Provision for the Kenyan currency exchange is available with all the major banks in the country, as well as in over 140 ATMs of different banks sprawling over the Kenyan mainland. The largest banking network in Kenya, the Barclays Bank, alone offers as many as 65 ATMs, located in Mombasa, Nairobi and all other towns in the country. The computerized networks of Standard Chartered Bank permit people to avail access to another 62 countrywide ATMs. International travelers having Visa cards can withdraw currency of Kenya through any of these ATMs on a round-the-clock basis.
With respect to withdrawal of the Kenyan currency, the uses of credit cards like MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Diners Club are commonly acknowledged. With the help of these few credit cards, all people whether a globetrotter or a native Kenyan can make payments to almost all hotels, restaurants, travel agents and safari companies in the country.
As far as currency of Kenya is concerned, travelers cheques have wide acceptability in the country, and can anytime be exchanged for cash from the banks. However, those Kenyans carrying travelers cheques in Kenya are advised to collect such cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars from the banks, in order to avoid confusions regarding currency exchange in foreign lands.
However, no limitations are imposed on the movement of local or foreign Kenyan currency, although approval of the Central Bank of Kenya is essential for exporting and importing 500,000 KSh amounts and above.
Kenyan currency as indicators of exchange rate:
The following figures displayed in the chart below can be considered as directions to the movements of the Kenyan Shilling against US Dollar and the Sterling:Types of Foreign Currencies |
Exchange Rates in May, 2004 |
Exchange Rates in August, 2004 |
Exchange Rates in November, 2004 |
Exchange Rates in February, 2005 |
$1.00 |
78.70 |
80.95 |
81.25 |
77.48 |
1.00 Pound Sterling |
140.57 |
149.13 |
153.86 |
146.32 |
