Bitcoin ATMs, branded ‘Bankless Bitcoin’, have been noticed inside Nairobi’s busy buying centres, together with Two Rivers Mall and the Westlands outlet alongside Ngong Street.
Based on native stories, the orange machines are presently put in subsequent to conventional financial institution ATMs, providing mall guests fast money trade and gross sales choices for Bitcoin.
The presence of kiosks has been within the highlight as Kenya’s new Digital Asset Service Suppliers Act has been launched to coincide with its coming into power on November 4, 2025.
Regulatory authorities don’t approve VASP approvals
A joint discover from the Central Financial institution of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) highlights that the 2 establishments are but to license VASPs below the brand new regulation.
Based mostly on the report, the Nationwide Treasury continues to be drafting detailed laws to start the formal licensing course of.
Till these restrictions are lifted, regulators warned that corporations claiming to be licensed can be working outdoors the regulation.
To purchase Bitcoin in Kenya, go to the bottom ground of Two Rivers Mall subsequent to Levi’s Retailer and the minimal buy quantity is ksh 1. The machine is put in within the following approach: @BanklessBitcoin We solely settle for on-chain deposits and pockets withdrawals. https://t.co/dWBXPz8V7H pic.twitter.com/HFlG1lUEpb
— Bitcoin Nairobi (@btcnairobi) November 16, 2025
Conventional mall machine utilized in grassroots
Outdoors of buying facilities, using cryptocurrencies is already being examined in low-income areas. Fintech group AfriBit Africa has launched trial Bitcoin funds in Soweto West, a part of Kibera, in 2022, in response to stories.
The challenge pays out small grants after weekend cleanups, and AfriBit says about $10,000 has been distributed to this point. Roughly 200 folks in that neighborhood now use Bitcoin for financial savings and funds, and a few native outlets and so-called “boda boda” (border-to-border) bike riders additionally settle for Bitcoin.
Undertaking leaders describe holding worth in Bitcoin as a type of monetary freedom for individuals who typically do not have identification or financial institution accounts, particularly those that stay on about $1 a day.
ATMs convey fast entry and massive questions
Kiosks make shopping for and promoting cryptocurrencies as simple as utilizing a money machine. That comfort additionally interprets into rapid issues concerning the operator, the kind of identification verification used, and the dealing with of buyer funds after every transaction.
These particulars are usually not clear from revealed photos or early stories. Bitcoin’s worth fluctuations imply it may possibly lose worth shortly after somebody buys it.
On the identical time, the regulator stated the regulation consists of guidelines geared toward combating cash laundering and terrorist financing, and names the CBK and CMA as joint supervisory authorities liable for supervision.
Regulatory measures and client safety
The VASP Regulation units out obligations for service suppliers as soon as their license begins, together with measures to stop illicit financing.
Based mostly on the report, the regulation goals to steadiness client safety with room for brand new providers to function below supervision.
Future Treasury laws will decide how strict KYC necessities shall be, what transaction restrictions will apply, and the way oversight shall be shared between the 2 companies.
Featured picture from Capital Information, chart from TradingView
