The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been awarded for the new banknotes released in August 2024.
In a statement by CBK dated Tuesday, February 11, it was revealed that the new notes were recognised as best in the new series category at the High-Security Printing -Europe, Middle East and Africa (HSP-EMEA) conference in Switzerland.
In particular, the banknotes were recognised for their enhanced security features against counterfeiting.
"The full series comprises KES 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 three higher denominations the KES 1000, 500 and 200 utilise the ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the two lower denominations the KES 100 and 50 utilise the crystal effect.
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"Additionally, the banknotes feature the use of iridescent bands with UV for each of the denominations, while dual colour fluorescence is also maintained as a secondary level security element against counterfeiting."
CBK Governor Kamau Thugge, for his part, expressed that the award was a sign of confidence in the currency notes, adding that the latest technology was used in the new banknotes.
"The award puts the Kenyan series of banknotes at the forefront of being appealing, secure and of world-class status. They utilise the latest technology to mitigate against counterfeiting, giving citizens assurance on the security of their currency."
CBK unveiled improved new banknotes in 2014 with enhanced security features that can be seen and felt.
For instance, the new notes have distinct lines on the edge of the notes. For instance, Ksh50 notes have 1 bar while Ksh100 notes have 2 bars.
Likewise, the new series also features a watermark of a lion’s head, the text CBK and the value of the banknote.
