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Kenyan shilling · KES

KSh symbol · 1 country currently using this currency.

Currency info

Adopted: 1966

Currency family: Other

The Kenyan shilling banknotes prominently feature wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and lions, reflecting Kenya's rich biodiversity and safari heritage.

  • Introduced in 1966 following Kenya's independence, replacing the East African shilling
  • Named after the Swahili word 'shilling' derived from the English currency
  • Pegged to the British pound until 1974, then allowed to float
  • Banknotes feature portraits of Kenyan leaders and wildlife imagery
  • Subdivided into 100 cents

Countries currently using this currency

Related

Historical predecessor

East African shilling