The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has received global recognition for its latest series of banknotes, winning the Best New Series of Banknotes award at the High Security Printing – Europe, Middle East, and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference. The prestigious accolade highlights CBK’s efforts to enhance security and design in its currency, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to financial integrity.
The award acknowledged CBK’s August 2024 release of a revamped banknote series, which introduced advanced anti-counterfeiting measures. The KES 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50 notes maintain a familiar design but incorporate Louisenhal’s RollingStar® i+ thread, offering heightened security. The KES 1,000, 500, and 200 notes feature a ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the KES 100 and 50 notes utilize a Crystal effect, further strengthening protection against forgery.
Additional security elements include iridescent UV bands on all denominations and dual-color fluorescence, serving as a secondary safeguard against counterfeiting.
Dr. Kamau Thugge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, emphasized the significance of the recognition:
“The award puts the Kenyan series of banknotes at the forefront of being appealing, secure, and of world-class status. They utilize the latest technology to mitigate counterfeiting, giving citizens assurance on the security of their currency.”
The award ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, convened leading experts in security document production. Attendees included specialists in government-issued currency, fiduciary documents, ID cards, passports, and vehicle licenses, underscoring the broader impact of secure financial instruments.
CBK first unveiled the updated series in August 2024, launching with the KES 1,000 note, followed by the KES 500, 200, 100, and 50 notes. The new series now circulates alongside the 2019 banknotes, ensuring a seamless transition in Kenya’s monetary system.
