The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has made considerable adjustments to Kenyan currency notes in order to maintain the criteria set by the Constitution.

In a statement, CBK stated that the revisions will affect Ksh.50, Ksh.100, Ksh.200, Ksh.500, and Ksh.1,000.

They stressed that the adjustments are an update to prior ones and would be sent alongside those already published.

Four major modifications to banknotes will include:
a. The signature of Dr. Kamau Thugge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya.

b. The signature of Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary, National Treasury.

c. The year of printing is 2024, and

d. New security threads with unique colour changing effects for 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 read in part. 

The introduction of the currency notes will begin with Ksh.1,000, with other denominations following in the coming months.

According to CBK, the new currency notes will have a distinct feel when you run your fingers over them. The terms Kenya, 1,000 value, and edge will be clearly defined because one can feel the texture.

Also, when you hold the currency note up to the light, you can see the lion’s head watermark, the word CBK, and the banknote’s denomination.

The security thread on the note will be displayed as a continuous line. It will also change color when titled.

When placed under Ultra-Violet light, the golden band reveals the banknote’s value.

The changes are in accordance with Section 22 of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, which states that the denominations, inscriptions, forms, material, and other characteristics of the Bank’s notes and coins shall be determined by the Bank in consultation with the Minister, and shall be published in the Gazette and other public information media likely to bring them to the public’s attention.