The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has released the indicative foreign exchange rates for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, providing key insights into the performance of the Kenyan shilling (KES) against major global and regional currencies.
According to the published rates, the US dollar (USD) is trading at Sh129.2400, reflecting the continued demand for the greenback in Kenya’s import-driven economy.
The dollar remains the most influential currency in Kenya’s forex market, widely used for international trade, petroleum imports, and external debt servicing.
The British pound sterling (STG) stands at Sh176.0120, maintaining its position as one of the strongest currencies against the shilling. This rate highlights the high cost of trade and transactions between Kenya and the United Kingdom, particularly in sectors such as education, tourism, and trade in manufactured goods.
The Euro (EUR) is trading at Sh152.2189, reinforcing the shilling’s moderate stability against the European Union’s common currency.
The Eurozone remains a significant trading partner for Kenya, with exports such as flowers, tea, and coffee destined for European markets.
On the Asian front, the Japanese yen (JPY) is valued at Sh87.9333 for every 100 units.
Japan continues to be a major investor in Kenya, particularly in infrastructure, automotive, and technology sectors. The yen rate reflects Kenya’s ongoing economic ties with the Asian powerhouse, which has invested heavily in the Standard Gauge Railway and other infrastructure projects.
Closer to home, the CBK data shows mixed performances against East African regional currencies.
The Ugandan shilling (UGX) stands at Sh27.1201, while the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is at Sh19.1117. These rates are crucial for cross-border trade within the East African Community (EAC), where Kenya serves as a major exporter of manufactured goods, petroleum products, and agricultural commodities.
The Rwandan franc (RWF) is trading at Sh11.2214, reflecting ongoing trade engagements between Nairobi and Kigali. Rwanda remains a growing market for Kenyan exports, particularly in the consumer goods and financial services sectors.
Meanwhile, the South African rand (ZAR) is trading at Sh7.4544. South Africa is a significant player in regional trade and investment, with several multinational corporations operating across both countries.
The rand’s performance is also closely watched due to South Africa’s role as a gateway for continental trade.
The CBK emphasized that these rates are indicative and primarily serve as benchmarks for commercial banks, forex bureaus, and the business community. They do not represent the exact rates at which currencies are bought or sold in the open market but rather provide guidance for daily transactions.
Kenya’s foreign exchange market continues to experience fluctuations influenced by global economic trends, regional trade dynamics, and domestic monetary policy. Recent months have seen the CBK implement measures to stabilize the shilling, including tightening liquidity and maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves.
