Luno Relaunches in Kenya and Drives Crypto Adoption in Africa

After a decade-long absence, Luno, a leading UK-based cryptocurrency platform, has made a bold return to Kenya.

Previously operating as BitX before exiting in 2014, Luno rebranded in 2017 and is now back with a full suite of crypto trading services.

This relaunch signals growing confidence in Kenya’s crypto market as the government edges closer to regulating digital assets.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, Luno is driving crypto adoption beyond trading with its Luno Pay tool, enabling millions in retail transactions.

Why Luno’s Return to Kenya Matters

Luno’s re-entry into Kenya is a significant milestone for the East African crypto ecosystem. The company’s decision reflects a broader trend of crypto firms eyeing Kenya due to its progressive regulatory shifts.

With a population increasingly embracing digital finance, Kenya is on track to become a crypto hub in Africa.

Luno’s relaunch offers Kenyan traders access to a trusted platform, complete with local currency (KES) trading pairs and robust security features.

Key Highlights of Luno’s Kenya Relaunch

Instant Crypto Trading: Kenyan users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC) using Kenyan Shillings (KES). Trading pairs include BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, USDC/KES, and global pairs like BTC/USDT.
Tailored Services: Luno provides tools and educational resources for both individual and institutional investors, ensuring accessibility and transparency.
Referral Rewards: Active users can earn rewards by inviting others to join the platform, boosting community growth.
Arbitrage Opportunities: The platform supports local and global trading pairs, enabling savvy traders to capitalise on price differences.

As Apollo Sande, Luno’s Kenya country manager, stated, “Our goal is to make crypto accessible, transparent, and trusted by offering the tools, education, and platforms users need to make informed investment decisions.”

Kenya’s Crypto Regulations: A Game-Changer

Kenya’s government is actively shaping the crypto landscape with new regulations. The Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025, currently under review in Parliament, aims to formalise oversight of crypto businesses. Key provisions include:

Mandatory Registration: Crypto companies must register with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
Local Presence: Firms must establish local offices and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection standards.
Comprehensive Coverage: The bill regulates stablecoins, wallets, exchanges, and token offerings.

Recent Tax Reforms

In 2023, Kenya introduced a 3% digital asset tax, which faced backlash from industry players. In response, the government reduced it to 1.5% in a pending bill.

By June 2025, MPs replaced the tax with an excise duty on transaction fees, making trading more affordable and encouraging adoption of local platforms like Luno.

These regulatory changes signal Kenya’s commitment to encouraging a balanced crypto environment, attracting global players while protecting consumers.

Luno’s Strategic Positioning Across Africa

Luno has evolved from a hybrid crypto platform to a full-fledged cryptocurrency exchange app, targeting sophisticated investors. Its recent achievements include:

South Africa: Secured a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) licence in 2024.
Nigeria: Awaiting a provisional licence through the SEC’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP).
Kenya: Relaunched with a focus on accessibility and regulatory compliance.

Luno Pay: The Rise of Crypto Payments in South Africa

In South Africa, Luno is pushing crypto beyond trading with Luno Pay, launched in November 2024. South Africans are now spending over R2 million ($112,000) monthly using crypto for groceries, flights, furniture, and more.

Since its launch, Luno Pay has facilitated over R20 million ($1.1 million) in transactions, with 31,000 merchants accepting crypto payments.

Notably, 80% of Luno Pay users are repeat customers on a weekly basis, signalling strong loyalty and crypto’s growing role as a mainstream payment method.

South Africa’s position as the second-largest recipient of crypto in Africa (after Nigeria) from July 2023 to June 2024 points out the region’s adoption trend.

By aligning with regulators and offering innovative tools like Luno Pay, Luno is cementing its leadership in Africa’s crypto market.

Ready to start trading or paying with crypto? Visit Luno’s platform today and join Africa’s crypto movement today!

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.

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