If you have been wondering how to buy Bitcoin in Kenya with M-Pesa, here is a thorough guide to the process. In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin has remained the reigning king for as long as cryptocurrencies have existed. Bitcoin is the single largest cryptocurrency in the world and continues to grow in both size and usage. With a growing trend since its inception, Bitcoin came from being worth a few dollars to its current price of over $100,000 and is constantly rising.
People can get Bitcoins primarily by buying them and through mining. How to buy Bitcoins in Kenya with M-Pesa is an easy process as long as you get the right platforms. But first, let’s get into Bitcoins, the best digital wallets to save them on, and how to buy Bitcoin in Kenya with M-Pesa.
What Is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the invention of an unknown person called Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. It was created using blockchain technology, which uses peer-to-peer services. The uses for Bitcoin are broad, given that a Bitcoin owner can use it as a digital currency to buy goods and services and for smart contracts.
Being a digital currency, it comes with several benefits, like being a decentralized unit. Any government or organization does not own it, and therefore it cannot be controlled by either of them. It does not require any bank fees, given that it’s not transacted on any bank. Users can buy and sell Bitcoins anonymously, and even when transacting internationally, the transactional costs are lower.
With so many organizations accepting Bitcoin as a payment method, Bitcoin is becoming a universally accepted cryptocurrency.
Does Bitcoin Work With M-Pesa?
Does Bitcoin work with M-Pesa? Well, the answer is yes. In case you are wondering, what do you need for you to be able to buy Bitcoins through M-Pesa? But for this to happen, there are several things that you need to make the process, such as a wallet and a platform for this.
To buy Bitcoins, you will need the following things:
- A platform that suits your needs by focusing on the spread and payment methods available. (These platforms also act as brokers for trading with Bitcoin.). Create an account with your preferred platform and go through the verification process. The most common one in the Kenyan market is Binance.
- A Wallet. This is where all your bitcoins will be deposited after making your purchase. However, most platforms provide wallets upon successful account creation.
Getting Started with Binance
- Proceed to Binance.com
- Create account and complete the registration process
- Complete KYC verification process to be able to transact on the platform.
How to Buy Bitcoins in Kenya with M-Pesa Using Binance P2P.
After successful account creation and KYC verification, proceed with the below steps. We are buying USD and then converting them to bitcoin.
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Log in to Your Binance Account and select “Deposit.”
- Once you’re logged in, head over to the Deposit section.
- You’ll see three options:
- Buy with P2P trading (fastest and cheapest).
- Buy using a credit card.
- Deposit funds from another wallet.
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Choose P2P Trading
- Since we’re buying Bitcoin using M-Pesa, go with the P2P Trading option.
- If you’re new to P2P, Binance offers a quick guide to help you get started—worth checking out!
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Select the “Buy” Tab
- Here, you’ll see a list of traders selling USD along with their prices.
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Find a Seller That Accepts M-Pesa
- Look for a trader whose price range suits your budget.
- Make sure M-Pesa is listed as one of their accepted payment methods.
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Click “Buy USD”
- Once you find a seller that works for you, hit the Buy USD button.
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Enter the Amount and Place Your Order
- In the next window, specify how much you want to buy.
- Choose M-Pesa as your payment method.
- Double-check everything, then place your order.
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Make Payment and Confirm
- Transfer the funds via M-Pesa as per the seller’s details.
- Wait for the seller to confirm receipt of the payment. There is a notify seller button once you notice the seller is taking longer than usual.
- Once verified, the USD will be deposited into your Binance account.
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Convert USD to Bitcoin
- Go to the Trade tab at the top of your screen and select Convert.
- Leave the default settings as they are.
- Enter the amount of USD you want to convert to Bitcoin.
- Binance will process your request instantly.
Things to note on Binance P2P
Most sellers on Binance have their own rules, and chances of falling for a scammer are there too. Things to look out for include;
- Seller’s positive feedback rating. Aim for 98% and above
- Numbers of completed orders. The higher the better
- Release times. This is how fast the sellers releases funds
- Binance recognition of the seller, i.e., gold, silver, and bronze.
Sticking to these guidelines will reduce your chances of falling victim to a scam, therefore avoiding the lengthy Binance resolution process and making the process of how to buy bitcoin in Kenya with M-Pesa way more convenient.
How to Withdraw Bitcoins to M-Pesa
Sticking with Binance, the withdrawal process is the same as buying. However, you have to convert your bitcoins back to USD and select the sell tab after selecting deposit funds on the Binance app. The same guidelines apply, and after a successful transaction, your USD will be sent to the buyer, and they will send your money via M-Pesa. The above guidelines still apply. The key thing to note is that only release your USD if you have received and verified payment from the merchant.
The buying and selling process is nearly identical regardless of the wallet you choose, with other options including OKX, Kucoin, and Bybit.
Is bitcoin trading illegal in Kenya?
Bitcoin trading is not an illegal activity in Kenya, even with all the skepticism surrounding it. Kenya deals with Bitcoin a lot, to the extent that the total value of Bitcoins in Kenya is two-thirds of the country’s GDP.
The Central Bank of Kenya is among the institutions that keep warning Kenyans against dealing with digital currencies. In collaboration with the Capital Markets Authority, CBK has also proposed a bill that will aim to regulate the crypto market and reduce scams.
As much as Bitcoin is an excellent investment plan, every investment has its risks, risks that a Bitcoin trader has to face while dealing with the crypto.
FAQ
1. How to convert Bitcoin to M-Pesa?
You can convert Bitcoin to M-Pesa in Kenya using platforms like Paxful and Tradesasa. On Paxful, you can sell Bitcoin directly to buyers who pay via M-Pesa. Tradesasa is an automated exchange that facilitates Bitcoin trades directly with M-Pesa. Crypto exchange platforms like Binance also enable one buy crypto assets via M-Pesa through peer-to-peer trading
2. Is there a Bitcoin ATM in Kenya?
Yes, there is one Bitcoin ATM in Kenya, located in Nairobi at Kenrail Towers, Westlands. This ATM allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin.
3. Which is the best crypto platform in Kenya?
Different crypto platforms operate in Kenya. However, Binance is the most preferred option for its large Kenyan user base, lower fees and local customer support