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Kenyan Shilling

KES

Official Currency of Kenya

Currency SymbolKSh
Issuing AuthorityCentral Bank of Kenya (CBK)
JurisdictionKenya
Subunit / FractionsCent (1/100)

Economic Profile & Role of Kenyan Shilling

The Kenyan Shilling is the primary commercial currency of East Africa, supported by tea and coffee exports, tourism, horticulture, and mobile money payment innovations like M-Pesa.

Exchange rates for the Kenyan Shilling are influenced by key macroeconomic factors including central bank interest rate policy, national gross domestic product (GDP) performance, balance of trade, sovereign debt levels, and foreign direct investment (FDI). When transferring or exchanging KES, understanding these underlying fundamentals allows consumers and businesses to anticipate volatility and secure favorable timing.

Need to convert KES? Always compare with the live mid-market rate.
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Quick KES Conversion Benchmark Units

Common transaction multiples for Kenyan Shilling (KES) used for budgeting, international remittances, and travel expenses.

KESKSh1
KESKSh5
KESKSh10
KESKSh25
KESKSh50
KESKSh100
KESKSh500
KESKSh1,000
KESKSh5,000

Popular KES Currency Exchange Pairs

Click any pair below to inspect real-time mid-market rates, historical trend charts, and transfer fee breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kenyan Shilling

What is the official currency code and symbol for Kenyan Shilling?

The official ISO 4217 currency code for the Kenyan Shilling is KES, and its conventional currency symbol is KSh.

Which authority or central bank issues the KES?

The Kenyan Shilling is regulated and issued by Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

What is the subunit of Kenyan Shilling?

The standard fractional denomination or subunit of the Kenyan Shilling is Cent (1/100).

How do I convert KES to other global currencies without hidden fees?

To get the true value of your KES, always benchmark transactions against the mid-market rate. You can use our live currency converter tools to check real-time exchange rates before initiating a bank transfer.