Supervisory & Regulatory Agencies in Kenya
Regulatory Landscape in Kenya's Financial Sector
Oversight and Supervision by Regulatory Bodies
The financial sector in Kenya operates under the oversight of various regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations. These regulatory agencies play a critical role in maintaining stability, transparency, and integrity within the industry. From safeguarding depositors’ funds to regulating capital markets activities, each entity has a specific mandate aimed at fostering a conducive environment for financial activities. Here are the key regulatory bodies governing the financial landscape in Kenya:
Regulatory Framework:
The regulatory framework in Kenya is guided by various legislation, including the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Central Bank of Kenya Act (2015), Banking Act (2015), Microfinance Act (2006), and others. Additionally, regulations and guidelines issued by regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Kenya set standards for banking institutions, promoting transparency and risk management practices.
Central Bank of Kenya Regulations
Regulations and Guidelines Pursuant to the Banking Act (Cap 488)
Regulations and Guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kenya subject banks to certain requirements, restrictions and guidelines. This regulatory structure creates transparency between banking institutions and the individuals and corporations with whom they conduct business, among other things.
Given the interconnectedness of the banking industry and the reliance that the national (and global) economy hold on banks, it is important for regulatory agencies to maintain control over the standardized practices of these institutions. The objectives of these regulations are:
Prudential—to reduce the level of risk to which bank creditors are exposed (i.e. to protect depositors)
Systemic risk reduction—to reduce the risk of disruption resulting from adverse trading conditions for banks causing multiple or major bank failures
Avoid misuse of banks—to reduce the risk of banks being used for criminal purposes, e.g. laundering the proceeds of crime
To protect banking confidentiality Credit allocation—to direct credit to favoured sectors to provide the best customer service in this competitive age.
Central Bank of Kenya
P.O Box 60000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Website : https://www.centralbank.go.ke/ Governor : Dr Patrick Njoroge
Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE)
55 Westlands Road, P O Box 43633 00100 Nairobi KENYA PHONE: +254 20 2831000 / +254 (020) 222 4200 MOBILE: +254 0733 222 007
Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC)
Nation Center, 10TH Floor, Kimathi Street P.O. BOX 3464-00100 GPO Nairobi Kenya (0724) 256130 / (0733) 222033
Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
Tel: +254 20 2264000/ 2264900 / 2221869 Cell: +254 722 207767 | Website: www.cma.or.ke
Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (KMRC)
27th Floor, UAP Old Mutual Tower, Upperhill Road, Upperhill, Nairobi.
Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC )
17th Floor UAP Old Mutual Towers, Upper hill P.O. Box 45983-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.Webbsite: https://kdic.go.ke/
Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)
P.O BOX 43505 - 00100 NAIROBI Zep- Re Place Longonot Road - Upper Hill, Nairobi Complain: complaints@ira.go.ke
Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA)
P.O Box 60000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Website : https://www.centralbank.go.ke/ Governor : Dr Patrick Njoroge
Kenya School Of Monetary Studies (KSMS)
Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Mathare North Road, Off Thika Super Highway (exit 6). P.O. Box 65041-00618 Nairobi, Kenya.
Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA)
Address: Pacis Centre, 2nd Floor, Slip Road, Off Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi P.O Box : 28235-00200, Nairobi Kenya
Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)
Address Kenya Bankers Association 13th Floor, International House Mama Ngina Street P.O.Box 73100 - 00200 Nairobi Kenya