The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been recognized internationally for its newly released banknotes, winning the Best New Series of Banknotes award at the High Security Printing – Europe, Middle East, and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference. The award acknowledges CBK’s introduction of a new currency series in August 2024, which incorporates advanced security features to enhance authenticity and deter counterfeiting.
According to CBK, the newly issued banknotes maintain the designs of the previous series but include upgraded security elements. The citation noted that the full series, consisting of Ksh 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50 denominations, now features Louisenthal’s Rolling Star® i+ security thread. The Ksh 1,000, 500, and 200 notes utilize the ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the Ksh 100 and 50 notes feature the Crystal effect. Additionally, all denominations incorporate iridescent bands with ultraviolet (UV) properties, with dual-color fluorescence serving as an extra safeguard against counterfeiting.
Speaking on the recognition, CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge highlighted the significance of the award, stating that it positions Kenya’s banknotes among the most secure and visually appealing globally. He emphasized that the adoption of advanced technology in the new series ensures public confidence in the integrity of the currency.
The award ceremony took place on February 4, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, bringing together industry experts specializing in secure government-issued documents. These included professionals dealing with currency, fiduciary documents, excise stamps, identification cards, e-passports, visas, vehicle documents, and licenses.
CBK had initially announced the release of the new banknotes in August 2024, beginning with the Ksh 1,000 note, followed by the Ksh 500, 200, 100, and 50 denominations. The newly issued currency continues to circulate alongside the 2019 series, with CBK affirming that all banknotes remain legal tender. The bank stated that the rollout of denominations would continue progressively and provided details about the changes on its official website.
Among the notable modifications to the banknotes are updated signatures, featuring those of CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge and Principal Secretary of the National Treasury Dr. Chris Kiptoo. Additionally, the year of print has been marked as 2024, and a new security thread with a unique color-changing effect has been introduced for each denomination. Despite these upgrades, CBK clarified that the rest of the design elements remain consistent with the 2019 series.
To help the public distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits, CBK advised individuals to use multiple security checks. These include feeling the texture of the notes, particularly the raised print on the words “KENYA” and the denomination value. Holding the banknotes up to the light reveals a watermark with a lion’s head, the CBK logo, and the value of the note, while tilting the note showcases the color-changing security thread.
CBK reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of Kenya’s currency, ensuring that citizens can trust the authenticity of their banknotes.
