By Nemuel Ondima
Kenya is emerging as a serious player in the global foreign exchange market, as industry leaders call for stronger financial literacy to unlock opportunities in a sector now valued at USD 9.6 trillion in daily global trading volume.
With more than 100,000 Kenyans actively trading forex, experts warn that misinformation and lack of education remain the biggest barriers to success.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Empress Office Suite in Westlands, forex executives and financial educators gathered to announce the Africa Forex Trading Expo 2026, set for March 10–11 at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi. Beyond the announcement, the briefing addressed widespread myths that continue to blur the line between legitimate investment and gambling.
Forex Is Not Gambling
A central theme of the discussion was the misconception that forex trading is no different from betting.
“This is not gambling. It is a strategic, skill-based investment,” said Zack Kiratu, Director of Azelia Expo Ltd.
He explained that successful trading relies on economic analysis, technical indicators, geopolitical awareness, and disciplined risk management, rather than luck.
Kiratu emphasized that professional traders apply structured strategies such as stop-loss orders, position sizing, and emotional discipline, skills that can be learned through proper training.
Kenya’s Regulatory Advantage
Panelists highlighted Kenya’s leadership in regulation, noting that the country became the first in Africa to formally regulate online forex trading in 2017 through the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
According to Dr. Peter Onyango, CEO of Empire FX, regulation is what separates trading from speculation.
Licensed brokers operate under strict rules, including segregated client accounts and transparent disclosures, protecting traders from fraud and abuse.
The CMA has since intensified efforts to shut down unlicensed operators while educating the public on how to identify regulated platforms.
A Youth-Centered Opportunity
With over 75 percent of Kenya’s population under 35 and hundreds of thousands of young people entering a strained job market each year, speakers said forex trading presents an alternative income pathway when approached responsibly.
Forex offers low entry barriers, flexible hours, and the ability to trade using just a smartphone and internet connection. However, experts cautioned that without education, most retail traders fail.
“Knowledge is the real capital,” noted Brenda Bett, Head of Operations at Empire FX, as she pointed to Kenya’s strong digital infrastructure and fintech culture as a foundation for success.
Africa Forex Trading Expo 2026
The upcoming expo, themed “Smart Money, Smart Africa: The Future of Forex and Digital Trading,” aims to bridge the knowledge gap through hands-on training, live trading sessions, and direct engagement with regulators, brokers, and fintech innovators.
Empire FX will headline the event as Main Sponsor, with Xelans Markets joining as Platinum Sponsor, reinforcing Kenya’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital trading future.
As the forex market expands, industry leaders agree on one thing: informed participation, not speculation, will define the next generation of African traders.
