This is significant because there has been until now only a couple methods to not just acquire bitcoin but to receive that bitcoin acquired via Lightning network.

The first exchange method with LN support was Paxful P2P platform, but being a P2P exchange that is not instant and they charge 1% withdrawal fee when withdrawing via LN. RoboSats is another P2P trading platform and is LN-only. It arrived earlier this year but there have only been a few BTC/KES trades done on RoboSats so far, indicating liquidity just isn't there. (Hopefully if a RoboSats app comes out, that will find more usage in Kenya.)

So Bitnob, a centralized exchange, becomes the first exchange in the country of Kenya to provide the ability to receive bitcoin (via LN) and moments later have access to those funds in the local currency (via m-Pesa mobile money).

Additionally, Bitnob also will help drive usage on Machankura's USSD wallet, which lets user receive, store, and send bitcoin via LN using any phone -- even a $10 feature phone.