The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been recognised for printing new notes with enhanced features making them not easily counterfeited.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, CBK was recognised during the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference where the new banknotes series released on August 2024 caught the global attention.

Kenya’s currency was recognised in Basel, Switzerland, in an event that brought together security document experts focused on government-specified and issued documents.

These included currency, fiduciary documents, excise stamps, ID cards, e-passports, visas, vehicle documents, and licenses.

“The full series comprises Ksh1,000, Ksh500, Ksh200, Ksh100, and Ksh50 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,” CBK’s statement read in part.

During the global summit, it was also established that the three higher denominations Ksh1,000, Ksh500 and Ksh200 utilise the ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the two lower denominations, Ksh100 and Ksh50, use the Crystal effect.

“Additionally, the banknotes feature iridescent bands with UV for each denomination, while dual-colour fluorescence is maintained as a secondary-level security element against counterfeiting,” CBK added.

Governor Thugge’s reaction

Reacting to the win, CBK Governor Kamau Thugge celebrated the win, maintaining that it placed Kenya at world-class status due to the notes’ security features.

The head of the apex bank vowed to continue utilising the technology to protect the Kenyan currency.

“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,” he said.

In August 2024, Thugge informed the country that the new banknotes to be replaced would be printed by a German firm after De La Rue exited the country in 2023.