.

The policy aims to establish a modern, safe, secure, efficient, affordable, accessible and inclusive national payment system that supports seamless interoperability, financial inclusion, innovation, economic growth and Kenya’s integration into regional and global payment systems.

According to the CBK, the National Payment System Bill, 2026 intends to repeal the National Payment System Act, Cap. 491A.

The Bill aims to provide an effective and efficient legal framework that promotes market integrity, encourages innovation and competition, fosters financial inclusion, public confidence and secures financial stability through risk management, consumer and data protection.

According to the Bill, the National Payments System means the services and systems that are associated with sending, receiving and processing of orders of payment or transfers of money in domestic or foreign currencies;  issuance and management of payment instruments;  payment, clearing and settlement systems;  processing arrangements and procedures associated to payment, clearing and settlement systems; and  payment service providers, payment system operators, participants, and any third party acting on behalf of them, as agents or by way of outsourcing agreements, whether entirely or partially operating inside Kenya.