Kenyan Shilling
Shilling ya Kenya
Currency Code
KES
ISO 404
Symbol
KES
Native: KSh
Decimal Digits
2
Rounding: 0
Countries
KE
Using this currency
Currency Units
Major Unit
Name: shilling
Symbol: KSh
Minor Unit
Name: cent
Symbol:
Value: 0.01
Banknotes
Frequently Used
KSh50KSh100KSh200KSh500KSh1000
Coins
Frequently Used
KSh1KSh5KSh10KSh20
Rarely Used
50 cents
Plural Forms
English Plural
Kenyan shillings
Native Plural
Shilling za Kenya
Overview
The Kenyan Shilling is the currency of Kenya, managed by the Central Bank of Kenya. It is one of the more stable currencies in East Africa and serves as an important regional currency for trade and finance.
Economy
- Kenya is a member of AU, EAC, COMESA, IGAD, Commonwealth.
- Main industries include: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services, Tourism, Financial services, Transportation, Communications.
- Kenya is part of the World Trade Organization.
- Imports are machinery, equipment, steel, resins, plastics, motor vehicles, oil, wheat, fertilizers.
- Major exports include tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products, fish, cement.
- GDP: $113.4 billion (2023 est.).
- GDP per capita: $2,099 (2023 est.).
- Unemployment rate: 5.7% (2021 est.).
- Inflation rate: 6.8% (2023 est.).
- Main trading partners: China, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United States.
- Trade agreements: EAC Common Market, COMESA FTA, African Continental Free Trade Area.
History
- Previous currencies used: East African shilling, Indian rupee (colonial period).
- The Kenyan shilling was introduced in 1966, replacing the East African shilling when Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda dissolved their currency union.
- 1966: KES introduced, replacing East African shilling
- 1966: Central Bank of Kenya established
- 1993: Foreign exchange liberalization
- 2003: Introduction of new generation banknotes
- 2019: Introduction of new banknote series
- 2022: Digital currency pilot program launched
- Exchange rate peg: Free floating since 1993.
General Information
- ISO 4217 Code: KES
- Symbols: KES/Sh
- Currency Subunits: 100 cents
- Central Bank: Central Bank of Kenya
- Monetary Policy: Inflation targeting with flexible exchange rate. Focus on price stability while supporting economic growth and financial inclusion.
- Bills: 50 KES, 100 KES, 200 KES, 500 KES, 1000 KES
- Coins: 50 cents, 1 shilling, 5 shillings, 10 shillings, 20 shillings, 40 shillings
- USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 150-155 KES per USD)
- Pegged To: None (Floating)
- Capital: Nairobi
- Population: 55,100,586 (2023 est.)
- Area: 580,367 km²
- Languages: English (official), Kiswahili (official), Numerous indigenous languages
- Time Zones: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
- Government Type: Presidential republic
- Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
- Independence: December 12, 1963 (from United Kingdom)
- Ethnic Groups: Kikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, Other 9.2%
- Religions: Christian 85.5%, Muslim 10.9%, Other 1.8%, None 1.6%, Unspecified 0.2%
- Literacy Rate: 81.5% (2018 est.)
- Transport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, standard gauge railway, road networks, Mombasa port
- Communications: Good telecommunications, 22% internet penetration, extensive mobile money systems (M-Pesa)
- Energy: Hydroelectric 36%, Geothermal 31%, Thermal 17%, Wind 13%, Solar 2%, Biomass 1%
- Countries Using This Currency: Kenya
- Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Kenya (centralbank.go.ke), Economic Data: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Demographic Data: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Geographic Data: Kenya Meteorological Department, Historical Data: Central Bank of Kenya archives
- Last Updated: 2025