Currency in Kenya – The Kenyan Shilling (KES)
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling, abbreviated internationally as KES.
What Does the Kenyan Shilling Look Like?
Kenyan banknotes currently in circulation include denominations of:
- 50 shillings
- 100 shillings
- 200 shillings
- 500 shillings
- 1,000 shillings
Coins in use include:
- 1 shilling
- 5 shillings
- 10 shillings
- 20 shillings
- 40 shillings
One Kenyan shilling is subdivided into 100 cents.
Unique Features of Kenyan Banknotes
Kenya’s current series of banknotes, introduced in 2019, reflects the nation’s values, achievements, and natural heritage rather than featuring portraits of individuals, in line with the country’s constitution.
All banknotes prominently feature a statue of Jomo Kenyatta on the front, symbolizing national unity and independence. Each denomination highlights a specific theme:
- The 50 shilling note represents green energy and environmental conservation.
- The 100 shilling note focuses on agriculture and food security.
- The 200 shilling note highlights social services and education.
- The 500 shilling note showcases tourism, including iconic wildlife such as lions and elephants.
- The 1,000 shilling note emphasises governance and national development.
Modern Kenyan banknotes are printed on durable cotton-based paper and incorporate advanced security features such as:
- Security threads and watermarks
- Colour-shifting ink and UV features
- Tactile marks to assist visually impaired users
How Much is the Kenyan Shilling Worth?
The value of the Kenyan shilling fluctuates based on global foreign exchange markets and economic conditions.
You can find the current exchange rate for the Kenyan Shilling at the top of this page in the “Exchange Rate” section.
You can follow the live KES rate in the "Currencies" tab or visit our live exchange charts page.