CBK releases new banknotes with four additional features

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has made significant changes to the Kenyan bank notes to comply with the provisions of Central Bank of Kenya Act.

In a statement, CBK explained that the changes will affect Ksh50, Ksh100, Ksh200, Ksh500 and Ksh1,000 notes. They explained that changes in the CBK new notes are updates of the previous ones and will be distributed in the parts that were published earlier.

The four main changes to the currency include, Signature of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Kamau Thugge, Signature of the Principal Secretary to the National Treasury, Chris Kiptoo, Year of publication – 2024, and a new safety belt with color-changing effects specific to each denomination

“Other features remain the same as those issued in 2019. All Notes currently in circulation retain their soft status and are distributed alongside the bonds issued,” the statement read in part.

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Distribution of notes will start with Ksh1,000, with other denominations to follow in the coming months.

According to Central Bank, CBK new notes will give a special feeling when you run your finger over them. Kenyan words, the value of 1000 and the it’s texture will explain well because you can feel it.

In addition, when you hold the note up to the light, you will see the lion head, the CBK text and the value of the note. Security lines and tickets will appear as solid lines. It will also change color when tilted. When placed under ultraviolet light, the gold band will show the value of the note.

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