Receive Bitcoin to your Kenyan Phone Number!
Claim your phone number as a Lightning address and join Bitcoin Kenya!
Wear your bitcoin.co.ke address on your social profiles, business card, shop sign — anywhere. Show the world that Bitcoin works in Kenya, and be part of the community building it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lightning address?
A Lightning address looks like an email address (e.g. [email protected]) and lets anyone in the world send you Bitcoin instantly. Since you're already used to receiving KES to your phone number,
now you can use that exact same phone number as your Lightning address to receive BTC! One number, two currencies!
Which Lightning wallets can I use?
Any wallet that gives you a Lightning address will work. Popular options: Phoenix, Blink, Machankura, Blitz, Wallet of Satoshi, Misty Breez, and Cake Wallet. For help picking one, see our guide to mobile wallets. Even more providers listed here.
Why does claiming cost KES 210?
It lets us verify that you own the phone number that you are connecting to your lightning wallet. Only the person holding the SIM and knowing the M-Pesa PIN can complete the payment, so nobody else can claim your number. It will also help fund bitcoin education efforts throughout the country.
P.S. If you ask around, you may be able to find a discount! 😉
Do you hold my Bitcoin?
No. When someone pays your [email protected] address, the sats go directly from their wallet to your wallet over the Lightning Network. We never custody, hold, or touch your funds — we just route the payment metadata.
What if I don't claim my number?
No problem — your [email protected] Lightning address still works! But any bitcoin sent to it gets converted to KES and delivered to your M-Pesa via our existing Send Money to Kenya service at a 1% fee. By claiming your number you get to receive better money (BTC), you gain additional financal privacy, you keep more of the money (no conversion fee applied), and you get to proudly represent Bitcoin Kenya with that cool @bitcoin.co.ke domain.
Can I change which wallet my number forwards to?
Not yet — for now, claims are one-time. We're planning to add edits in a future release. If you need a change in the meantime, email us.
Is my phone number linked to my wallet publicly?
No. When someone sends Bitcoin to your address, they only see [email protected] — not your underlying wallet provider or address. We strip identifying information so your wallet choice stays private.
Can I omit the 254 part of the Lightning address?
Yes, both formats work [email protected] or [email protected]. For maximum wallet compatibility across the most sending wallets we recommend you share the shorter [email protected] version. But feel free to rep the 254 proudly!
I have another question, who can I ask?
Send an email to [email protected] with your question, we're happy to help. By the way, [email protected] is also a valid lightning address too! You can try sending us a few sats from your Lightning wallet if you're feeling generous!