Kenya in East Africa, during 2008, faced violent political confrontations. This has upset the economic and social fabric of the region. The shilling, worth 100 cents, represents an economy based on the exports of horticultural products as well as tea and coffee. A once stable form of money, it trades on the market as KES.
History
The coins in Kenya arrived with the Arab traders looking for ivory and slaves in the 9th century. Successive centuries saw the continuation of Islamic coinage until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 1700s. They set up a base for their trading route at Mombasa. Their coins included gold and silver money from Goa and Mexico.
The Arabs took control over the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. There stronghold was the Kenyan coast, not the interior. Mombasa became the base for the Omani rulers. They produced small, tin coins with Arabic inscriptions. In 1888, however, the monts from Birmingham, England and Calcutta, India provided the region with bronze pice and silver rupees. This was at the behest of the Imperial British East Africa Company. Mombasa passes from the Arabs into the hands of the British East Africa Company. This resulted in the use of the “pan-balance” design for currency.
In 1895, Kenya became a British Protectorate after the British Government bought it off the East Africa Company. Kenya became part of a growing region called British East Africa. This “country” included Uganda. By 1897, coinage began to appear designed specifically for this new country. This pice money featured Queen Victoria.
Between 1907 and 1919, additional coins, representing fractions of the rupee came on the market. The lower denomination had a hole in the center. In 1920, the East Africa Currency Board took over and reorganized the currency system. The florin and shilling replaced the rupee-based system. This money remained prominent until the arrival of Independence in 1963.
The currency board remained active for a time. The Republic of Kenya did not mint any money until 1966. The currency chose to remain as cents and shillings. It is still so, today with coins of 5, 10 and 50 cents and shillings in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40. The lower denominations of cents are rarely used. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.
Obtaining Kenyan Shillings
You can exchange your own currency for Kenyan Shillings and cents at the usual venues. Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are the usual sources. Several hotels may also have the same service. Usually, exchange offices provide better rates. The problem is, you are more likely to find more banks than exchange houses. The exchange offices are only in the larger cities, while banks are in various places throughout the country. The same applies to ATMs. You may not be able to locate them in many smaller places outside Nairobi.
Protecting Your Currency
Exert caution in Kenya. The recent troubles make the situation uneasy. Take more than the usual precautions traveling inter-city. Be particularly watchful of your belongings in Northern Kenya and on the borders of Somalia. To avoid petty crime, carry your money close to your body. A much is better than a loosely swinging purse or a wallet in a pocket. Why make it easy for a pickpocket or pursesnatcher?
Using Your Kenyan Shillings
The Kenyan shilling comes in handy where there are less technological means of purchase. In the marketplaces, you might find cash more handy than plastic. Go shopping for traditional items, but avoid those made of rare animals or wood. Why not buy a sisal basket or wooden carvings from Eastern Kenya. There are also unique stone carvings from Western Kenya, traditional clothing, “1000 miler” footwear and beaded jewelry.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Recent political unrest has made it more difficult for some travelers. Check with the status of the country before you travel.
- Never travel between the cities by car at night.
- Restrict travel to Northern Kenya, the Maasai Territory, Somalia borders and the Central Provinces.
- Be aware that non-smoking is strictly enforced. In 2008, a new law banned all smoking in public places. If you ignore this law, you will pay a high fine or face jail.
- Spend time enjoying guided tours in some of the national parks. Go to Kakamega Forest Reserve to see the birdlife and the Congo Rainforest. You can also visit the Maasai National Reserve or Mount Kenya National Park.
- Take int eh Swahili culture at Lamu.
- Visit at least one of the nation’s lakes including Lake Turkana or the more remote Lake Magadi.
Overview
The East African country of Kenya has had a troubled past. It has recently continued this trend. Travelers are welcome to view this poor nation and enjoy its natural beauties. If you choose to do so, do so with caution.
Currency Summary
Current currency: shilling
100 cents equals 1 shilling