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Kenyan Shilling
About The Kenyan Shilling: The Currency of Kenya
Quick Facts About the Kenyan Shilling Notes
| Country of Origin | Kenya |
| Symbol | /-, /=, K and Ksh |
| Currency Code | KES |
| Nick Names | |
| Minor units | Cent |
| Denominations (Banknotes) | 5/=, 10/=, 20/=, 50/=, 100/=, 200/=, 500/= and 1,000/= |
| Motto | |
| Identification Feature | The 1,000/= note features images of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi and Coat of arms of Kenya on the obverse side. |
| Issuing Bank | Central Bank of Kenya |
| In Circulation Since | September 14, 1996 |
The Kenyan shilling is the official unit of money in the Republic of Kenya (KES). The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the official currency of Kenya, Sudan, and Somalia, each of which also uses a variation of the KES as their currency. The Kenyan shilling (KES) has demonstrated exceptionally high levels of predictability in comparison to other currencies used in east Africa. The Kenyan shilling currency symbol is /- or /=. Another popular Kenyan shilling sign is K or Ksh. Because it is more stable than the local currencies, the Kenyan shilling (KES) is used in the countries that border Kenya as a de facto international reserve currency. The Kenyan shilling denominations include 5/=, 10/=, 20/=, 50/=, 100/=, 200/=, 500/= and 1,000/= for banknotes. On the other hand, Kenyan shilling coins denominations include 1 shilling, 20 shillings, 10 shillings, 40 shillings, 5 shillings.
The live Kenyan Shilling rate is INR (0 ) . You can keep an eye on the real-time Kenyan Shilling price.
History of the Kenyan Shilling
The Kenyan Shilling was introduced in 1966 as a replacement for the East African shilling. That currency saw widespread use in the areas of east Africa that were under British administration up to the early 1960s when Kenya and several other African countries won their independence from the United Kingdom. The Kenyan shilling was introduced in the year 1967. And the Kenyan shilling symbol decided was /-, /=, K or Ksh.
The exchange rate for the Kenyan shilling to the United States dollar reached its all-time high in 2009 when it was trading at approximately 75 shillings to the dollar However, since then, it has fallen to approximately 104 shillings to the dollar in both 2015 and 2017. Since 2016, the Kenyan shilling's value has remained relatively unchanged at roughly 100 dollars per 1 shilling. This is despite growing concerns regarding Kenya's growing state debt.
The Kenyan shilling's value versus the United States dollar has been on the slide over the course of the last decade, despite the fact that its volatility is lower than that of some of its regional competitors. The exchange rate for the Kenyan shilling is determined by the Central Bank of Kenya; however, the Central Bank of Kenya permits the rate to freely fluctuate in reference to other currencies on the global currency market.
As a direct result of constitutional modifications that were passed in 2018, Kenya started producing new banknotes and coins. These amendments make it illegal to portray specific people on the currency.
The Central Bank of Kenya released a new series of banknotes on May 31, 2019, in accordance with the provisions of Kenya's constitution from 2010, which mandated that images of notable Kenyans be removed from the banknotes.
Countries Accepting the Kenyan Shilling
The Kenyan shilling is the official currency of Kenya, Sudan, and Somalia, each of which also uses a variation of the KES as their currency.
Amount in the Kenyan Shilling You Should Carry for Your Trip
There are a few things to keep in mind when you start making preparations for a trip to Kenya. Kenyan cuisine, housing, and transportation option are just a few examples of the many expenses you have to make while exploring Kenya.
If you want to see as much as possible in Kenya on a tight budget, you'll need KES5,351 per day. On the other hand, if you splurged on everything from your hotel to your meals, your daily cost might easily approach KES26,587. The average cost of a trip to Kenya for two people is between KES12,000 and KES55,000.
The average cost of a hotel room for one night in Kenya is around KES1,446, and it can go as high as KES7,057. Depending on whether you use a taxi, a bus, or some other type of public transit, your total cost for getting around the city might be anywhere from KES1,406 to KES8,033. In most cases, taking the bus will be the most cost-effective choice.
You can check the Kenyan Shilling rate today to plan a cost-effective vacation.
Best Ways to Identify Counterfeit Kenyan Shilling Notes
There are a few ways through which you can spot the counterfeit Kenyan Shilling notes:
Examine the ink that changes colour when you hold the bill against the light. This can be used to differentiate real money from counterfeit currency notes.
The characteristic security feature known as a watermark is always present on genuine banknotes.
Notes that are difficult to read due to blurry printing, writing, or borders are a dead giveaway that they are counterfeit. Genuine bills can be identified by the extremely fine lines that are printed on them. Pay careful attention to the margins of the bill to ensure that they are not cluttered in any way.
The term "microprinting" refers to the little, fine print that may be found in a variety of key positions on authentic banknotes. This feature can only be found on genuine banknotes. Microprinting that is illegible without the use of a microscope is one of the most reliable ways to spot counterfeit notes. This microprinting is only visible under magnification.
The final stage in the verification procedure involves checking the authenticity of a bill's serial number.
Process of Exchanging the Kenyan Shilling
The process of converting the Kenyan Shilling to Indian Rupee is immensely easy. Please note that the 1 Kenyan Shilling to INR value is subject to change so keep an eye on the Kenyan Shilling rate alert. Below, we have mentioned some of the popular ways to convert Kenyan Shillings to Rupees.
Internationally-Accepted Card
A multi-currency forex card is counted among the most economical and safest way of carrying the Kenyan Shilling.
The BookMyForex Multi-Currency card can be loaded in 14 currencies and features zero forex mark-up.
Online Forex Marketplace
The simplest and most cost-efficient way of converting your Kenyan Shilling is using an online forex marketplace such as BookMyForex, a platform by MakeMyTrip, offering the best conversion rates and currency exchange service. The platform offers a 5-minute fully-digital online process for currency exchange.
Visiting Your Bank
The most traditional way of converting the Kenyan Shilling to Rupee is by visiting a bank and standing in long queues. It is not only time-consuming but you also end up paying a high cost for making the Kenyan Shilling convert to Indian Rupees.
Local Money Changers
You can look for an Authorised Dealer Category II or someone who has a money changers licence. Money exchangers offer competitive Kenyan Shilling exchange rates, and you’d not need a bank account in this case. However, the process of rate haggling can be quite frustrating for those who are looking for an easy way to convert Kenyan Shilling to INR.
On the other hand,BookMyForex, the online marketplace, offers internationally-accepted forex card and currency notes at the best rates via a convenient online process.
Airport
If you would like to convert the Kenyan Shilling in India, one of the costliest ways to do so would be to get the Kenyan Shilling exchanged at an airport due to the exorbitantly high KES exchange rates. Currency exchange at the airport will prove to be 5%-15% costlier than BookMyForex.
Exchange the Kenyan Shilling with BookMyForex
BookMyForex, the online forex marketplace by MakeMyTrip, makes it a hassle-free affair for you to convert the KES to Indian Rupees as well as Indian Rupee to Kenyan Shilling. Please note that the 1 Kenyan Shilling to INR value is subject to change so keep an eye on the Kenyan Shilling rate alert. You should choose MakeMyTrip for currency exchange for the following reasons:
Wide Range of Products
Forex (Currency Notes) - Available in 100+ cities across India, BookMyForex allows you to get your currency notes delivered on the same day or the next day after 100% digital booking.
BookMyForex Multi-Currency Card - You can load this card in 14 currencies with 0% Forex Mark-up. Once you have booked this card, you can receive it the same day (if booking is made before 1 PM) or the next.
International Travel Insurance - MakeMyTrip also offers international travel insurance at cheapest rates in the market. Also, you can opt for this product if you’d like MMT to handle your mandatory travel insurance requirements along with a VISA application.
Travel Loan - With TripMoney, you can avail a travel loan of up to INR 1,00,000 (lifetime limit) for all your travel and holiday needs.
Best Exchange Rates
BookMyForex makes it easy for you to buy Kenyan Shilling or sell Kenyan Shilling at live and best exchange rates.
Quick Money Transfer
You can also enjoy quick international money transfers on BookMyForex. The 5-minute digital process offers the best forex rates, and you can receive funds abroad within 12 to 48 hours.
Home Delivery
BookMyForex delivers the Kenyan Shillings at your doorstep. So, you can simply order and receive your currency from the comfort of your home.
Best Rates to Exchange the Kenyan Shilling
You’d need to keep an eye on the current currency rates, if you’d like to know the exact value you’d get on converting 1 Kenyan Shilling in Rupees. The exchange rates keep on fluctuating. BookMyForex, an online forex marketplace by MakeMyTrip, keeps you updated with the live currency exchange rates. You can keep up with the changing value of 1 Kenyan Shilling in India in real-time on the platform and get the best deal. Currently, 1 KES is equivalent to 0 INR .
Best Ways to Carry the Kenyan Shilling
BookMyForex allows you to convert INR to the Kenyan Shilling at the best exchange rates so that you can carry the Kenyan Shillings without any hassle. Some of the best ways to carry the Kenyan Shilling are mentioned below:
Currency Notes
You can buy the US Dollar notes at live and best exchange rates on BookMyForex so that you can be ready for your trip with sufficient cash in your hand.
BookMyForex Multi-Currency Card - 0% Forex Mark-Up
The Multi-Currency Forex Travel Card available on MakeMyTrip with BookMyForex as the co-branding partner comes with 0% forex mark-up over interbank rates.
How to Buy the Kenyan Shilling at Best Rates - Currency Notes and Cards
Whether you want to buy forex cards and currency notes or sell the Kenyan Shilling, MakeMyTrip makes the entire process quite easy. It doesn’t matter whether you want to convert the Kenyan Shilling to USD or INR to Kenyan Shilling, you only need to follow the below-written steps:
- STEP 01
Select your city from the drop-down list.
- STEP 02
Choose the currency you have and the currency you want.
- STEP 03
Opt for a forex card or currency notes from the list.
- STEP 04
Mention the forex amount. The live currency exchange rate will show up next to it.
- STEP 05
The converted currency amount according to the exchange rate will show up automatically.
- STEP 06
Then proceed with booking your order.
Documents Required to Buy or Sell the Kenyan Shilling
Here are some important documents mandated by the RBI that you must submit in order to buy or sell the Kenyan Shilling in India.
Copies of your valid Indian passport
PAN Card
Confirmed air ticket indicating your plan to travel within 60 days
Valid visa (it may not be required for every country)
Different Purposes for Exchanging the Kenyan Shilling
Private Travel: You can avail of up to KES 10,000 for a private trip to the Kenya.
Studying Abroad: You can purchase foreign exchange of up to KES 30,000 or up to the estimate shared by your educational institute.
Employment Purpose: In case you have a letter of employment, you can buy foreign exchange of up to KES 5,000.
Emigration: If you have an emigration visa, you can buy foreign exchange for up to KES 5,000.
Gift and Donation: You can gift or donate up to KES 5,000 annually on the basis of self-certification
Medical Treatment: On the basis of self-certification, you can buy foreign exchange of up to KES 50,000 for medical treatments outside of India. Once the limit is surpassed, you have to provide the estimated expense that would be incurred at the hospital.
Buy and Sell the Kenyan Shilling Online at Best Exchange Rates
With BookMyForex, the online forex marketplace by MakeMyTrip, you can easily convert your currency. Enjoy unbeatable currency exchange rates and opt for BookMyForex Multi-Currency Cards as well as foreign currency notes. with no forex mark-up. MakeMyTrip also present the real-time value of one Kenyan Shilling in Indian Rupees so that you can stay updated with the ever-changing Kenyan Shilling value when converting your money to other currencies.
Home Delivery of the Kenyan Shilling
In addition to a smooth online process, BookMyForex also delivers the Kenyan Shillings right at your doorstep. In fact, you can enjoy same-day door delivery. So, you do not have to waste any time visiting a local money exchanger and picking up your money.
Other currencies to INR Conversion
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency of Kenya?
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). It's used for all kinds of transactions across Kenya, from shopping to dining and travel.
How do I get cashback after placing my forex order?
Find out more about the cashback offer on your Kenyan Shilling (KES) purchase by clicking here.
What is the best way to convert KES to INR?
You can convert KES to INR using different methods such as visiting a nearby bank or an airport counter. However, both of these methods will prove to be time-consuming as well as costly. There are local money exchangers available but you might need to indulge in negotiations with them. Therefore, MakeMyTrip, powered by BookMyForex, is the perfect way to convert your currency. This online Forex solution offers currency exchange at live rates and delivers currency notes or Forex cards to your doorstep.
What will happen to the leftover Kenyan Shilling currency when I return from my trip?
You can easily exchange any leftover currency notes or the money left in your Forex card with MakeMyTrip, powered by BookMyForex, once you have returned from your trip.
Can I invest in the Kenyan Shilling?
Yes, you can invest in the Kenyan Shilling via mutual funds, ETFs, or ETNs. However, you should keep an eye on market fluctuation and geopolitical concerns.
Will I receive authentic Kenyan Shilling notes?
Yes. MakeMyTrip offers genuine notes from RBI-licensed companies only.
Is it legally allowed to hold Kenyan Shilling in India?
While it is acceptable to hold the Kenyan Shilling up to the amount authorised by RBI, you cannot use this currency for any kind of transaction in India.
What if I run out of the Kenyan Shilling currency while travelling?
If you are carrying a MakeMyTrip multi-currency Forex card while travelling, then you can easily load it up and receive the money abroad within 48 hours.