The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has given an update on the progress of the changes made in the denominations of Kenyan currency banknotes.
On August 6, 2024, informed the public of four changes including having the signature of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge and that of the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.
CBK introduced new security threads with colour changing effects that are specific to each denomination with the year of print being 2024.
The regulator also communicated that the release of the banknotes had commenced with that of KhH1,000.
In the update, CBK said the release of the other four denominations is currently ongoing.
“We wish to update the public that the release of KES 50, KES 100, KES 200 and KES 500 denominations is now in progress,” CBK said.
CBK has directed the public to visit the Bank’s website www.centralbank.go.ke where more details of the banknotes are available.
The CBK clarified that all other features of the banknotes, apart from the highlighted changes, remain the same as those of the series issued in 2019.
“We also would like to draw to the public’s attention that all other banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender and will continue to circulate alongside the released banknotes,” CBK said.
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Banknotes Changes
While announcing the changes, CBK explained that the current banknotes will still remain in circulation together with the news notes.
The Bank said changes will start with Ksh1,000 followed by the other denominations.
“All banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the released banknotes,” CBK said.
“Release of the banknotes will commence with KES 1,000, while other denominations will progressively follow in the coming months. Details of the banknotes are available on the Bank’s website www.centralbank.go.ke.”
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Central Bank of Kenya: How to Identify Fake Notes
Besides, the CBK issued guidelines for distinguishing genuine notes from counterfeits.
The Bank advised running your fingers over the note to feel the words KENYA, the note’s value, and the edge.
“Hold up to the light and from both sides you will see: The watermark shows a perfect lion’s head, the text CBK and the value of the banknote and the security thread appears as a continuous line,” CBK said.
It also recommended holding the note up to the light or tilting it at an angle to reveal additional security features.
“If you tilt at an angle you will see: The security thread changes color when tilted and the golden band shows the value of the banknote and is visible under Ultra- violet (UV) light,” added CBK.
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