The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has made significant changes to the Kenyan currency notes to maintain the standards as dictated in the Constitution. 

In a statement, CBK explained that the changes will affect Ksh.50, Ksh.100, Ksh.200, Ksh.500 and Ksh.1,000. 

They clarified that the changes are an update to the previous ones and will circulate alongside those previously issued. 

Four key changes on the banknotes will include: 

a. The signature of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge.

b. The signature of the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.

c. The year of print – 2024, and

d. New security threads with colour changing effects that are specific to each denomination. 

"The rest of the features remain the same as those of the series issued in 2019. All banknotes currently in circulation remain legal tender and will circulate alongside the released banknotes," the statement read in part. 

The release of the currency notes will begin with Ksh.1,000 while other denominations will follow in the coming months.

According to CBK, the new version of the currency notes will have a distinct feel as you run your fingers over the note. The words Kenya, 1,000 value and the edge will be well defined as one can feel its texture. 

Also, when you hold up the currency note to the light you will see the watermark of the lion's head, the text CBK and the value of the banknote. 

The security thread on the note will appear as a continuous line. It will also change colour when titled. 

When placed under Ultra-Violet light, the golden band will show the value of the banknote. 

The changes are in line with Section 22 of the Central Bank of Kenya Act which states that the denominations, inscriptions, forms, material and other characteristics of the notes and coins issued by the Bank shall be determined by the Bank in consultation with the Minister, and shall be notified in the Gazette and in other media of public information likely to bring them to the attention of the public.