The value of Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves has declined for four consecutive weeks, putting pressure on the Kenyan shilling. Central Bank of Kenya governor Kamau Thugge released the weekly report. This comes amid the escalating Middle East conflict, which has deterred Kenyan exports to the Middle East and other countries. What is the value of Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves? In its weekly report released on Thursday, April 2, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) highlighted a decline in the country’s forex reserves. In the last week, the reserves dropped by KSh 50 billion. According to the CBK, forex reserves declined from $14,597 million (KSh 1.89 trillion) on March 5 to $14,461 million (KSh 1.88 trillion) on March 12, then to $14,294 million (KSh 1.86 trillion) on March 18, $14,022 million (KSh 1.82 trillion) on March 26, and further to $13,656 million (KSh 1.77 trillion) on Wednesday, April 1. The CBK building in Nairobi. Photo: CBK. Source: Twitter However, despite the decrease, the banking regulator pointed out that the foreign exchange reserves were sufficient to cover 5.8 months of imports, meeting the four-month threshold. “The foreign exchange reserves remained adequate at USD 13,655.70 million (5.8 months of import cover) as of April 1.
This meets CBK’s statutory requirement to endeavour to maintain at least four months of import cover,” it stated. What is the value of the KSh against USD? During the week ending April 2, 2026, the Kenyan shilling registered mixed performance against major international currencies. The Kenyan shilling had a modest decrease against the US dollar but gained ground against the British pound. During the review period, the shilling saw a little decline in value relative to the US dollar. The shilling traded at KSh 129.72 per dollar on March 26. The rate dropped by 0.27 shillings, or 0.21%, to KSh 129.99 by April 2. Why did the Kenyan shilling against the pound? On the other hand, the shilling saw a slight increase in value relative to the British pound. The currency rate strengthened by around KSh 1.76 or 1.0%, from KSh 173.74 on March 26 to KSh 171.98 on April 2. The pound’s decline versus the shilling coincided with the UK currency’s weakening on international markets in response to economic data suggesting slower growth and anticipations of Bank of England interest rate reductions. The shilling also appreciated against the euro, appreciating by roughly 0.24% from KSh 150.30 on March 26 to KSh 149.94 on April 2. During the period, the shilling also appreciated against the Uganda shilling and Tanzania shilling.
