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The third edition of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference, convened by Chasing Mavericks, has drawn over 1,500 attendees in Nairobi.
The two-day conference is showcasing the transformative potential of blockchain and cryptocurrency in Kenya’s financial and technological landscape.
Sheila Waswa, CEO of Chasing Mavericks and events lead KBCC 2025, announced that the conference will feature more than 45 exhibitors presenting real-world applications of blockchain and crypto, bridging traditional finance (Web2) and decentralised ecosystems (Web3).
“This is a platform to explore the vast opportunities in blockchain and crypto,” Waswa said, emphasising the need to differentiate between the two. “Crypto is the digital asset, like Bitcoin or stablecoins such as USDT, which are pegged to the U.S. dollar and widely used for cross-border payments. Blockchain, on the other hand, is the underlying technology with applications far beyond finance, such as supply chain tracking.” Waswa explained
The conference will highlight practical use cases, including blockchain’s role in enhancing transparency in supply chains and crypto’s growing utility in trading, investing, and payments. Waswa noted that stablecoins are gaining traction for their stability and efficiency in global transactions.
Addressing common misconceptions, Waswa tackled concerns about crypto’s vulnerability to hacking, comparing it to challenges faced by traditional fintech and banking sectors.
“Hacking isn’t unique to crypto; it’s a broader fintech issue,” she said.
“The real challenge is scams, often fuelled by a lack of education. Many fall for projects promising high returns without understanding their legitimacy.”
Education is a key focus of the conference, with exhibitors and sessions dedicated to empowering attendees to identify credible crypto projects and navigate the ecosystem safely. Waswa stressed that organisations are actively working to enhance security and reduce risks in the space.
The conference also comes at a pivotal time for Kenya’s crypto regulatory framework. She also highlighted ongoing discussions around the Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill, introduced in late 2024 and tabled in Parliament this year.
The bill proposes a 1.5% digital asset tax on all crypto transactions, regardless of profit or loss. “We’re advocating for crypto to be treated like financial institutions, not gambling companies,” Waswa said, noting efforts to collaborate with policy partners to shape a fair regulatory environment.
With a diverse lineup of sponsors from both Web2 and Web3 ecosystems.
According to Kenya Revenue Authority Digital Economy Tax Office, Nickson Omondi, the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference is poised to foster innovation, collaboration, and education, solidifying Kenya’s position as a hub for blockchain and crypto advancements in Africa.
While doing a comparative analysis between Kenya and other African nations, Larry Cooke, Head of Legal Africa at Binance, noted that Kenya’s regulatory efforts stand out compared to peers. For instance, Nigeria has a Digital Asset Regulatory Framework 2022, but Kenya’s VASP Bill is seen as more industry-friendly.
Mauritius and South Africa also face regulatory challenges, but Kenya’s proactive stance, supported by Binance, positions it as a potential leader.
His sentiments were echoed by Tatenda Chinodakufa, Sumsub Business Development Manager, Africa, who noted that he is particularly enthusiastic about the “fast bill”, an upcoming regulatory development in the crypto industry aimed at curbing fraud and illicit activities, such as terrorism funding, by enhancing oversight.
Noting Sumsub’s annual Fraud Report highlights the increasing accessibility of fraud tools, underscoring the need for robust verification systems. Aiming to collaborate with regulators globally to foster a safer, well-regulated environment that protects both businesses and users from fraudsters, especially in the crypto space.
