US Embassy makes about-turn on new Kenyan banknotes – Nairobi News

The United States Embassy in Nairobi will now be accepting both the old and new Kenyan banknotes.

The latest development comes just hours after it announced that only the old Kenyan banknotes would be acceptable from Visas applicants at their consulate.

On Tuesday the Embassy further explained that it would only accept the new generation banknotes as they are currently developing procedures to accept them.

NEW BANKNOTES

But later on Tuesday evening, the Embassy announced that the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) had provided it with equipment upgrades and training necessary to accept the new banknotes.

“After coordination with CBK, we have been provided with equipment upgrades and training necessary to accept the new Kenyan currency. We now accept the new currency as well as the legacy currency valid until October 1. You may also continue to pay for services by credit card,” the Embassy said.

CBK unveiled the new generation banknotes on Madaraka Day as part of measures to curb fraud and money laundering.

LEGAL TENDER

During the launch, CBK Governor Prof Patrick Njoroge said Kenyans have until October 31 to exchange any Sh1000 notes which will thereafter cease being a legal tender.

However, the governor said that the Sh50, Sh100, Sh200 and Sh500 notes will be phased out slowly.

Last week, Uganda and Tanzania suspended the use of the Kenyan currency in an effort to shield its banks from being used to launder stolen money back into Kenya.