In Soweto West, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, Bitcoin is slowly but surely entering daily life. Thanks to fintech startup AfriBit, local residents — many of whom are unbanked — now use BTC for payment, savings, and even shopping.

According to the Associated Press, about 200 residents currently participate in the program. It began over three years ago when AfriBit started paying local waste collectors in Bitcoin. Over time, this form of payment spread to others in the community. Today, small vendors and even local taxi drivers accept BTC.

One such vendor, Dotea Anim, who sells vegetables in the market, says around 10% of her customers pay with Bitcoin. “I love it because it’s cheap, fast, and doesn’t have transaction fees,” she said. “When people pay in BTC, I save it, and use the cash for restocking.”

AfriBit’s platform uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network, enabling free and fast transactions. That makes it a real alternative to M-PESA, Kenya’s dominant mobile money service, especially for those seeking lower fees and better security.

Despite the enthusiasm, the program faces significant challenges: poor access to internet, smartphones, and electricity remains a barrier. Another issue is perception — many participants view Bitcoin as an investment rather than a currency. Some report holding up to 70–80% of their wealth in BTC, hoping the price will rise instead of spending it on daily needs.

AfriBit co-founder Ronnie Mdawida believes this experiment shows how crypto can unlock financial access. “They don’t need paperwork or a bank account. Bitcoin gives them a foundation for financial freedom,” he told the AP.

While still small in scale, the project offers a glimpse into how digital assets can impact lives where traditional banking systems fail. It also raises a key question: in underserved regions worldwide, will Bitcoin evolve from a speculative asset into a practical economic tool?

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