The Kenya Shilling remained relatively stable against major international and regional currencies during the week ending September 17, 2026, according to the latest Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Weekly Bulletin.
The shilling traded at KSh129.62 against the U.S. dollar on September 17, compared with KSh129.45 on September 10.
Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves also remained adequate at USD15.088 billion, equivalent to 6.1 months of import cover, above the CBK’s statutory minimum requirement of four months.
Meanwhile, diaspora remittances increased by 6 percent year-on-year to USD451.8 million in August 2026, up from USD426.1 million recorded in August 2025. However, cumulative inflows for the 12 months to August declined by 1.3 percent to USD5.013 billion.
The domestic money market remained liquid, with commercial banks’ excess reserves averaging KSh24.2 billion above the 3.25 percent Cash Reserve Ratio requirement. The Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average (KESONIA) remained at 8.75 percent.
In the government securities market, the September 17 Treasury bill auction attracted KSh42.7 billion in bids against KSh28 billion on offer, representing a 152.6 percent performance. The September 16 Treasury bond auction attracted KSh81.4 billion against KSh60 billion offered.
However, activity at the Nairobi Securities Exchange weakened during the week. The NASI, NSE 25 and NSE 20 indices fell by 4.96 percent, 5.85 percent and 6.47 percent, respectively. Market capitalisation also declined 4.96 percent, despite shares traded and equity turnover rising by 26.46 percent and 44.75 percent.
In global markets, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75–4.0 percent, while the U.S. Dollar Index strengthened 1.14 percent. Murban crude oil prices eased to USD94.70 per barrel, while gold rose to USD4,340.09 per ounce.
