Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency in the world. Given that Kenya ranks first in the peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading volume, crypto enthusiasts in the country are interested to know how to purchase this digital gold.
In this guide, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about this leading cryptocurrency and how to buy them if you’re an investor here in Kenya. Keep on reading to get started!
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin, shortened as BTC, is the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalisation. This crypto asset is dubbed ‘digital gold’ and can be used as a form of payment to purchase goods and services from merchants that support it.
Since it’s a digital currency, Bitcoins don’t have a physical form. Instead, they exist in decentralised blockchain networks where they can be traded from one user to another without needing a third-party or central authority. However, Bitcoin isn’t considered legal tender in most places. Currently, the only country that accepts it as such is El Salvador.
Bitcoins are considered to have value since they can attain the same traits as fiats, namely:
- Durability
- Scarcity
- Portability
- Fungibility
- Divisibility
- Acceptability.
You can also determine the value of this digital asset through conversion. For example, you can easily convert Bitcoin’s value to Kenyan Shillings, which at the time of writing is equal to 2,979,161.08 KES.
BTC also has a hard fork version called MicroBitcoin, or mBTC for short. Below is a sample conversion of mBTC to BTC. However, keep in mind that this data is taken at the time of writing and is subject to change depending on the market’s trends.
| mBTC (Milibit) | BTC (Bitcoin) |
| 100 mBTC | 0.09602713 BTC |
| 500 mBTC | 0.48013566 BTC |
| 1,000 mBTC | 0.96027132 BTC |
| 10,000 mBTC | 9.60 BTC |
How Does Bitcoin Work In Kenya
Bitcoin works the same way in Kenya, where they run in public networks, also referred to as the blockchain. This is the decentralised public ledger distributed to all the nodes within the network that contains records of transactions using BTC and other cryptocurrencies. With this, transparency within the nodes is attained.
This also makes it possible for users to make peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, eliminating the need for third-party companies and making the process faster and cheaper.
With P2P transactions, you only need to know the other person’s Bitcoin address, which is the unique identifier of where cryptocurrencies will be transferred. Before this address can be generated, you must create a digital wallet and deposit funds.
Regarding Bitcoin regulation in Kenya, there are no laws restricting people from using the crypto. However, a law under the Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill requires Kenyan crypto holders to pay capital gains taxes when they engage in crypto transactions.
However, this bill only applies to investors holding cryptocurrencies for more than a year. Otherwise, they would only be subject to income tax.
Ways to Buy Bitcoin
Using the country’s fiat currency, Kenyan Shilling (KES), crypto investors can buy the world’s most popular cryptocurrency through a variety of channels such as:
Bank Transfer
If you want to buy Bitcoin with bank transfer, you just need to find a provider that offers this payment method, such as Paxful, a peer-to-peer platform that allows you to buy and sell Bitcoins instantly. This is also one of the cheapest ways to buy Bitcoin on a platform with low transaction fees.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy Bitcoin using Paxful:
- Click on ‘Buy’ from the platform’s homepage and select Bitcoin from the dropdown menu.
- Select ‘Bank Transfer’ as your payment method in the ‘Pay with’ section. After the box expands, find your bank from the list of supported options in Paxful.
- Enter the amount you want to pay that will be converted into Bitcoins in the ‘I want to spend’ section.
- Click on the ‘Find Offers’ button.
- Choose the best deal from the results and press the ‘Buy’ button.
Some of the most popular supported bank transfers in Paxful include UPI Transfers, PIX, Domestic Wire Transfers and more.
Skrill
Skrill is one of the most trusted virtual wallets in the industry. Aside from keeping your funds secure, this platform allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies easily.
The first step to buying Bitcoin using Skrill is creating an account. From there, follow these simple and easy steps:
- Verify your identity to access all the site’s features
- Add funds into your account via card or bank transfer
- Start buying Bitcoin.
Skrill also goes above and beyond your normal money-transferring services. It also allows you to check the live prices of Bitcoin in the market and lets you easily convert your crypto into cash through its withdrawal feature.
M-Pesa
M-Pesa is a widely-used money-transferring service in Africa that allows its users to withdraw and deposit funds and pay for goods and services. It is convenient and efficient and provides seamless transactions while ensuring the safety of your funds using escrow.
To use M-Pesa, you must first find an exchange or a marketplace that supports it. For this example, let’s take a look at BitValve.
- Here, you must first create an account. Then, choose Bitcoin from the site’s list of available cryptocurrencies to purchase using M-Pesa.
- From there, choose M-Pesa as your mode of payment and find the cheapest offer
- Enter the amount of money you’re willing to buy with M-Pesa
- Start the trade and review transaction to see if everything is up to your standards
- Wait for the escrow
- Check the built-in crypto wallet of BitValve to see if the transfer has been reflected.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most prevalent payment platforms in the world, and it doesn’t have to be connected to any crypto exchange to let you buy Bitcoin.
Here, you can purchase Bitcoin on the primary dashboard when you click on ‘cryptocurrencies’. From there, you have to choose from the top-performing coins in the market to be redirected to a chart that shows the price fluctuations for that specific coin. With Bitcoin, you can buy one for as low as $1 or 120 KES.
Additionally, PayPal has an app that works like its desktop version, allowing you to easily purchase Bitcoin anytime and anywhere.
Lastly, it should go without saying that you need to register an account with PayPal before using it to purchase Bitcoin.
Card
If you want to buy Bitcoin with a debit card, you should use Itez. This platform is specifically designed for buying cryptocurrencies using your bank card and offers the best rates on the market.
How to buy Bitcoin with fiat currency through a credit/debit card in Itez:
- Head to the official Itez website and access their calculator.
- Enter the amount you’re willing to pay to calculate the BTC you’ll receive.
- Review the transaction and click on ‘Buy.’
- Provide your email address on the next window that appears
- Verify the transaction using the 6-digit code sent to your provided email address
- In the Itez dialogue box that appears, specify the amount you’ll purchase
- Copy the Bitcoin wallet address and paste it on the next dialogue box
- Click on the card details button and enter all the necessary information
- Press ‘Pay’ and wait for the confirmation.
Mobile Money
Thanks to the advancement of smartphones, Kenyan crypto investors can now purchase Bitcoin via their mobile devices. This is done through a crypto exchange that supports mobile compatibility and payment options.
One example is Yellow Card, a trusted crypto exchange in Africa where users can withdraw and sell Bitcoins using Kenyan Shillings.
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to buy Bitcoin online using Mobile Money through Yellow Card:
- Sign in to your account or register and verify your details to get a free Bitcoin wallet.
- Deposit Kenyan Shillings into your account by clicking on ‘Deposit’ from your dashboard.
- Choose Mobile Money
- Enter the amount of KES you’re willing to deposit to get Bitcoin
- Select your desired provider from the list of supported Mobile Money companies and input your mobile number
- Confirm the transaction
- Once the deposit has been credited into your account, click ‘Buy Bitcoin’.
Where to buy Bitcoin in Kenya
Although Bitcoin isn’t considered legal tender in Kenya, these digital assets are accessible since they can be bought from various online platforms.
One of the most common places you can buy Bitcoin in Kenya is crypto exchanges. Here, Kenyans can easily buy, sell, and trade their crypto assets. You can also think of these sites as brokers where you are given all the tools you need to make crypto transactions online.
Here are some of the top crypto brokers in Kenya this 2023:
- IC Markets
- easyMarkets
- BDSwiss
- Admirals
- Eightcap
- Capital.com.
What to look for in a crypto exchange
Before creating an account and depositing funds, ensure that the website you’re planning to use is trustworthy. Several scams exist online, and you’re jeopardising your funds if you don’t know how to spot them.
To help you get the best trading experience, here are some reminders on what to look for in an exchange:
Cheap fees
When using an exchange, you can most certainly expect that you’ll have to pay fees. For instance, if you’re planning to buy Bitcoin using a credit card, you’ll be charged a specific percentage. This fee can vary depending on the method of payment you’ll use and the exchange itself.
That’s why it’s important to compare charges between exchange sites so you can find the best deal online.
Security
Since transactions are made online, you must find an exchange that can ensure the safety of your funds. As much as possible, find an exchange with robust security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-layer signatures and more.
Liquidity
One important characteristic that investors often overlook is liquidity. The exchange should have ample liquidity to easily convert your cash into coins and vice versa without paying a huge markup.
You can determine if an exchange has good liquidity if it has a high trading volume. If it experiences a low volume of trading, it has less liquidity since there aren’t enough trades.
User interface
Lastly, you’d want to find an exchange that features an easy-to-understand interface. Some exchanges present the ‘instant buy crypto’ option front and centre, making it accessible for beginner crypto investors.
By finding an accessible exchange, you won’t have trouble using it. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best exchanges to buy Bitcoin in Kenya, and here are some good options to start with:
- Pepperstone
- Capital
- Crypto.com
- Yellowcard.io
- Paxful
- LocalBitcoins
- Binance
- Coinbase.
Purchase Bitcoin today!
Investing in Bitcoin offers various benefits that you’ll reap in the long run. By buying this digital asset using the steps mentioned above, you can potentially earn great profits, given that it’s the top cryptocurrency in the market. Additionally, it possesses high liquidity, making it an excellent option for short-term profit.
The time is now! Use the knowledge you’ve gained and apply it to your crypto investing strategies to begin your Bitcoin investment today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of one Bitcoin?
Since the crypto market is volatile, the price of one Bitcoin can change in a snap. At the time of writing, one Bitcoin is valued at 2,979,161.08KES.
Is Bitcoin allowed in Kenya?
No law restricts Bitcoin use in Kenya. However, it’s not considered legal tender.
Should I buy Bitcoin now?
Bitcoin is a great investment for the long term. However, since its price is extremely volatile, you must be aware of the risks of investing in these digital assets and the required strategy to mitigate them.
What Is The Minimum Amount Of Bitcoin You Can Buy?
The minimum amount of Bitcoin you can buy is 0.00000001 BTC, also known as ‘Satoshi’.
