Kenyan currency is measured in shillings (Sh) and cents (ct)

The currency is in the form of coins and notes.

Coins are available in denominations of 5 cents and 10 cents (copper coins) as well as 50 cents and 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings (nickel coins).

Paper currency is availabe in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings (bank notes).

See the image below.

Conversion and operations

To work out conversions and operations on money we should note that, 100 cents is equal to 1 shilling.

It is also important to know the difference between balance and change.

Example

Karitu requested a petrol station attendant for change for Sh 1 000 note. He was given one 500-shilling note, two 100-shilling notes and four 50-shilling notes.

The rest of the change was in 20-shilling coins.

How many coins did he get?

Solution

Change given in notes

= Sh 500 + Sh(2 x 100) + Sh (4 x 50)

= Sh 500 + Sh 200 + Sh 200

= Sh 900

Change given in coins

= Sh(1000 – 900)

= Sh 100

Number of coins =100/20 = 5