For many, the leap from law to blockchain might seem like a radical pivot. But for Chebet Kipingor, Kenya Lead at Busha and Africa Ambassador at AWIC Africa it was a natural evolution—one shaped by a deep passion for communication, brand building, and the power of storytelling.
“My path has been shaped by a deep passion for communication and brand building. While I studied law, my heart was always in marketing and storytelling—skills I’ve honed over nine years of working with tech startups and consulting in traditional finance,” she shares.
It was this experience that helped her see a glaring gap in Africa’s Web3 landscape. Crypto’s biggest barrier, she realized, wasn’t education—it was marketing and storytelling . Many Web3 companies were operating in silos, using technical jargon that alienated everyday users.
“Many Africans don’t even realize these solutions exist simply because we’re not communicating in ways that resonate with them,” she explains. “My background in marketing and community building helped me bridge the gap between builders and users—making Web3 accessible, relatable, and practical for the people who need it most.”
That mission has driven her work at Busha, Nigeria’s first regulated crypto exchange, which is now expanding its footprint in Kenya.
Busha : More Than Just a Crypto Exchange
While many crypto platforms mimic Western models, Busha has taken a different approach—one deeply rooted in African realities. “When people ask me about Busha, I tell them we’re not just another crypto exchange—we’re a movement for financial freedom in Africa,” Chebet asserts.
Founded in 2019, Busha recognized early on that Africa’s biggest financial challenges—capital preservation, cross-border payments, and financial inclusion —needed African solutions. She recalls a story that underscores why this matters: “I remember a young freelancer telling me how she lost clients because she couldn’t receive international payments. Today, she uses Busha to get paid instantly from anywhere in the world.”
For Chebet, the real impact of crypto isn’t in speculation—it’s in economic empowerment. “When a mother in rural Kenya can use crypto to pay for her children’s education abroad, or when a small business owner can preserve wealth despite local currency fluctuations—that’s the Busha difference. We’re not just providing a platform; we’re empowering our people to participate in the global economy on their own terms.”
The Future of Crypto Regulation in Kenya
With Kenya being a global pioneer in digital finance—thanks to M-Pesa—it’s no surprise that crypto is on the regulatory radar. But for Chebet, regulation needs to go beyond just rules—it needs to be innovative and inclusive. “Looking at Nigeria’s regulatory framework for crypto exchanges, I’m optimistic about Kenya’s path. But we need to do more than just regulate—we need to innovate in regulation,”she explains.
The key, she believes, is balancing financial stability with Kenya’s entrepreneurial spirit. While discussions between industry leaders and regulators are promising, she sees education as crucial in shaping the right framework. “Regulators are increasingly understanding that crypto isn’t just about speculation—it’s about financial inclusion, remittances, and economic opportunity for millions of underserved Kenyans.”
Empowering Women in Crypto: The AWIC Movement
Beyond Busha, Chebet is also championing women’s participation in blockchain through the Association of Women in Crypto!”( AWIC Africa). “The Association of Women in Crypto was born from a simple truth I witnessed firsthand—when women gather, magic happens,” she says.
She believes that in crypto, women aren’t just closing a gender gap—they’re leading a financial revolution. And that revolution is about to take a major step forward. “I’m thrilled to announce that we’re launching the AWIC African chapter on February 8th with our signature Block & Brunch event. Picture this: powerful women from finance, tech, and business coming together—not just to network, but to reshape Africa’s digital future.”
Beyond events, AWIC is rolling out initiatives tailored to African women:
- Virtual mentorship programs that fit into busy schedules
- Workshops on using crypto for cross-border trade
- Community support groups designed around real-life financial challenges
Chebet is already seeing a shift. Women who once felt intimidated by blockchain are now building their own portfolios and businesses.
Advice for Women Entering Blockchain
For women curious about blockchain, Chebet has one key message: you don’t need to be a coder to belong in this space. “Start where you are, with what you know. Your experience—whether in marketing, law, education, or business—is valuable in this space,” she advises.
She recalls her own entry into blockchain—not as a developer, but as a marketer fascinated by its potential to transform Africa. “I didn’t write a single line of code, but I understood our people’s needs and how to communicate solutions effectively. That’s equally valuable.”
Her advice? Start small.Maybe by using crypto for a simple, practical purpose—like sending money to family abroad. Then, build your knowledge gradually and tap into communities like AWIC. Her advice? Start small.Maybe by using crypto for a simple, practical purpose—like sending money to family abroad. Then, build your knowledge gradually and tap into communities like AWIC.
The Vision for Busha in Kenya and Women in Blockchain
Looking ahead, Chebet has a bold vision for both Busha in Kenya and women’s leadership in blockchain. “I dream of a Kenya where using crypto is as natural as using M-Pesa—where every market trader, every student, every entrepreneur has the tools to participate in the global economy.”
With Busha, that vision goes beyond just crypto trading. She sees it evolving into a comprehensive financial platform that enables people to dream bigger and reach further.
And when it comes to women in blockchain, she’s aiming even higher. “I envision an Africa where women don’t just participate in blockchain—they lead it. Where girls grow up seeing women as CEOs of crypto companies, blockchain architects, and investment leaders.”
Already, she’s seeing that future take shape. “We’re already seeing success stories—from the woman-owned businesses using crypto to import goods, to the female students funding their education through crypto savings. These stories fuel my vision of an Africa where financial freedom knows no gender.”
Owning Our Story: A Call to Action
For Chebet, blockchain is more than just technology—it’s about owning Africa’s narrative in the global digital economy. She sums it up with a quote that deeply resonates with her: “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” – Brené Brown.
Her journey—from law to tech startups, to shaping Africa’s crypto future—embodies that bravery. And she’s calling on more Africans, especially women, to step forward and co-author the next chapter of this revolution. “We’re not just participating in the global digital economy—we’re reshaping it, making it more inclusive, more African, and ultimately, more human.”