Editor's Review

In 2020, a similar campaign was also launched after supermarkets faced challenges owing to the low circulation.


The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has launched the 'Chomoa Coins' campaign targeting Kenyans who have coins in their possession at their homes.

In a video posted on Friday, June 13, CBK called on Kenyans to release the coins into circulation.

Therefore, Kenyans who may have coins in their homes were advised to take them to the banks.

Alternatively, Kenyans were advised to use the coins to buy various household items at retail shops such as the supermarket.

According to the bank, the move can help reduce the cost of living if done collectively.

Read More

  1. Why MPs Sent Away CBK Governor Kamau Thugge
  2. List of Banks Offering Low Interest Rates on Loans
  3. Tanzania Bans Use of Kenyan Shilling and Other Currencies in New Policy

File image of CBK Governor Kamau Thugge.

"You work hard for your money. Why disregard some of it? Collectively, the coins that we disregard can help cut the cost of consumer goods," reads part of the campaign.

"Deposit coins at any bank or use and exchange them at any supermarket or retail store."

This is not the first time that CBK, in collaboration with retail outlets and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), has launched this campaign.

A similar campaign was launched in 2012, when there was a shortage of coins.

In 2020, a similar campaign was also launched after supermarkets faced challenges owing to the low circulation.

This most affected them when they were finding difficulties in returning change to Kenyans.

In some cases, some supermarkets even started exchanging the coins for products like airtime in a bid to encourage Kenyans to release the coins at their homes for circulation.