Kenyan banknotes have been ranked the best worldwide at the High Security Printing – Europe, Middle East, and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference.
This was revealed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), stating that the notes were awarded the Best New Series of banknotes, surpassing entries from 15 countries across three continents, including Africa, Asia, and Central America.
The award recognizes CBK’s release of a new banknote series in August 2024, noting the enhanced security features.
“The full series comprises Ksh 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50 banknotes, with the same design as the notes they replace but with enhanced security in the form of Louisenthal’s Rolling Star® i+ thread on each of the denominations,” the statement by the apex bank read.
The three higher denominations—KES 1,000, 500, and 200—feature the ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the two lower denominations—KES 100 and 50—utilize the Crystal effect.
Additionally, each denomination is equipped with an iridescent band that exhibits ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence, serving as a secondary security measure against counterfeiting.
CBK Governor, Dr. Kamau Thugge, recognized this outstanding accomplishment, stating that Kenyan banknotes match global standards.
“The award puts the Kenyan series of banknotes at the forefront of being appealing, secure, and of world-class status.
The banknotes also utilize the latest technology to mitigate counterfeiting, providing citizens with assurance regarding the security of their currency,” the statement further read.
The award event, held on February 4, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, brought together experts in security documents, with a focus on government-issued materials such as currency, fiduciary documents, excise stamps, ID cards, e-passports, visas, vehicle documents, and licenses.
The new series, released in August 2024, began with the KES 1,000 note, followed by the KES 500, 200, 100, and 50 denominations. It has since been circulating alongside the 2019 series of banknotes.
The new banknotes feature a few changes including new signatures for the Governor and Member, the year of print specified as 2024, and an updated security thread.
The banknotes bear the signatures of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, and the Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.
Additionally, the notes have been updated with a 2024 print year and feature a new security thread with color-changing effects, distinct for each denomination.
To prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency, several methods can be used to verify their authenticity.
CBK advices to run your fingers over the note to feel the words “KENYA,” the value of the note, and also feel the edge.
You can also hold the note up to the light or tilt it at an angle to reveal additional security features.
“Hold up to the light and from both sides, you will see: The watermark shows a perfect lion’s head, the text CBK, and the value of the banknote, and the security thread appears as a continuous line,” CBK said.
