Crypto Platform Luno Relaunches in Kenya After 10-Year Hiatus
TLDR
- UK-based crypto platform Luno has officially resumed operations in Kenya, nearly a decade after its exit under the name BitX in 2014
- The relaunch reflects renewed optimism in Kenya’s maturing crypto regulatory environment, as lawmakers advance the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill
- Luno now offers live crypto trading in the Kenyan Shilling, with trading pairs including BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, and USDC/KES
UK-based crypto platform Luno has officially resumed operations in Kenya, nearly a decade after its exit under the name BitX in 2014. The relaunch reflects renewed optimism in Kenya’s maturing crypto regulatory environment, as lawmakers advance the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill.
Luno now offers live crypto trading in the Kenyan Shilling, with trading pairs including BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, and USDC/KES. Users can also trade global pairs like BTC/USDT. The platform is targeting both retail and institutional users with tools, educational resources, and referral incentives.
“We’re excited to officially relaunch with a full suite of crypto trading services tailored for the Kenyan market,” said Apollo Sande, Luno Kenya country manager.
Daba is Africa's leading investment platform for private and public markets. Download here
Key Takeaways
Luno’s return marks a milestone in Kenya’s crypto market, long constrained by regulatory uncertainty. With Parliament currently reviewing the VASP Bill, Kenya is moving closer to licensing requirements for exchanges, wallet providers, and token issuers. The bill includes provisions for AML compliance, stablecoin oversight, and mandatory local representation. This shift follows the government’s decision to scrap a controversial 3% digital asset tax—introduced in 2023—in favor of a new excise duty on transaction fees. Industry players hope the move will lower trading costs and encourage greater use of local platforms. Luno’s strategy mirrors its wider African expansion. The company secured a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) licence in South Africa in 2024 and is pursuing regulatory approval in Nigeria through the SEC’s ARIP framework. With Kenya emerging as a key crypto hub in East Africa, Luno’s re-entry underscores a growing trend: as regulatory clarity improves, global and regional crypto firms are looking to scale across the continent.
Think someone else should see this?
To invest in this opportunity and other opportunities across Africa
Download the daba finance app on your mobile through
Take action.
Download app
Start investing in Africa’s best opportunities, including stocks, bonds, startups, venture funds, and more.
Partner with us
Unlock exciting business opportunities and growth potential.
Join Daba
Become a part of our vibrant community and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Contact us
Reach out to us for inquiries, support, or collaboration.