Kenya’s newly redesigned banknotes have received international recognition for their advanced security features, with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) securing the prestigious “Best New Series” award at the 2025 High Security Printing – Europe, Middle East and Africa (HSP-EMEA) Conference in Basel, Switzerland.

CBK introduced the updated currency in August 2024, marking a shift in production after ending its long-standing partnership with De La Rue and turning to German firm Giesecke+Devrient.

The award-winning notes, which include Sh1,000, Sh500, Sh200, Sh100, and Sh50 denominations, retain the familiar designs of their predecessors but incorporate state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting technology.

In a statement on Tuesday, CBK highlighted the innovative security measures that contributed to the recognition.

"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," the bank stated.

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The three highest denominations utilise a ZigZag dynamic movement effect, while the lower ones feature a crystal effect, making it harder for counterfeiters to replicate them.

CBK Governor Kamau Thugge welcomed the award as a testament to Kenya’s commitment to secure currency.

“This award places Kenya’s banknotes at the forefront in terms of appeal, security, and world-class status. By leveraging cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting measures, we are ensuring Kenyans can trust the integrity of their currency,” Thugge remarked.

Kenya has a history of refining its banknotes to improve security, with previous upgrades in 2014 adding distinct tactile marks, a lion’s head watermark, and CBK-branded security elements.

The latest enhancements continue that trend, integrating modern features to protect against counterfeiting.

The HSP-EMEA Conference, held on February 4, 2025, attracted key players in the security printing industry, focusing on banknotes, government-issued identification, and emerging technologies in travel documentation.

With this recognition, CBK’s latest banknotes have now earned a place on the global stage for currency security and innovation.