1968 Kenya 100 Shillings – Jomo Kenyatta and Agricultural Development | P‑5b

The 1968 Kenya 100 Shillings (P‑5b) represents one of the earliest banknote issues of the newly independent Republic of Kenya. Featuring the nation’s founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and imagery celebrating Kenya’s agricultural economy, this note is a cornerstone piece for collectors of early East African currency.


Historical Context

Issued between 1966 and 1968, the P‑5 series reflects Kenya’s transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic. Key contextual points:

These were among the first Kenyan banknotes issued after the introduction of the Kenyan Shilling in 1966, replacing the East African Shilling.

The portrait of Jomo Kenyatta symbolised national unity and the early post‑independence identity.

The reverse design highlights pineapple farming, representing Kenya’s agricultural ambitions during the 1960s.

Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., a major British security printer active until 1990.

This note is highly desirable for collectors of early Kenyan currency due to its short issue period and classic engraved design.


Key Features & Specifications

Issuer: Kenya
Issuing Authority: Central Bank of Kenya (Benki Kuu ya Kenya)
Period: Republic (1963–present)
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Years of Issue: 1966–1968
Value: 100 Shillings
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (1966–present)
Composition: Paper
Size: 159 × 94 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Reference: P‑5b
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., United Kingdom


Obverse

Front‑right facing portrait of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta at left
Kenyan coat of arms at centre
Denomination 100 in Arabic and Latin numerals
Bilingual inscriptions in English, Swahili, and Arabic, including:

BANKI KUU YA KENYA
CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA
SHILINGI MIA MOJA
LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE HUNDRED SHILLINGS
Signature of the Board of Directors


Reverse

Three agricultural workers harvesting pineapples
Two pineapples at lower left foreground
Mountainous landscape in the background
Large numeral 100 in Arabic and Latin scripts


Watermark

Lion’s head watermark
Denomination watermark 100


Collector Notes

The P‑5b variety is distinguished by its 1968 date, crisp engraving, and early‑republic symbolism. These notes are increasingly sought after due to their limited print period and the historical significance of Kenya’s first post‑independence banknote series.