The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has introduced significant updates to the country’s currency notes, aligning with the standards set forth in the Constitution.
In a recent statement, the CBK announced that the changes will affect the Ksh.50, Ksh.100, Ksh.200, Ksh.500, and Ksh.1,000 denominations. These updates are revisions of the previous notes and will circulate alongside the older versions that are still in use.
The new banknotes will feature four key updates:
- The signature of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge.
- The signature of the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.
- The year of print, 2024.
- New security threads with color-changing effects specific to each denomination.
“The rest of the features remain the same as those of the series issued in 2019. All banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the released banknotes,” the statement partially read.
The rollout of the new currency notes will start with the Ksh.1,000 denomination, with other denominations to follow in the coming months.
According to the CBK, the updated notes will have a distinct texture that can be felt when running fingers over them. The words “Kenya,” the value of the note, and the edges will be well-defined, providing a noticeable tactile difference. Additionally, holding the note up to light will reveal a watermark of a lion’s head, the text “CBK,” and the note’s value. The security thread will appear as a continuous line and will change color when tilted.
Under Ultra-Violet light, the golden band on the note will display the value of the banknote.
These changes are in accordance with Section 22 of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, which stipulates that the CBK, in consultation with the Minister, determines the denominations, inscriptions, forms, materials, and other characteristics of notes and coins. These details are then notified in the Gazette and other public information media to ensure public awareness.
