The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has published its indicative exchange rates for January 5, 2026, offering key insights into the value of major global and regional currencies against the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
The rates serve as important benchmarks for financial institutions, traders, investors, and individuals conducting foreign exchange transactions.
According to the CBK, the US Dollar (USD) is valued at Sh129.00, reflecting its continued prominence in international trade and finance.
The Sterling Pound (GBP) stands at Sh173.2581, while the Euro (EUR) is quoted at Sh150.7397. These rates indicate the relative strength of these currencies in the global market as the new year begins.
For Asian markets, the Japanese Yen (JPY), represented here as 100 Yen units, is quoted at Sh82.0872, indicating the exchange dynamics between the Kenyan Shilling and one of Asia’s key currencies.
Regionally, the CBK rates include the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) at Sh28.0486, the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) at Sh19.1848 , and the Rwanda Franc (RWF) at Sh11.3016. These rates highlight the interconnectedness of East African economies and the importance of regional trade.
The South African Rand (ZAR), a significant currency within the African continent, is valued at Sh7.8126. This provides an indicator for cross-border business and investment flows between Kenya and South Africa.
The Central Bank encourages the public and business community to scan for more currencies, facilitating access to a wider range of exchange rates to aid informed financial decisions.
Furthermore, the CBK invites users to subscribe to CBK’s WhatsApp Channel for timely updates and alerts, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to transparency and digital engagement.
The indicative rates are a vital reference used by commercial banks, forex bureaus, and the public to benchmark currency transactions.
While these are not the official interbank rates, they reflect the market sentiment and provide a practical guide for everyday currency exchange.
The release of these rates on January 5, 2026 is part of the Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to maintain market stability and provide clear information that supports economic activities involving foreign currency exchange.
As Kenya’s economy continues to integrate with global markets, monitoring these currency rates remains essential for stakeholders engaged in import-export businesses, foreign investments, tourism, and remittances.
The CBK’s role in disseminating such data helps promote transparency in the foreign exchange market and assists in mitigating volatility by providing reliable and timely information.
Central Bank of Kenya’s indicative rates set the tone for foreign exchange dealings in the Kenyan market, with the US Dollar, Sterling Pound, Euro, and key regional currencies forming the backbone of these valuations.
The Bank’s initiative to leverage digital platforms like WhatsApp enhances accessibility, ensuring Kenyans stay informed of currency movements as they navigate financial decisions in an increasingly globalized economy.
