Luno, a South African cryptocurrency platform, has re-entered the Kenyan market to allow Kenyans to securely buy, sell, and store digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT).
This relaunch marks the return of the firm after years-long hiatus. Luno, which previously operated in Kenya under the name BitX from 2013 to 2014, is committed to supporting digital asset adoption with enhanced local services and security measures.
“We’re excited to officially relaunch in the Kenyan market with a complete suite of crypto trading services tailored for both individual investors and institutional users,” said Apollo Sande, Country Manager for Luno Kenya. “Kenya is one of the most dynamic crypto markets in Africa, with a well-informed, tech-savvy population that values secure and simple financial tools.”
With this re-entry, Kenyans can now trade directly using Kenyan Shillings (KES) through live market pairs, including BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, and USDC/KES. The platform also supports global trading pairs, such as BTC/USDT, enabling cross-border investment and arbitrage opportunities.
Sande noted that Luno’s return aims to help users avoid common risks associated with peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading platforms, such as fraudulent counterparties, delayed transactions, and lack of accountability.
Luno offers instant buy and sell functionality with zero commission, and users can earn referral rewards for inviting others to the platform.While the company has been operating for over 12 years and has a presence in more than 40 countries, it claims to have never experienced a security breach and is trusted by over 15 million users globally. The company places a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and user safety, especially as Kenya approaches the completion of its digital asset regulatory framework.
Available on iOS, Android, and via the web, the Luno app integrates with mobile money services to facilitate quick deposits and withdrawals. It offers real-time KES trading, localized customer support, and a robust suite of educational tools to support both new and experienced users.
“With our return to Kenya, Luno is focused on contributing to financial inclusion and innovation by simplifying access to digital assets in a secure and transparent environment,” Sande added.
The projected revenue in the cryptocurrency market in Kenya is expected to reach US$100.7 million by 2025. This forecast suggests an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2026) of 4.59%, resulting in a projected total revenue of US$105.3 million by 2026. The average revenue per user in the cryptocurrency market in Kenya is estimated to be US$78.5 in 2025, and the number of users is projected to reach 1.35 million by 2026.
Kenya’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation has evolved significantly from early skepticism and resistance to growing recognition and structured legislative efforts.In the early 2010s, as global interest in digital currencies like Bitcoin surged, Kenya’s financial ecosystem remained anchored in traditional banking and mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa. At the time, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) took a cautious stance, expressing concerns about the potential misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities, the lack of consumer safeguards, and the absence of a clear regulatory framework.
This caution was formalized in December 2015, when the CBK issued a public advisory warning Kenyans against transacting in virtual currencies. The statement cited the inherent risks of cryptocurrency including price volatility, fraud, and the lack of legal protections in case of disputes ,echoing a global wave of skepticism surrounding digital assets during that period.
Fast forward to 2025, and Kenya is now actively exploring formal regulation of the crypto industry. Parliament is reviewing the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025, a proposed law that would require all crypto-related entities to register with both the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the CBK. The bill outlines comprehensive compliance measures, including mandatory local offices, executive background checks, and adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection standards. It also seeks to regulate key elements of the ecosystem such as stablecoins, digital wallets, exchanges, and token issuance.
As Kenya cements its position as one of Africa’s most active crypto hubs, Luno’s re-entry is expected to provide more secure, regulated, and convenient options for users seeking to participate in the digital economy.
