Kenyan legislation

The Central Bank of Kenya Act- Description of New Issue of Fifty Shillings Note, 1996

Edition: 2022-12-31 · In force

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(a)Denomination:The denomination of the note shall be shillings fifty inscribed both in words and in figures, the latter to be inscribed on the face and the back at the four corners.

(b)Basic Colours:

(i)Front—The main colour is brown with light blue and purple in the background.

(ii)Back—The main colour is light brown with light green in the background.

(c)Size : 138 mm. x 72 mm.

(d)Main Features:

(i)Front—The main features shall be the portrait of His Excellency Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, C.G.H., M.P., President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya; the Kenya Coat of Arms and a rose flower. The title of the Bank in both Kiswahili and English shall be at the top right hand side. One set of numbers shall be in a vertical line next to the watermark and the other set shall be horizontal at the bottom right hand side. The Kiswahili inscription shall be to the right of the portrait and a conspicuous head of a lion below the water mark with Mt. Kenya in the background.

(ii)Back—The main features shall be a caravan of camels and the tusks at the entrance of Kilindini Harbour.

(iii)Other Features—The note incorporates a watermark of a lion's head and a clear text intermittent thread.

The new note will circulate alongside the present issues of Kenya currency notes and coins with effect from the 10th April, 1996.

Source: Kenya Law · Imported 4 October 2026