Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves stood at USD14.699 billion (approximately KSh1.91 trillion) as of November 5, 2026, providing the country with 5.9 months of import cover, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
The reserves remain above the regulator’s statutory minimum requirement of four months of import cover, offering a financial buffer against external economic pressures and supporting stability in the foreign exchange market.
In its Weekly Bulletin released on Friday, November 6, the CBK reported that the Kenyan shilling remained stable against major international and regional currencies during the week ending November 5.
The local currency traded at KSh129.96 against the US dollar, unchanged from October 29, reflecting stability in the foreign exchange market.
Money Market Maintains Liquidity
The CBK also reported that the domestic money market remained liquid, with commercial banks recording average excess reserves of KSh31.9 billion above the 3.25 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio requirement.
The Kenya Shilling Overnight Interbank Average (KESONIA) remained unchanged at 8.75 per cent.
However, the average number of interbank transactions declined to 16 from 18 recorded in the previous week, while the average value traded dropped to KSh9.2 billion from KSh12.2 billion.
Strong Demand for Government Securities
Meanwhile, government securities continued attracting strong investor interest, with Treasury bills receiving bids worth KSh67.7 billion against an advertised KSh28 billion at the November 5 auction.
This represented a performance rate of 241.8 per cent, with interest rates on the 182-day and 364-day Treasury bills declining marginally.
The reopened 15-year and 30-year Treasury bonds also attracted bids worth KSh99.5 billion against an advertised KSh50 billion, representing a performance rate of 198.9 per cent.
The CBK’s latest figures highlight continued demand for government securities alongside stable currency conditions and adequate foreign exchange reserves, supporting Kenya’s financial market stability.
