There have been reports that some small scale traders are refusing to accept the new banknotes, due to fear of receiving counterfeit money.
Most of them, just like many Kenyans have expressed doubts and confusion on how to differentiate the genuine notes from the fake ones even as the circulation of the fake currencies continue to flood the market.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently launched a new smartphone application that helps users familiarise themselves with the new currency features.
The app provides in-depth details on how to detect the fake new currency notes using four different ways:
1.) Using Ultraviolet (UV) light
2.) Using normal light
3.) Using feel/ sense of touch
4.) By tilting the note
The application, that is available on the google play store, can be downloaded and used on Android phones. Here is the download link: https://bit.ly/2Rrqz1i
Nonetheless, the awareness campaign by CBK appears not to be sufficient with some Kenyans stating that they have little time for the internet.
Kenyans are now asking for more education on how to identify the new banknotes.
Luckily for you, Kenyans.co.ke has written this article to help you detect the fake new currency notes, according to the CBK's app.
1. How to detect fake new currency notes using ultraviolet (UV) light
These are the noticeable indicators under UV light:
Ksh50 (Front)
The vertical serial numbers located at the left will glow yellow.
The arrow-shape alongside the dove will have an inward green glow and an outward yellow glow.
The value text 50 located at the bottom right will give off a green glow.
Ksh50 (Back)
There are 2 yellow stripes with the value 50 highlighted in green at the opposite ends overlapped by a green dove.
There are also shades of green and yellow above the dove’s image.
Ksh100 (Front)
The vertical serial numbers located at the left will glow yellow.
The arrow-shape alongside the dove will have an inward green glow and an outside red glow.
The value text 100 located at the top center will give off a green glow.
Ksh100 (Back)
There are 2 red stripes with the value 100 highlighted in green at the opposite ends overlapped by a green dove.
There are also shades of green and red above the dove’s image.
Ksh200 (Front)
The vertical serial numbers located at the left will glow yellow.
The dove located underneath the serial number will also glow.
The value 200 located at the bottom center will glow green.
Ksh200 (Back)
There are 2 yellow stripes with the value 200 highlighted in green at the opposite ends overlapped by a green dove.
There are also shades of green and yellow above the dove’s image.
Ksh500 (Front)
The vertical serial numbers located at the left will glow yellow.
The arrow-shape alongside the dove will have an inward green glow and an exterior yellow glow.
Their are 2 value text 500 located at the bottom center giving off a green glow.
Ksh500 (Back)
There are 2 green stripes with the value 500 highlighted in yellow at the opposite ends overlapped by a yellow dove.
There are shades of green and yellow next to the central lions image.
Ksh1000 (Front)
The vertical serial numbers located at the left will glow yellow.
The arrow-shape alongside the dove will have an inward red glow and an outside yellow glow.
The value text 1000 located at the top center and also bottom right will give off a green glow.
Ksh1000 (Back)
There are 2 green stripes with the value 1000 highlighted in red at the opposite ends overlapped by a red dove.
There are also shades of green and red above the dove’s image.
2. How to detect fake new currency notes using normal light
If you hold up the notes against the light, you’ll see a watermark of a perfect lion’s head, the text CBK, and the value of the banknote. You will also see a security thread which appears as a continuous line.
These are the noticeable differences observed through the sense of sight:
Note: The red eye symbol is the location of the watermark.
Ksh50 (Front)
Held up to the light, a watermark of a lion’s portrait is visible, the letters CBK as well as the value 50.
The security thread appears as a continuous line.
Ksh50 (Back)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 50.
Ksh100 (Front)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 100
The security thread appears as a continuous line.
Ksh100 (Back)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 100
Ksh200 (Front)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 100
The security thread appears as a continuous line.
Ksh200 (Back)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 200.
Ksh500 (Front)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 100.
The security thread appears as a continuous line.
Ksh500 (Back)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 500.
Ksh1000 (Front)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 100.
The security thread appears as a continuous line.
Ksh1000 (Back)
Held up to the light, a lions portrait is visible, the letters CBK and also the value 1000.
3. How to detect fake new currency notes using touch/feel
These are the noticeable differences felt through the sense of touch.
Note: The pointing hand symbol is the location of the feel.
The touch feature is only on the front side of the note.
Ksh50
Bars located on the left side of the note is ONE.
The printed text KENYA at the top is ELEVATED.
The printed value 50 located at the right is also ELEVATED.
Ksh100
Bars located at the left side of the note are TWO.
The printed text KENYA at the top is ELEVATED.
The printed value 100 located at the right is ELEVATED.
Ksh200
Bars located at the left side of the note are THREE.
The printed text KENYA at the top is ELEVATED.
The printed value 200 located at the tight is ELEVATED.
Ksh500
Bars located at the left side of the note are FOUR.
The printed text KENYA at the top is ELEVATED.
The printed value 500 located at the right is ELEVATED.
Ksh1000
Bars located at the left side of the note are FIVE.
The printed text KENYA at the top is ELEVATED.
The printed value 1000 located at the right is ELEVATED.
4. How to detect fake new currency notes by tilting notes
These are the indicators NOTICEABLE observed when tilting the note.
Ksh50 (Front)
The security thread changes color from red to green.
Ksh50 (Back)
The golden band shows the value of the note ie 50.
Ksh100 (Front)
The security thread changes color from red to green.
Ksh100 (Back)
The golden band shows the value of the note ie 100.
Ksh200 (Front)
The security thread changes color from red to green and also has additional rainbow colors.
Ksh200 (Back)
The golden band shows the value of the note ie 200.
Ksh500 (Front)
The security thread changes color from red to green and also has additional rainbow colors.
Ksh500 (Back)
The golden band shows the value of the note ie 500.
Ksh1000 (Front)
The security thread changes color from red to green and also has additional rainbow colors.
Ksh1000 (Back)
The golden band shows the value of the note ie 1000.
Guidelines on how old Ksh1000 notes will be returned to the bank
During the 2019 Madaraka Day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta began the process of demonetizing the old currency and replacing them with new generation notes.
The Central Bank of Kenya has in the meantime released the new notes into the Kenyan market.
It has also maintained its word on ensuring there will be no extension of banning the old Ksh1000 currency notes from the market by 1st October 2019.
The new development is meant to ensure that no Kenyan currency has the image of a person as per what is stated in the Kenyan constitution.
At the same time, the government hopes to weed out graft through execution of some monies held by corrupt individuals.
Here are the guidlines on how to return the old Ksh1000 notes to the bank:
1. Persons exchanging currency notes for amounts not exceeding Ksh1 million of the withdrawn currency notes will exchange at their Commercial banks, CBK Branches and Currency Centres, or any nearest commercial bank.
2. Bank customers exchanging currency notes for amounts Ksh1 million to Ksh5 million of the withdrawn currency notes will exchange at their respective commercial banks, under the normal procedures and requirements.
3. Persons without bank accounts exchanging currency notes for amounts exceeding Ksh1 million will require an endorsement from CBK.
4. Persons exchanging currency notes for amounts exceeding Ksh5 million (bulk exchange) will require an endorsement from CBK. These persons should get in touch using the contacts shown below.
