A Fusion of Security, Design, and National Identity:
In August 2024, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) began rolling out its updated banknote series, reaffirming its commitment to secure, high-quality currency. Featuring Louisenthal’s RollingStar® i+ thread, the new notes enhance durability, strengthen counterfeit protection, and celebrate Kenya’s national identity – earning industry recognition and reinforcing public trust.
It’s a new chapter in Kenya’s currency: the 2019 banknote series already marked a historic shift from previous designs by eliminating images of past presidents in accordance with constitutional changes. In August 2024, the CBK took the next step by introducing an updated series with a progressive rollout, beginning with the KES 1,000 note, followed by the KES 50, 100, 200, and 500 denominations. Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) Currency Technology was awarded the contract to produce the new series.
Design for Continuity
To maintain public familiarity and confidence, the 2024 series retains key design elements from its predecessor. Each banknote prominently features the Kenyatta International Convention Centre monument on the front, along with a dove symbolizing peace. The updated banknotes include the signatures of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, and the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo. The year of print, 2024, is also specified on the notes.
At the core of the 2024 series is the integration of advanced security features, most notably Louisenthal’s RollingStar® i+ thread, recognized for its brilliant dynamics, ColorShift™, and anti-counterfeiting properties. “A giant leap for security and design”, says Clemens Berger, Louisenthals Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors. “Moving motifs and the eye-catching color shift immediately captivate the user of the banknote and raise its security to a higher level.” Berger also points out that, as a banknote is the calling card of its country and its central bank, the possibilities to design this banknote also reach a new level.
The KES 1,000, 500, and 200 banknotes feature the ZigZag dynamic movement effect, enhancing visual security. The KES 100 and 50 banknotes utilize the Crystal effect. Additionally, the iridescent band properties have been enhanced to illuminate under UV light, and dual color fluorescence is maintained as a secondary level of defense against counterfeiting.
Identity, Industry Recognition and Impact
Beyond security, the 2024 banknote series reflects Kenya’s cultural and economic identity through thematic representations on the back of each denomination. The KES 1,000 note represents Governance, featuring an image of Kenya’s Parliament. The KES 500 note embodies Tourism, showcasing Kenya’s National Parks and the iconic lion, Simba. Social Services are highlighted on the KES 200 note, recognizing medical services, education, and athletics. The KES 100 note depicts Agriculture, emphasizing maize, tea, and livestock. Finally, the KES 50 note promotes Green Energy, focusing on sustainable solutions such as wind, geothermal, and solar power.
The Central Bank of Kenya's commitment to excellence in banknote design and security was recognized at the High Security Printing - Europe, Middle East and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference, where it received the Best New Series of Banknotes award.
Says the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge: “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 against counterfeiting, giving citizens assurance on the security of their currency.”
Further Reading
RollingStar® i+ Security Thread
With RollingStar® i+ we have taken the visual impact and design possibilities for banknotes to a new level. Simple and fast authentication, outstanding visibility even in unfavourable lighting conditions and cutting-edge dynamics are among the highlights of RollingStar® i+.