The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is launching updated versions of its KSh1,000, KSh500, KSh200, KSh100, and KSh50 banknotes, introducing fresh designs and enhanced security features.
These new banknotes will bear the signatures of CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge and National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo. They will also include the year of print (2024) and advanced security threads that change colour with each denomination.
Governor Thugge explained that the older notes were becoming increasingly worn out, and there was a potential risk of running out of KSh1,000 notes by mid-year. This situation prompted the CBK to update the currency.
A leading German company has been contracted to print the new notes, though the specific firm was not disclosed. This move comes after De La Rue, the previous printer, ceased operations in January 2023 due to decreased demand following a drop in CBK orders.
The newly designed KSh1,000 notes will be the first to enter circulation, with the remaining denominations to follow in the coming months. Importantly, the current banknotes will continue to be valid and will circulate alongside the new ones.
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