This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
The Central Bank of Kenya has set a deadline for the old Ksh. 1000 notes, which will no longer be accepted as legal tender starting October 1, 2019.
As the country transitions to the new currency, cases of fake notes have been on the rise, prompting police to be on high alert and several suspects to be arrested.
To avoid falling victim to counterfeit currency, the CBK has provided guidelines on how to identify a genuine Ksh. 1000 note.
The front of the banknote features the image of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), a distinctive feature that sets it apart from fake notes.
On the edges of the new Ksh. 1000 note are five bars, which can be felt when running your fingers over the note.
Additionally, the word 'Kenya' is imprinted on the note, making it easier for visually impaired persons to identify it.
When held up to the light, a watermark of a lion's head, along with the letters 'CBK' and the value of the bank note, will appear.
A security thread appears as a continuous line and changes color from red to green if tilted at an angle.
The golden band on the back of the note also displays the value, providing an extra layer of security.
