NAIROBI, Kenya – The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced updates to the design of Kenyan currency banknotes, including new security features and the inclusion of signatures from top government officials.
The updated notes bear the signature of CBK Governor Kamau Thugge and National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.
They also feature a 2024 print year and advanced security threads with color-changing effects unique to each denomination, enhancing counterfeit deterrence.
The Sh1,000 note was the first to undergo these changes, rolled out on August 6, 2024. The CBK has now begun issuing the updated Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 notes.
“We wish to update the public that the release of Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 denominations is now in progress,” the CBK stated, reassuring Kenyans that the updates align with legal mandates.
The adjustments are grounded in Article 231(2) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 22(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, which empower the CBK to issue and regulate currency.
Despite the updates, CBK emphasized that the banknotes introduced in 2019 remain legal tender.
“All other banknotes currently in circulation will continue to circulate alongside the newly released notes,” the Bank clarified, urging Kenyans to familiarize themselves with the details on its website.
The 2019 series of Kenyan banknotes, unveiled during Madaraka Day celebrations by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, marked a significant shift from the older notes.
Alongside, new-generation coins were introduced in 2018, featuring designs that align with the principles of the Kenyan Constitution.
The updated notes bear the signature of CBK Governor Kamau Thugge and National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.
They also feature a 2024 print year and advanced security threads with color-changing effects unique to each denomination, enhancing counterfeit deterrence.
The Sh1,000 note was the first to undergo these changes, rolled out on August 6, 2024. The CBK has now begun issuing the updated Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 notes.
“We wish to update the public that the release of Sh50, Sh100, Sh200, and Sh500 denominations is now in progress,” the CBK stated, reassuring Kenyans that the updates align with legal mandates.
The adjustments are grounded in Article 231(2) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 22(2) of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, which empower the CBK to issue and regulate currency.
Despite the updates, CBK emphasized that the banknotes introduced in 2019 remain legal tender.
“All other banknotes currently in circulation will continue to circulate alongside the newly released notes,” the Bank clarified, urging Kenyans to familiarize themselves with the details on its website.
The 2019 series of Kenyan banknotes, unveiled during Madaraka Day celebrations by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, marked a significant shift from the older notes.
Alongside, new-generation coins were introduced in 2018, featuring designs that align with the principles of the Kenyan Constitution.
