Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves fell for a third week running, according to data published by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in its weekly bulletin on Friday, August 22, 2026. Kenya’s forex reserves have fallen again. The CBK reported that usable reserves stood at USD 15,155 million (KSh 1.961 trillion) as of August 20, equivalent to 6.3 months of import cover. The figure represents a drop from USD 15,245 million (KSh 1.973 trillion) recorded on August 13 and USD 15,248 million (KSh 1.974 trillion) on August 6, continuing a gradual downward trend across the three-week period. Despite the decline, the CBK described the reserves as “adequate,” noting that they remain above the statutory threshold required to support import obligations. How did the KSh perform against major currencies? The Kenyan shilling came under modest pressure against major international currencies during the week ending August 20.
The shilling exchanged at KSh 129.49 per US dollar on August 20, compared to KSh 129.40 on August 13, reflecting a marginal depreciation. Looking at weekly average rates, the shilling weakened 0.45% against the sterling pound, moving from KSh 174.61 to KSh 175.39. Against the euro, the currency lost 0.41%, slipping from KSh 149.38 to KSh 149.99. The decline against the US dollar was minimal, at 0.04%, with the weekly average shifting from KSh 129.37 to KSh 129.42. The shilling fared better against the Japanese yen, strengthening 0.39% over the same period, with 100 Japanese yen buying KSh 81.36 compared to KSh 81.68 the previous week. How did the KSh perform against EAC currencies? Against regional currencies, the shilling posted modest gains. It strengthened 0.24% against the Uganda shilling, 0.10% against the Tanzanian shilling, and 0.09% against the Rwandan franc. The shilling remained unchanged against the Burundi franc across both weekly averages. The overall picture is one of a currency that held its ground regionally while losing some footing against the major European currencies.
