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US Embassy in Nairobi not accepting new generation banknotes


The United States Embassy in Nairobi has urged those applying for Visas at their consulate that they will have to use old generation banknotes.

The Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday that they will not be accepting the new generation banknotes as they are currently developing procedures to accept them.

UNVEILED

“The Embassy of the United States is currently developing procedures to accept the new Kenyan shillings. Until these procedures are in place, consular applicants will only be able to pay for services using the previous Kenyan shillings,” read part of the statement.

“You may also continue to pay by credit card. We appreciate your understanding as we work closely with the Government of Kenya to put the necessary processes in place as soon as possible,” the Embassy further said.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) unveiled the new generation banknotes on Madaraka Day as part of measures to curb fraud and money laundering.

LEGAL TENDER

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

However, CBK Governor Prof Patrick Njoroge 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.