Kenya’s crypto conversation is entering a new phase that is defined more by institutional adoption, regulatory engagement and financial infrastructure. VALR is one of the companies positioning itself at the center of this shift.
Speaking at the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference, Peter Mwangi, Country Manager – Kenya at VALR, shared the vision that places institutions at the centre of the next wave of crypto growth in the country.
Crypto adoption in Kenya has for years been driven by retail users who include traders, freelancers and early adopters navigating an unregulated and often volatile market.
Mwangi said there is a growing shift toward infrastructure and compliance, where crypto is increasingly being integrated into formal financial systems. This includes institutional trading, deeper liquidity access and the development of products that align with existing financial frameworks.
This change is being driven by regulators and policymakers warming up to crypto adoption. “We’ve seen a marked change in the interaction between crypto players and Kenyan authorities,” Mwangi said. “Lawmakers and regulatory bodies are keen to learn more about the industry. This shows a definite pivot toward more structured oversight.”
This shift could lead to a clear and balanced regulation with the potential to unlock institutional participation, enable local innovation and create a level playing field for both global and homegrown players.
Mwangi compared the rise of mobile money and the current evolution of crypto and blockchain technologies. Mobile money drove financial inclusion and crypto could expand access to global markets, new asset classes and alternative financial systems.
VALR’s positioning is on institutional adoption including infrastructure to support banks and financial institutions, cross-border liquidity and capital flows and laying the groundwork for tokenised financial products.
As traditional finance begins to intersect with crypto, the market shifts from individual participation to large-scale capital deployment. This helps to bring greater stability, credibility and long-term growth potential.
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