CBK Issues New Currency Security Features to Combat Fake Notes
In a bid to combat counterfeit currency, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has unveiled a comprehensive guide to help citizens identify genuine banknotes.
This move comes after the release of new banknotes, equipped with advanced security features designed to protect Kenya’s legal tender.
The updated currency, first introduced in August 2024, includes several key features such as the signatures of CBK Governor Kamau Thugge and Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.
Additionally, the year of print, 2024, and colour-changing security threads specific to each denomination are now incorporated to enhance the authenticity of the notes.
The CBK reassured Kenyans that the previous currency will remain in circulation, despite the introduction of the new series. “We would also like to draw the public’s attention that all other banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender and will continue to circulate alongside the release notes,” stated the CBK.
The new currency notes, which began with the KSh 1,000 denomination, reflect Kenya’s development themes and the country’s vibrant identity. The notes include prominent symbols of Kenya’s green energy, agriculture, social services, tourism, and governance, making them a unique reflection of Kenya’s growth.
The CBK has also outlined a simple yet effective method for identifying the authenticity of the new notes, under the theme “Feel, Look, and Tilt.”
- Feel (Gusa): Run your fingers along the note’s edges to feel the word “Kenya” and the numerical value, with different bar markings for each denomination.
- Look (Tazama): Hold the note against the light to reveal a watermark, a continuous security thread, and the note’s value.
- Tilt (Pindua): When tilted, each note’s security thread changes color, and the golden band displays the note’s value under UV light.
Each denomination also celebrates Kenya’s Big Five animals: Buffalo on the KSh 50, Leopard on the KSh 100, Rhino on the KSh 200, Lion on the KSh 500, and Elephant on the KSh 1000, making them both a security feature and a cultural emblem.
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CBK Issues New Currency Security Features to Combat Fake Notes
