A Kenyan businesswoman has sparked widespread debate after announcing her intention to buy old KSh 1,000 banknotes worth KSh 10 million. The offer, which quickly went viral, drew mixed reactions from Kenyans, many of whom still hold the demonetised notes that were withdrawn from circulation in 2019. While some saw the move as a rare opportunity to cash in on otherwise worthless currency, others questioned the motive behind such a large purchase.
The woman explained that she was interested in collecting the notes, which have become scarce since the Central Bank of Kenya replaced them with new-generation currency. Her offer prompted Kenyans to share their own experiences, with some revealing they still had a few notes tucked away. One social media user claimed to possess 23 pieces, while others admitted they had kept the notes as souvenirs or forgotten them in old wallets.
The announcement reignited memories of the 2019 demonetisation exercise, when the CBK ordered all old KSh 1,000 notes to be exchanged for new ones to curb illicit financial flows. Many Kenyans rushed to banks before the deadline, but some missed the window, leaving them with unusable currency.
Reactions online ranged from curiosity to skepticism. Some wondered whether the notes could hold future collectible value, while others suspected the deal might be linked to money laundering or speculative trading. Despite the uncertainty, the story highlighted how old currency continues to stir emotions years after its withdrawal, with Kenyans divided between viewing the notes as historical artifacts or financial relics.
The businesswoman’s bold offer has now become a talking point, raising questions about the hidden worth of demonetised money and whether nostalgia or speculation is driving interest in Kenya’s old currency.
By tuko