Kenya Exchange Rate
Official exchange rate (LCU per US$, period average) PA.NUS.FCRF
Kenya's exchange rate was 147.81 in 2025, ranked 56th globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kenya's exchange rate stood at 147.81 in 2025, a rise of +12.99 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 147.81 by 2025. Kenya ranked 56th globally.
Kenya’s official exchange rate has risen dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a trough of 7.00 Kenyan shillings per US dollar in 1973 to an all‑time peak of 147.81 in 2025, the most recent figure reported by the World Bank and placing the country 56th globally. The long‑term depreciation reflects persistent current‑account deficits, recurring fiscal pressures and periodic external shocks, notably the commodity price downturns of the 2010s and the pandemic‑related capital outflows of 2020‑21. By contrast, peer economies with similar rankings such as Liberia (149.79) and Iceland (139.53) have experienced comparable volatility, underscoring the sensitivity of small‑open and commodity‑dependent nations to global financial conditions. The upward trajectory suggests that without structural reforms to broaden the export base, improve fiscal discipline and deepen foreign‑exchange reserves, the Kenyan shilling is likely to continue weakening, although a sustained inflow of foreign direct investment could reverse the trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Exchange Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 165.20 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 156.51 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 147.81 | - | - |
| 2025 | 147.81 | +12.99 | #56 |
| 2024 | 134.82 | −5.02 | #149 |
| 2023 | 139.85 | +21.98 | #150 |
| 2022 | 117.87 | +8.23 | #148 |
| 2021 | 109.64 | +3.19 | #150 |
| 2020 | 106.45 | +4.46 | #149 |
| 2019 | 101.99 | +0.69 | #145 |
| 2018 | 101.30 | −2.11 | #148 |
| 2017 | 103.41 | +1.91 | #145 |
| 2016 | 101.50 | +3.33 | #147 |
| 2015 | 98.18 | +10.26 | #146 |
| 2014 | 87.92 | +1.80 | #148 |
| 2013 | 86.12 | +1.59 | #149 |
| 2012 | 84.53 | −4.28 | #149 |
| 2011 | 88.81 | +9.58 | #157 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw exchange rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's exchange rate was 147.81 in 2025. Ranked 56th globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from the previous year.
Kenya's exchange rate peaked at 147.81 in 2025.
The lowest exchange rate in Kenya was 7.00 in 1973.
Kenya ranks 56th globally in exchange rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is PA.NUS.FCRF. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's exchange rate is projected to reach 147.81 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The exchange rate of Kenya in 2025 was 147.81. This ranks 56th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_exchange-rate,
title = {Kenya Exchange Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/exchange-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}