With more people searching for reliable income sources these days, crypto trading in Kenya has definitely popped up on most people’s radar at some point. Crypto trading in Kenya for beginners has really taken off lately, giving everyday folks a chance to jump into the global digital economy right from their phones or laptops.
But here’s the thing – trading these digital currencies isn’t just about buying low and selling high. It’s actually a skill that demands serious discipline and a professional approach, or you could watch your money vanish in seconds. That’s why getting proper knowledge is absolutely essential before diving into this potentially profitablejourney of (but let’s be honest, sometimes wild) cryptocurrency trading in Kenya.
In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about crypto trading in Kenya for beginners – from the basics of what cryptocurrencies actually are, to how to set up your first trades in Kenya, and all the important stuff in between. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dig into this together!
What are cryptocurrencies?
First things first, what are cryptocurrencies or crypto as they’re commonly called?
You’ve probably heard about Bitcoin, Ethereum and most recently Pi coin. These are just a few examples of cryptocurrencies out there.
Cryptocurrencies are basically digital assets that let people send money directly to each other online without banks or other middlemen getting involved. Unlike regular money that governments back, crypto’s value comes purely from what people are willing to pay for it. The more folks want to buy a particular crypto, the higher its price climbs. In simple terms, cryptocurrencies try to work like regular money, but in a more tech-heavy, decentralized way.
The crypto market is wild, mostly driven by people trying to make a quick profit rather than actually using crypto to buy everyday stuff. This speculation creates some crazy price swings. Look at Bitcoin – it jumped from about $30,000 in mid-2021 to nearly $70,000 by the end of that year, then dropped back to around $35,000 in early 2022. Now in 2025, Bitcoin is worth over $95,000! Speaking of Bitcoin, it’s probably the most valuable crypto coin in the world and still looks like a promising investment. You can jump on this investment train right here in Kenya by buying Bitcoin with M-Pesa. But worry not, we will get to that.
Want another example of how nuts this market can be? Check out the TRUMP coin. This digital coin appeared on Donald Trump’s social media accounts just before his inauguration as US President and quickly became super valuable. The price of one coin shot up to $75 in a single day! If you had thrown just KSh 1,000 into this coin at launch and sold it two hours later, you would’ve walked away with a clean KSh 700,000. But many months later, the coin’s price crashed back down to around $13. That’s the crypto market for you – massive potential gains but equally massive risks.
That’s just a quick look at how insanely fast the crypto market moves and how getting in on these market trends early enough can be incredibly profitable – if you time it right. Now lets get to how you can get started trading cryptoccurency in Kenya.
What is crypto trading?
Cryptocurrency trading is the process of buying and selling digital currencies on an exchange or through derivative products. Unlike traditional stock trading, where you invest in company shares, crypto trading focuses on digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. There are two main ways to trade cryptocurrencies: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and buying/selling actual coins on an exchange. Let’s break them down.
CFD Trading: Speculating on Crypto Prices
CFD (Contracts for Difference) trading allows you to speculate on cryptocurrency price movements without actually owning the coins. Instead of buying Bitcoin or Ethereum, you enter into a contract with a broker to profit (or lose) based on price changes.
Imagine you and your friend are watching the price of Bitcoin. You believe the price will go up, but instead of buying Bitcoin, you make a deal with your friend:
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If Bitcoin’s price goes up, your friend agrees to pay you the difference.
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If Bitcoin’s price goes down, you have to pay your friend the difference.
For example:
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You both agree on a deal when Bitcoin is worth Ksh 1,000,000.
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Later, Bitcoin rises to Ksh 1,100,000—meaning the price increased by Ksh 100,000.
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Your friend now owes you Ksh 100,000 since you predicted the price increase correctly.
This is exactly how CFD trading works. Instead of a friend, your broker is the one taking the opposite side of your trade. The advantage? You can profit whether prices go up or down—as long as you predict the direction correctly.
However, CFD trading carries significant risks. If the price moves against your prediction, you lose money. That’s why traders use technical analysis—studying price charts and trends—to make informed decisions before entering a trade.
Buying and Selling Crypto on an Exchange
This is the more direct way to trade crypto. Here, you buy actual Bitcoin or Ethereum and hold it in your account or personal wallet. You can then sell it later when the price increases.
For example:
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You buy 1 Bitcoin at Ksh 1,000,000.
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After some time, Bitcoin’s price rises to Ksh 1,200,000.
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You sell your Bitcoin and make a Ksh 200,000 profit.
This method is better for people who want to own crypto and hold it for the long term. In Kenya, you can do this easily on platforms like Binance using M-Pesa. As a beginner trading cryptocurrencies in Kenya, this is the most recommended method as it is quite simple and straightforward.
Most common terms in crypto trading
Before you get started with crypto trading in Kenya, you might have encountered certain terms and phrases that sounded like rocket science. We will discuss a few of them , but as you continue trading, you will encounter more and more and they will become easier by the day.
1. Exchange
A platform where people buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. Examples include Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and KuCoin.
🔹 Think of it like a stock market, but for cryptocurrencies.
2. Wallet
A tool used to store cryptocurrencies securely. There are two types:
- Hot Wallets – Online wallets connected to the internet (e.g., Trust Wallet, MetaMask).
- Cold Wallets – Offline wallets for extra security (e.g., Ledger, Trezor).
🔹 A wallet is like a digital bank account for your crypto.
3. Private Key & Public Key
- Public Key – Like your bank account number; people use it to send you crypto.
- Private Key – Like your PIN; you use it to access and control your crypto.
🔹 Never share your private key—losing it means losing your funds forever!
4. HODL (Hold On for Dear Life)
A term used by crypto investors who believe in holding onto their assets for a long time, regardless of short-term price movements.
🔹 If you believe Bitcoin will be worth more in the future, you “HODL” instead of selling when the price drops.
5. Altcoins
Any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA).
🔹 Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, so everything else is called an “altcoin” (alternative coin).
6. Market Order vs. Limit Order
- Market Order – A trade executed immediately at the current market price.
- Limit Order – A trade that only executes when the price reaches your chosen level.
🔹 A market order is like buying something at the current price, while a limit order is like waiting for a discount before buying.
7. Bull Market vs. Bear Market
- Bull Market – Prices are rising, and people are optimistic.
- Bear Market – Prices are falling, and investors are cautious.
🔹 Think of a bull attacking by pushing prices up, while a bear swipes prices down.
8. Pump and Dump
A scheme where a group of traders inflates the price of a cryptocurrency by buying in large amounts (pump), then sells quickly to make a profit (dump), leaving late buyers with losses.
🔹 Be careful of crypto scams promising quick profits!
9. Leverage & Margin Trading
- Leverage – Borrowing money to trade a larger position than your actual funds.
- Margin – The money you put up as collateral when using leverage.
🔹 Leverage can increase profits but also lead to bigger losses if the market moves against you.
10. Staking
Locking up your cryptocurrency to help secure a blockchain network and earn rewards. There are also other alternative methods of earning passive income when trading digital currencies.
🔹 Similar to earning interest on your savings by keeping money in a bank.
11. Liquidity
How easily a cryptocurrency can be bought or sold without affecting its price.
🔹 Bitcoin has high liquidity, meaning you can sell it quickly. A new, unknown crypto may have low liquidity, making it harder to sell.
12. Gas Fees
Transaction fees required to process transactions on a blockchain (e.g., Ethereum gas fees).
🔹 Like paying a small fee to send money via M-Pesa.
How To Start Crypto Trading in Kenya.
Crypto Trading Training
Just like any other craft, crypto trading requires one to be well educated on how they operate. Before investing capital in cryptocurrency markets, it is advisable to develop a solid understanding of blockchain technology and digital currencies. It is quite technical, but if you want to stick to normal crypto trading, the basics will suffice.
Numerous educational resources are available online, including structured courses, informational articles, and community forums where Kenyan traders share insights and experiences. For more hands-on training, however, join a crypto trading training academy where you will learn from the pros. Luckily, in Kenya, crypto trading training schools are in plenty, each with their own unique offerings. Do your due diligence to avoid joining shady institutions.
Exchange selection.
As a beginner exploring crypto trading in Kenya, you must have heard of platforms like Binance, Coinbase, ByBit, etc. They are all cryptocurrency exchange platforms.
A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform that enables users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. These exchanges facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, allowing the conversion of fiat currencies (like the Kenya shilling) into digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, and vice versa.
There are two primary types of cryptocurrency exchanges:
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Centralized Exchanges (CEX): Operated by companies that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, centralized exchanges often provide additional services like custody solutions, where they hold users’ funds and private keys. The common platforms like Binance and Coinbase fall here.
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Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): These platforms allow for peer-to-peer trading without an intermediary, enabling users to retain control over their private keys and funds throughout the transaction process. An example of this is BullX, Uniswap, and pancakeswap.
As a beginner in cryptocurrency trading, it’s generally advisable to start with centralized exchanges (CEXs) rather than decentralized exchanges (DEXs). CEXs typically offer user-friendly interfaces, customer support, and a more straightforward trading experience, which can be beneficial for newcomers.
In contrast, DEXs require a higher level of technical understanding, including the use of personal wallets and smart contracts. Mistakes on DEXs, such as sending funds to incorrect addresses, can lead to irreversible losses.Chances of being scammed on Dex platforms is also quite high, especially rug pulls. Therefore, until you’re comfortable with the complexities of cryptocurrency trading, it’s prudent to begin with centralized platforms.
On the flipside, trading crypto on DEX platforms can be extremely profitable. This is due to the fact that most crypto coins launch on these platforms, before graduating and being adopted by CEX platforms.
Account setup and verification
Regardless of the exchange platform you choose, you will most definitely be asked to verify your account. This involves a process known as Know Your Customer (KYC).
These measures ensure compliance with international financial standards and enhance platform security. Have your ID with you; make sure your mobile device is responsive and has an active internet connection. The verification process on most platforms takes minutes to a few hours.
Security measures are essential.
Even as a beginner, protecting your small assets is key. After verifying and setting up your account, take time to configure multi-factor authentication. This will ensure your account remains protected at all times. It also makes transacting on the platforms more convenient. On platforms like Binance, you cannot make deposits and withdrawals via P2P without setting up proper two-factor authentication.
Once you have mastered crypto trading in Kenya, and have grown your digital assets substantially, you can consider hardware wallet solutions for a more bulletproof protection of your assets.
Recommended Platforms for Crypto Trading in Kenya For Beginners
Cryptocurrency trading apps in Kenya are plenty, some operating on a local level, while some are global platforms. We will talk about factors to consider before choosing your crypto exchange in Kenya, but below are our top picks.
Binance
Binance is perhaps the largest crypto exchange in the world and also the most adopted here in Kenya. So why Binance?
Binance offers a vast selection of digital assets and trading pairs, more than 500 cryptocurrencies are listed on the platform. This gives you an endless list of trading option to build and grow your portfolio.
The platform provides advanced trading features, including spot and futures trading, catering to both beginners and seasoned traders. Some of these features can also enable you earn passive income if you don’t want to engage in active trading.
Security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and cold storage are implemented to protect user assets. This is the advisable choice for a beginner starting crypto trading in Kenya.
Read our lengthy Binance in Kenya review to learn more.
Coinbase
Coinbase is another top platform in cryptocurrency trading in Kenya. Its account opening step is easier than Binance, since they don’t have the liveness check, you just upload your ID photos and you are good to go.
In terms of buying and selling crypto in Kenya, Coinbase is not a very good alternative. Unlike Binance, Coinbase does not have P2P where you can buy digital assets directly from users of the same platform. The best way to utulise Coinbase would be as a wallet to store your digital assets. It’s important to note that fees on Coinbase can be higher compared to other exchanges.
OKX
This exchange provides a diverse range of digital assets and advanced trading tools, including spot and derivatives trading. OKX implements robust security features like MFA and cold storage to safeguard user funds. The platform operates under various regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with international standards. OKX is suitable for traders seeking a platform with extensive features and asset options.
Bybit
Primarily focusing on derivatives trading, Bybit offers high liquidity and leverage options up to 100x. The platform is designed for experienced traders interested in futures and perpetual contracts. Bybit provides a fully-featured trading interface with advanced charting tools.
As a beginner crypto trader in Kenya, Bybit is also a good choice. This is due to the fact that they have relatively lower minimum deposits. You can deposit as low as Kes. 150, equivalent to 1 USD. However, their P2P service isn’t as polished as the one you will experience on Binance, and users have reported delays of up to 24 hours.
Yellow Card
If you are a fan of buy Kenya, build Kenya slogan, Yellow Card might be the platform for you. Tailored for the African market, Yellow Card enables users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa. The platform offers seamless integration with traditional banking systems, making it accessible locally.
Yellow Card emphasizes regulatory compliance within African jurisdictions and provides a user-friendly experience for newcomers. With Yellow Card however, you might be limited to a few crypto pairs unlike the other platforms.
Considerations for Beginners:
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User Experience: Go for platforms that are easier to navigate and are beginner freindly. A platform like Binance has a lite and a Pro version, catered for the beginner and the pro, respectively.
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Security: You need to have a guarantee that your funds are well protected. Features like multi-factor authenications and email alerts are key. Authenticator apps are also highly preferrable.
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Fees: Fees vary from platform to platform, and there are different types of fees you can be charged when trading cryptocurrencies. Analyse the different exchanges, and go for the more favorable prices, depending on your needs.
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Asset Availability: Different platforms list different coins, some more than others. Go for a platform with the largest asset availability to increase your trading options.
- Local User Base: Choose a platform with lots of local traders. This will come in handy when transferring assets between users. Also when experiencing an issue, it might be easier to troubleshoot if many local people have experienced the problem too.
After going through the list of crypto echanges in Kenya, your next question would be what is the best?
As a beginner to crypto trading in Kenya, witout a doubt, Binance is the best platform. They have the largest user base in Kenya, they support buying crypto via M-Pesa, they have really low fees and have a local user support for all your queries.
How do I buy bitcoin with M-pesa?
Peer- to-peer trading is your best bet when buying bitcoin with M-pesa. This will involve converting your Kenyan shillings to USDT, then to bitcoin. Process is outlined below using BInance as a guide;
- Head to Binance, on your dashboard, select deposit.
- You will be directed to the different options to deposit funds into your Binance wallet which include, P2P trading, buying with your credit card and transferring from another wallet.
- Select P2P, where you will be directed to the buying section.
- Use the inbuilt filter function to make the process faster.
- On the filter tab, input the amount you would like to spend and the payment method, in this case, M-Pesa. Then press filter
- This will bring a list of traders who would accept your entered amount.
- Scroll the list of sellers, looking for one with the most number of completed orders, completion time and how long they take to release funds.
- Upon landing on the right one, click buy, read the sellers terms and if you agree, press place order.
- An order will be created, where you will be instructed to send money to the seller via M-Pesa.
- After paying, take a screenshot, as this will be required.
- Then press payment made notify seller, you will be then asked to provide proof that you have sent the money.
- After the seller has confirmed your payment, they will transfer the USDT into your Binance account.
That is the simple process of buying USDT via Binance P2P. The next process is to convert the USDT into bitcoin.
- On the trade section of your Binance dashboard, select convert.
- You will be then prompted to enter the crypto you want to convert, and which coin you want to convert to.
- Since we have deposited USDT, select that.
- On the convert to tab, select BTC or bitcoin, then press convert.
- The process is instant, free and now you will have bitcoin in your binance wallet.
Risk Assessment and Management
What makes a good trader is their risk assesment. Don’t forget that these digital assets are volatile and prices move so fast. Cryptocurrency trading entails significant risk factors that warrant careful consideration. .
A good approach involves trading conservatively and limiting exposure to funds that can be risked without financial hardship. Trade what you are willing to lose.
Experienced Kenyan traders often recommend restricting initial cryptocurrency investments to 5-10% of one’s overall investment portfolio.
What is the minimum capital required to begin crypto trading in Kenya?
There is really no limit on the minimum capital required. However, it is advisable to invest something you are willing to lose, owing to the volatility of the market.
Your crypto skills and expertise are also another factor. Seasoned traders can comfortably trade large amounts and they can make a quick profit of it.
The crypto exchange you choose can also determine your minimum capital. Bybit for instance accepts as low as kes. 150 deposits, while Binance accepts a minimum of kes. 1000.
If we were to give an actual recommended figure, 100 USD would be a great way to start. With this, you can subdivide your portfolio to try out different trading methods like copy trading, futures and even staking.
Crypto Trading in Kenya Strategies
Cryptocurrency trading in Kenya offers exciting opportunities, but without a solid strategy, as a beginner,you can easily fall into the trap of emotional decision-making. To succeed in crypto trading in Kenya, it is essential to adopt a well-structured approach that aligns with market trends and personal risk tolerance. We will explore five of the most common crypto trading strategies: Moving Average Trading, RSI Trading, Event-Driven Trading, Scalping, and Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA).Each of these strategies caters to different trading styles, from short-term gains to long-term investment.
Moving Average Trading Strategy
This helps traders identify trends by averaging past prices over a set period. Moving averages, such as the Simple Moving Average (SMA) and Exponential Moving Average (EMA), smooth out price fluctuations and highlight potential entry and exit points.
A common method involves using two moving averages: a short-term one (e.g., 9-day or 20-day) and a long-term one (e.g., 50-day or 200-day). When the short-term moving average crosses above the long-term moving average, it signals a potential buy opportunity (Golden Cross), whereas the opposite crossover suggests a sell signal (Death Cross). This strategy is best suited for crypto traders looking to ride price momentum rather than engage in frequent trades.
RSI (Relative Strength Index)
RSI is particularly useful for identifying overbought and oversold conditions in the market. The RSI indicator measures price momentum on a scale of 0 to 100, with values above 70 indicating an overbought market (potential for price correction) and values below 30 suggesting an oversold market (potential for price rebound). Traders use this indicator to time their entries and exits strategically.
For instance, if Bitcoin’s RSI drops below 30, it may present a good buying opportunity, anticipating a price recovery. Conversely, an RSI above 70 could indicate a good time to take profits before a potential downturn. This strategy is particularly popular among swing traders who aim to capitalize on short-term price reversals.
Event-Driven Trading Strategy
This is rather a unique strategy offering a unique approach. This method involves making trading decisions based on news events, regulatory changes, major announcements, or industry trends.
For example, if a major cryptocurrency exchange announces the listing of a new token, the price of that token is likely to surge due to increased demand. Conversely, negative news, such as government crackdowns on crypto, can lead to market downturns, prompting traders to exit their positions. Event-driven trading requires constant market monitoring, making it ideal for traders who stay updated on industry developments and can react quickly to breaking news.
Scalping
This is a fast-paced approach that focuses on making multiple small profits throughout the day. Scalpers take advantage of minor price fluctuations by executing quick trades, often within minutes or even seconds. They use low time-frame charts (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) and look for small price gaps to enter and exit trades rapidly.
Since the profit per trade is small, scalping relies on executing numerous trades daily to accumulate earnings. This strategy works best for experienced traders who can handle high-speed trading with low spreads and fast execution, as well as those using automated trading bots to maximize efficiency.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Perhaps one of the safest ways to invest in cryptocurrency. Instead of investing a large sum at once, traders allocate a fixed amount of money at regular intervals—such as weekly or monthly—regardless of the market price. This helps reduce the impact of market volatility and ensures a more balanced entry price over time.
For instance, rather than investing $10,000 in Bitcoin at a single price point, an investor could opt to invest $500 per month over 20 months. This approach minimizes the risks associated with market fluctuations and is particularly effective for beginners or long-term investors looking to build a crypto portfolio with minimal stress.
To summarize the different strategies, for you starting out with crypto trading in Kenya, the Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) strategy is the best choice as it minimizes risk, eliminates the need for market timing, and promotes long-term investment growth. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, traders reduce the impact of volatility and avoid emotional decision-making. It’s simple, requires no technical analysis, and is ideal for those looking to build a crypto portfolio steadily.
For those interested in active trading, the RSI strategy is a good alternative, offering clear buy and sell signals based on price momentum. However, DCA remains the safest and most beginner-friendly approach to crypto investing.
How can I earn passive income with crypto in Kenya?
Earning passive income while crypto trading in Kenya is easier than you might think! As a beginner, there are several ways to grow your crypto holdings without constant trading. This is particularly helpful is you are still in the process of learning and you don’t want to put your capital at risk.
- HODLing – This involves buying and holding onto your crypto for the long term. By holding assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, you benefit from potential price appreciation over time. If you’re patient and believe in the future of crypto, this strategy can be a great way to build wealth passively.
- Staking – If you’re looking for ways to earn passive income with crypto in Kenya, staking is a great option. Many blockchain networks allow you to lock up your crypto to support network operations, and in return, you receive staking rewards.
- Yield Farming – Similar to staking, yield farming lets you provide liquidity to DeFi (Decentralized Finance) platforms, where you earn interest or extra tokens as a reward for your contribution.
- Crypto Lending – Another popular way to generate passive income is crypto lending. Platforms like Binance, Nexo, or Aave allow you to lend out your crypto to others in exchange for interest payments. This is similar to earning interest in a savings account but with potentially higher returns.
- Mining – For the more tech-savvy, mining is another option, though it requires investment in specialized hardware. By validating transactions on a blockchain network, miners earn newly minted coins as a reward. While mining is not as beginner-friendly as the other methods, it can be a profitable venture if done correctly.
Regulation of Crypto Trading In Kenya
The current regulatory framework in Kenya presents certain considerations. The Central Bank of Kenya has not issued comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations, creating a situation where trading is neither explicitly endorsed nor prohibited. While trading activities remain legal, they operate without the protective regulatory oversight applied to traditional financial instruments.
However, to protect people from crypto scams, CBK in collaboration with the Capital Markets Authority introduced the 2025 VASP Bill. The bill is aimed to regulate crypto service providers in Kenya. It is still far from perfect but it is a step in trying to curb crypto related threats.
Conclusion
Entering the cryptocurrency market represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. As digital assets continue to gain prominence in global financial systems, informed participation becomes increasingly valuable. By approaching crypto trading in Kenya with proper education, security awareness, and risk management, you will navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
Remember that successful trading requires patience, continuous learning, and disciplined decision-making. While challenges exist in terms of market volatility, those who develop sound trading strategies and remain adaptable to changing conditions can potentially benefit from this emerging asset class.