The introduction of new banknotes – in consistency with the 2010 Constitution – was announced on May 31, 2019 in Kenya. The so called New Generation Banknotes will circulate alongside the older (previously issued and not yet withdrawn) banknotes.
However, the older one-thousand-shilling notes will be withdrawn as from Oct 1, 2019 and cease to be legal tender. They cannot be used for payment purposes and it will not be possible to change them in banks. So if you will be in Kenya end of October please make sure you spend all older type one-thousand-shilling notes – or exchange them in the banks – before Oct 1.
To have a look and find more information about the new banknotes visit here. To read the announcement click here.