KESKenyan ShillingKenyan Shilling (KES)
The Kenyan shilling is Kenya's national currency and a prominent reference unit for commerce and finance in East Africa.
- ISO code
- KES
- Symbol
- KSh
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- KES has a market-determined exchange rate. The Central Bank of Kenya may participate in the foreign-exchange market to support orderly conditions, but it does not publish a permanent fixed parity for the shilling.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
KES at a glance
Currency profile
How KES works
The Kenyan shilling is Kenya's national currency and a prominent reference unit for commerce and finance in East Africa.
The Central Bank of Kenya issues Kenyan currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange operations under the national central-bank framework.
- KES is divided into 100 cents and replaced the shared East African shilling in 1966.
- Kenya's exchange rate is market determined, with the central bank able to act against disorderly conditions rather than defend a fixed parity.
Context
Why this currency matters
KES combines Kenya's domestic payment scale with Nairobi's wider role in East African finance and logistics. Its relevance reaches agricultural exports, tourism, digital payments and regional business, while the transition from a shared colonial currency to a national shilling marks an important monetary change.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
KES has a market-determined exchange rate. The Central Bank of Kenya may participate in the foreign-exchange market to support orderly conditions, but it does not publish a permanent fixed parity for the shilling.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for KES
Central Bank of Kenya began operations
The new central bank assumed national monetary and currency-issue responsibilities.
Central Bank of Kenya - historyKenyan shilling introduced
KES replaced the former East African shilling at parity as Kenya established its national currency.
Central Bank of Kenya - historyNew-generation banknotes issued
The Central Bank introduced a redesigned banknote family with updated security and national themes.
Central Bank of Kenya - history
Usage and economy
How KES is used
- Prices, mobile-money balances, salaries and settlement across Kenya.
- East African comparisons involving TZS, UGX, ETB and RWF.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
KES currency units
The Central Bank of Kenya publishes current banknote denominations and security features.
The Central Bank of Kenya documents Kenyan shilling coin denominations and designs.
One Kenyan Shilling unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Cent as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
Currency topics
FAQ
KES questions
Why is KES important in East Africa?
KES is used in a major regional center for banking, mobile payments, logistics, tourism and agricultural trade.
What currency did KES replace?
The Kenyan shilling replaced the East African shilling at parity in 1966.
Does Kenya maintain a fixed KES rate?
KES is market determined, although the Central Bank of Kenya may act to preserve orderly foreign-exchange conditions.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.