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Kenya
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Curiosities about the currency
The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the current and official currency of Kenya since 1966. In that year, it replaced the East African shilling. Its symbol is KSh and it is subdivided into 100 cents. The Central Bank of Kenya is responsible for issuing this currency.
Currently, there are banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 KES. The latest banknotes issued are from 2019 and representations of politicians or historical figures have been excluded, with the exception of the one considered the founding father of the nation, Jomo Kenyatta.
The currencies currently in circulation in Kenya are 0.50 cents; 1, 5, 10, and 20 Kenyan shillings. There are also legal tender coins of 10 and 5 cents, but they are out of use. The obverses are engraved with the national coat of arms along with the phrase: “Republic of Kenya.”
The currencies currently used in Kenya began to be issued in 1995. The banknotes and coins from past editions were put into circulation in 1985 and in 1966. The banknotes of Kenya feature illustrations of the country's animals on the obverse.
Kenya has a money limit for entering or leaving the country set at 500,000 shillings. Likewise, local or foreign travellers will not be able to collect or export an amount exceeding 500,000 Kenyan shillings.
What do the banknotes/coins look like?
Front part
*The banknotes and coins correspond to the newest issued series and are for reference. Colours may vary and there may be more designs than those shown.
