CBK Unveils New Ksh50, Ksh100, Ksh200, and Ksh500 Banknotes with New Features

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced the rollout of new-look banknotes for Ksh50, Ksh100, Ksh200, and Ksh500 denominations, featuring enhanced security and updated design elements. This comes as a follow-up to the August introduction of the updated Ksh1,000 note.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CBK revealed the changes, highlighting that the updated notes bear several new features. These include the signature of CBK Governor Kamau Thugge, the year of print (2024), and a signature from the Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo. The inclusion of the PS signature marks a significant shift, as the previous notes did not feature it.

Another key enhancement is the addition of security threads with color-changing effects, unique to each denomination, aimed at improving counterfeit prevention.

“Other than the changes highlighted above, all other features of the banknotes remain the same as those of the series issued in 2019,” CBK clarified, reassuring Kenyans that the overall design and usability of the notes remain familiar.

To address concerns about currency in circulation, CBK confirmed that older notes will remain legal tender and will continue to be used alongside the new notes.

“We wish to update the public that the release of KES 50, KES 100, KES 200, and KES 500 denominations is now in progress. All other banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender,” CBK stated.

The new notes aim to bolster trust in the country’s currency system while maintaining the integrity and usability of the Kenyan shilling.