Cytokinesis is the final phase of cell division and safeguards the correct distribution of genomic and cytoplasmic materials between the two nascent daughter cells. The final separation, or abscission, of the daughter cells depends on the proper assembly of an organelle at the intercellular bridge, the midbody, which acts as a platform for the recruitment and organisation of various proteins involved in both the control and execution of the abscission process. Recent studies have led to the identification of the mechanisms, signalling pathways and molecules that control the two tightly linked processes of midbody formation and abscission. Here we review our current knowledge of the role that mitotic kinases play in these processes and offer our perspectives on the potential future challenges that await researchers in the field.