Kenyan Shilling (KES)
The Kenyan shilling is the currency of Kenya and the anchor of East Africa's main financial centre. The Central Bank of Kenya allows the market to set the rate and intervenes mainly to smooth sharp moves.
The latest available mid-market reference is 1 KES = 0.007694 USD. The table below shows the same rate against the other major currencies.
Key facts
Structural details reviewed . Regimes and issuing arrangements can change.
The role of the Kenyan Shilling
Kenya's main financial and logistics hub, and the shilling is used in regional trade. Remittances and agricultural exports are the main sources of dollars, while fuel and machinery dominate imports.
A short history
The Kenyan shilling was introduced in 1966, replacing the East African shilling. Kenya has used a managed float since the 1990s.
What moves the Kenyan Shilling
Remittances, tea and horticulture exports, tourism, fuel imports and external debt payments.
Live KES exchange rate
| Currency | 1 KES equals |
|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 0.007694 |
| Euro (EUR) | 0.006924 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 0.005789 |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 1.2273 |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | 0.051441 |
| Indian Rupee (INR) | 0.7221 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 0.010956 |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | 0.011228 |
| Swiss Franc (CHF) | 0.0064 |
Mid-market rate updated . Banks and transfer providers add a margin. About our rates.
KES conversion pages
Other currency profiles
Kenyan Shilling questions
What is the Kenyan Shilling?
Kenyan Shilling (KES) is used in the following countries and territories: Kenya. Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya. Exchange rate regime: market determined with occasional smoothing.
Which countries use the Kenyan Shilling?
The Kenyan Shilling is used in the following countries and territories: Kenya.
What affects the Kenyan Shilling exchange rate?
Remittances, tea and horticulture exports, tourism, fuel imports and external debt payments.