Counterfeits are a threat to the circulation of genuine Kenyan currency. Security features in currency
notes act as a deterrent and safeguard to minimise the risk of counterfeiting. We encourage the public
to be aware of the available security features incorporated in genuine currency notes and to be able to
distinguish between genuine and fake notes.
Each genuine banknote incorporates a number of security features which makes the counterfeiting of
the currency notes extremely difficult. The following are public security features to be checked by each
member of the public.
1.Portrait Watermark
A three dimensional portrait of a lion’s head can be seen when the note is held
up to the light. The watermark has a three dimensional appearance with areas in
varying tones of dark and light. Below the watermark is the value numeral of the
banknote. This number can be seen when the note is held up to the light. Both the
portrait and value numeral depict some brightness when held up to the light.
2.Serial Numbers
The serial numbering style is asymmetrical and has progressively larger digits
in adjacent positions. One set of serial numbers appears horizontally, the other
vertically. The vertical serial numbers on the left hand side of the banknote
glows under UV light.
3.See Through Feature
Each of the banknotes has a see through feature which forms a perfect complete elephant
when held up to the light. When looked at from one side, the image does not form
any recognizable feature unless when looked at up to the light.
4.Security Thread
All genuine banknotes have a distinct interwoven thread running vertically down
the right hand side of the notes. When held up to the light, the thread appears
as a continuous line and it shows a series of text featuring the denomination
numeral of the note and the letters CBK. The current generation of banknotes
features two types of threads:-
- For the 1000 and 500 shillings denominations, the thread is
thicker and portrays a colour shift when viewed at angles.
- The 50, 100 and 200
shilling denominations have a thinner thread silver in colour and do not depict
any colour shifts when viewed at angles.