Import Costs Stay Stable as Kenya Shilling Hits 129.92 Against DollarImport Costs Stay Stableas Kenya Shilling Hits129.92 Against Dollar

The figure means one dollar cost 129.92 shillings on that day. For importers, the rate sets the local cost of goods priced in dollars. For households sending or receiving money, or booking travel, it determines how much shillings buy or sell for each dollar.

The pound sterling traded at 173.76 and the euro at 145.82. These rates are the weighted average of interbank spot trades and are not set by the Central Bank. Individual banks and forex bureaus apply their own margins.

What the rate means for everyday costs

A higher shilling figure against the dollar raises the local price of imported fuel, machinery and consumer goods when those items are invoiced in dollars. A lower figure does the opposite. The 129.92 reading is the official benchmark for 21 October.

How the Central Bank Rate affects borrowing is separate from the exchange rate, but both influence business costs. The Central Bank Rate remains at 8.75 per cent after the 7 October meeting.

Rates for other major currencies

Businesses that invoice in pounds or euros use the 173.76 and 145.82 readings. Travellers and online shoppers see the effect when they convert foreign prices into shillings.

The next daily posting will show whether the shilling holds near 129.92 or moves. Readers who import, export or transfer money check the Central Bank figure each morning.