Global cryptocurrency platform Luno has officially relaunched its operations in Kenya, nearly a decade after exiting the country. This move marks a renewed commitment to a market the company now sees as one of Africa’s most vibrant and forward-looking hubs for digital finance.
Luno, which first entered the country in 2013 under the name BitX, quietly paused operations by 2015. At the time, experts cited a lack of regulatory clarity and rising compliance costs as contributing factors. Since then, the East African crypto landscape has undergone significant transformation — and Luno is ready to return with a firmer strategy, stronger infrastructure, and regulatory collaboration at its core.
“Kenya is one of the most dynamic crypto markets in Africa, with a highly informed and tech-savvy population,” said Apollo Sande, Luno’s Country Manager for Kenya. “We’re thrilled to provide a platform that keeps safety, simplicity, and trust at the center of the crypto experience.”
The relaunch comes at a critical moment, as Kenya’s Parliament reviews the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025 — a landmark regulatory framework that will guide how crypto businesses are licensed and monitored in the country. Luno says it is already participating in stakeholder conversations around this bill and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
The London-headquartered firm, with over 15 million users globally, has prioritized regulatory engagement in its Africa strategy. It was the first licensed crypto platform in both South Africa and Indonesia, and it is currently awaiting a provisional license in Nigeria through the SEC’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP).
For Kenyan users, the return of Luno means seamless, commission-free crypto trading, with local currency (KES) trading pairs like BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, and USDC/KES now supported. The company promises a platform designed around security, accessibility, and consumer protection, aiming to offer an alternative to peer-to-peer models that have been plagued with fraud.
“Our goal is to make crypto accessible, transparent, and trusted by offering the tools, education, and platforms users need to make informed investment decisions,” said Sande.
Luno’s Kenya relaunch also aligns with its broader mission to build open and inclusive financial systems across the continent. The company has indicated its intent to engage local users not just as traders, but as informed participants in a regulated and innovative crypto economy.
As Kenya continues to shape its digital asset policies and welcomes more international players, Luno’s return could signal a turning point — not only for the platform but for the maturity of Kenya’s crypto ecosystem.
