Compare crypto exchanges in Kenya

By the Rateweb editorial team · How we rate · Product details checked 2 Aug 2026

Crypto in Kenya now has a legal framework: the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 puts VASPs under joint Central Bank and Capital Markets Authority licensing, rolling out in phases. Licensing is still IN PROGRESS — verify any platform's current registration status with the CBK/CMA before funding it, treat crypto as money you can afford to lose entirely, and refuse anyone promising fixed returns. Kenya taxes digital-asset activity (verify the current KRA position). Prices are volatile; nothing here is deposit-insured.

⭐ Ratings & awards are Rateweb's independent editorial opinion — how we rate.

🎯 Not sure which is right for you? Get a personalised plan ranked for your situation. Get my plan →
Filter & sort
3 results
Shilling on/off-ramp

Yellow Card

Pan-African platform live in Kenya with direct shilling funding via M-Pesa and bank transfer, KYC/AML onboarding, and simple buy/sell for BTC, USDT and other majors.
★★★★☆
4.1/5 · How we rate
M-Pesa and bank transfer, in shillings
Funding
BTC, USDT and other majors
Assets
KYC/AML onboarding; verify current VASP status with CBK/CMA
Compliance
Crypto is volatile and not deposit-insured
Risk
1
Local Onramp
Pros
  • Direct M-Pesa/shilling on- and off-ramp
  • KYC/AML — a better sign than none
  • Active across many African markets
Cons
  • VASP licensing still phasing in — check status
  • Volatility risk is yours entirely
Visit Yellow Card Full details & review →
Largest liquidity

Binance (P2P)

The dominant on-ramp by volume: peer-to-peer trades against other users with shilling/M-Pesa settlement and escrow. Liquidity is unmatched; P2P counterparty discipline is on you.
★★★★☆
3.9/5 · How we rate
P2P (M-Pesa/bank settlement between users, escrowed)
Funding
Full major-exchange range
Assets
Global KYC; verify Kenya VASP status as licensing phases in
Compliance
P2P adds counterparty/payment-dispute risk on top of volatility
Risk
1
Local Onramp
Pros
  • Deepest liquidity and tightest spreads
  • Escrowed P2P with rated counterparties
  • Widest range of coins and pairs
Cons
  • P2P scams punish carelessness — release only after payment confirms
  • Regulatory status still settling
Read our USDT/P2P guide Full details & review →
Beginner-friendly

Luno

An established, simple exchange popular with beginners across Africa — a clean app for buying and holding BTC, ETH and majors. Verify its current Kenya VASP status before funding.
★★★★☆
4.0/5 · How we rate
Bank/local rails — confirm current KES options
Funding
BTC, ETH and major coins
Assets
KYC onboarding; verify current VASP status with CBK/CMA
Compliance
Crypto is volatile and not deposit-insured
Risk
1
Local Onramp
Pros
  • Simple, beginner-friendly app
  • Established regional operator
  • Clear buy/sell/store flow
Cons
  • Fewer assets than the big global exchanges
  • Confirm current KES funding + VASP status
Visit Luno Full details & review →

Ratings are Rateweb's editorial opinion. Product details can change — always confirm with the provider before applying. Rateweb may earn a commission on some applications. This is general information, not financial advice.

People also compare

Forex & CFD brokers 5 options →