Tando Review
Spend bitcoin anywhere M-Pesa is accepted in Kenya with zero transaction fees.
Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Why We Recommend Tando
Tando solves a real problem for Bitcoiners in Kenya: how to actually use your sats for daily life without constantly cashing out through exchanges. The app connects directly to M-Pesa's vast merchant network, letting you pay for goods, bills, and send money to anyone in the M-Pesa ecosystem while spending from your own Lightning wallet. The zero transaction fee model from Tando's side makes micro-transactions viable, and the familiar M-Pesa-style interface means existing mobile money users can adopt it without learning new paradigms.
The non-custodial approach is a significant trust factor—you connect your own external Lightning wallet rather than depositing funds into Tando's custody, which reduces counterparty risk considerably. The company maintains transparent operations with a physical Nairobi address, local phone support, and active development shown through regular updates addressing UX issues and adding privacy features like optional BTC amount hiding on receipts. The app reports collecting no user data and sharing nothing with third parties, reflecting a privacy-conscious design philosophy that aligns with Bitcoin values.
Best For
Kenyan Bitcoiners who want to actually live on a bitcoin standard will find Tando essential. If you're receiving Lightning payments for remote work, earning sats through various services, or simply prefer holding bitcoin over local currency, Tando eliminates the friction of converting back to fiat through exchanges. You can pay your electricity bill, buy groceries at any M-Pesa merchant, or send money to family members who only use M-Pesa—all while your savings stay in bitcoin until the moment of spending.
The app also serves expats and diaspora members who want to send value to Kenya efficiently. Rather than using traditional remittance services with high fees, you can send Lightning payments that recipients can immediately spend into the M-Pesa ecosystem. This creates a practical bridge between global Bitcoin rails and Kenya's dominant payment network.
For Bitcoin-curious Kenyans already comfortable with M-Pesa, Tando offers a gentle on-ramp. The deliberately familiar interface reduces the learning curve, letting users experience Bitcoin's benefits without abandoning the payment patterns they already know.
Services & Features
Considerations
Currently limited to Kenya's M-Pesa network only. Requires users to manage their own Lightning wallet externally, which involves a learning curve for channel management and backups. FX spread details between BTC and KES are not publicly documented.
