Luno Returns to Kenya Amid Regulatory Progress

Global cryptocurrency platform Luno has announced its return to Kenya, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. The company, which previously operated in the country under the name BitX between 2013 and 2014, has expressed its excitement about re-entering the Kenyan market. Apollo Sande, the Country Manager for Luno Kenya, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and innovative crypto experience for Kenyan customers.

Luno’s re-entry into Kenya comes at a pivotal time, as the country’s parliament is reviewing the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to require companies to register with both the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Luno has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with Kenyan regulators and industry players to foster a sustainable environment for crypto growth. The company has actively participated in discussions and working groups that have led to the development of the VASP Bill and Crypto Tax, demonstrating its commitment to regulatory compliance.

Luno’s previous exit from Kenya in 2015 was attributed to a mix of increasing regulatory compliance costs and the need to focus on markets with more predictable regulatory environments. The company had expanded its operations across Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond, including significant expansions in Nigeria and South Africa. However, it likely reprioritized its efforts to regions where it could scale more robustly and gain a strong foothold in the local crypto space.

With over 15 million global users and no record of security breaches since its establishment, Luno has built a reputation for reliability and security. The platform publishes monthly, independently verified Proof of Reserves reports, ensuring that customers’ assets are held 1:1 at all times. Luno’s relaunch in Kenya is part of its broader mission to make financial services more open, fair, and accessible to all. The platform will allow Kenyans to trade cryptocurrencies using Kenyan Shillings (KES), with live pairs like BTC/KES, ETH/KES, USDT/KES, and USDC/KES.

Luno’s seamless and affordable trading process, coupled with its commitment to security and transparency, positions it as a trusted firm in support of responsible crypto adoption. The platform also supports global pairs like BTC/USDT, making it ideal for both local trading and arbitrage opportunities, all without commission fees. Customers can earn rewards for referring new users and staying active.

In response to the question of what policies or measures would best encourage innovation while ensuring consumer protection, Luno advocates for clear, risk-based guidelines. These guidelines should encourage innovation while enabling consumers to safely interact with platforms that prioritize security, transparency, and compliance. Luno’s re-entry into Kenya underscores its commitment to shaping future licensing frameworks and ongoing regulatory advancements, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the crypto industry in the region.