CBK introduces new security features on Kenyan Banknotes
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has implemented substantial changes to the design and features of Kenyan Currency notes. This is in alignment with constitutional requirements.
The changes will affect fifty shillings (sh50), one hundred shillings (sh100), two hundred shillings (sh200), five hundred shillings (sh500) and one thousand shillings notes (sh1000).
The rollout of the redesigned currency notes will commence with the Ksh.1,000 note, while the circulation of the other denominations will progressively follow in the months ahead.
In a statement by CBK, the new bank notes will bear both the signatures of CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge and Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.
Additionally, the bank notes will have the year of print, 2024 and bear new security threads with colour changing effects that are 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 read.
According to CBK, the new banknotes will have a noticeably different texture with raised elements like “Kenya,” “1,000,” and the note’s edge will be well defined. A watermark of a lion’s head, the text CBK and the banknote’s value will become visible when held up to the light.
The security thread on the note will appear as a continuous line and will also change colour when titled. Under ultraviolet light, the value of the banknote will become visible on the golden band.
