Kenya’s Crypto Law Tested as Bitcoin ATMs Emerge

Kenya’s Crypto Rules Tested as “Bankless Bitcoin” ATMs Emerge

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin ATMs labeled "Bankless Bitcoin" have appeared in Nairobi malls despite Kenya’s crypto law still lacking full enforcement;
The Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority share oversight but haven’t yet licensed any crypto providers;
In low-income areas like Kibera, Bitcoin is being used as an informal savings tool by people without access to traditional banks

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Kenya’s new cryptocurrency law is already being tested, with Bitcoin BTC $91,808.65 ATMs seen in several Nairobi shopping centers.

According to Capital News, a local outlet, machines branded "Bankless Bitcoin" were recently placed next to traditional banking stands in malls.

Data from CoinATMradar shows that Kenya currently has only two registered Bitcoin ATMs.

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The new rules split oversight duties between two regulators. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will handle payment and storage issues, while the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) will focus on investment and trading.

However, the government has not yet released the detailed regulations needed to start licensing virtual asset service providers (VASPs). For now, any company running crypto services is doing so without official approval.

While these machines are just starting to appear in shopping areas, Bitcoin use is already common in lower-income neighborhoods. Capital News reported that in communities like Kibera, residents use Bitcoin as a simple alternative to bank accounts.

AfriBit Africa co-founder Ronnie Mdawida told Capital News:

In many cases, people in Kibera do not have an opportunity to secure their lives with normal savings.

Mdawida explained that Bitcoin lets people save money without needing bank documents. He described it as a kind of "financial freedom" for those living on very low incomes.

Australia’s Minister for Cybersecurity and Home Affairs, Tony Burke, recently considered changes that could allow its financial intelligence agency to limit or ban the use of cryptocurrency ATMs. What did he say? Read the full story.