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Books

Books

Books posted here relate to those published by the Central Bank of Kenya and/or edited by our staff.

First Lady’s Visit to St. Kizito School Photo Book: Her Excellency the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta visited St. Kizito’s Litein School for the Deaf on June 8, 2022, where she was received by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor, Deputy Governor and jubilant pupils and staff. The visit by Her Excellency was to celebrate the culmination of the rehabilitation works that CBK has been undertaking at the School.

 

50 Years of Central Banking in Kenya: Regional and Global Perspectives:  This book documents important milestones in the epic journey traversed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) over the last 50 years, tracing the historical evolution of central banking globally and within the East African region, the tumultuous journey of central banks since their evolution and the future prospects and challenges. The book captures the wide-ranging discussions on central banking, largely drawing from a symposium that was held to celebrate the 50 – year anniversary of CBK on September 13, 2016 in Nairobi. The book was published in 2021 and is available in local bookshops and online through https://global.oup.com/academic

History and Development of Money in Kenya: In everyday society, the story of money elicits excitement as people easily relate to them. Interacting with currency notes and coins that have long ceased to be used can only evoke memories, especially those who saw and used the currencies. This is the story the Central Bank of Kenya brings to the fore – a story of the various currencies and artefacts that were used to facilitate trade in Kenya and beyond. A story that captures how money has transformed over time within our spheres and gain traction as the primary instrument of trade.

The book, which was published in September 2016 to commemorate the Central Bank’s 50th Anniversary, is available online and at Book Stop and Prestige bookshops.

Kenya: Policies for Prosperity: Edited by Christopher Adam, Paul Collier and Njuguna Ndung’u

This book which was published in January 2011 explores the challenges facing an economy standing at a crossroads. Kenya has experienced a period of high and sustained growth since the mid 1990s, growth which involved economic transformation away from a heavy reliance on traditional economic activities towards an emerging manufacturing economy. But this process, and the economic and social stability that had come to characterize Kenya, have been severely tested by the post-election violence of 2008. Restoring equitable growth and sustaining the structural transformation of the economy is essential if Kenya is to leave this dark period behind.

 

Kenya Portrait of a Country: This book describes and illustrates the attractions and charms of our country in addition to details about our economic status and future prospects. It captures the breath-taking grandeur of Kenya’s varied landscapes and the magical diversity of its wildlife. It celebrates our diverse communities united in their determination to transform this country economically and to meet the expectations of our people in the spheres of education, health and social services. The book was published in 2008.
Kenya’s Roving Ambassadors: The story of Kenya’s achievements in the field of athletics is one that can be told from many angles. This book takes a human interest perspective. It is about courage, discipline, perseverance and other human qualities that distinguish winners from losers. It is about the essence of success, and the substance of which all true champions are made. It is about the spirit of young Kenyans who have risen above difficult and sometimes daunting circumstances to achieve greatness; a spirit that, over the centuries, has advanced mankind and transformed nations. This book was published in 1999.

 

A Guide to Wise Management of Loans from Banking Institutions

The booklet outlines the role of financial intermediation in the economy. It presents tips to the public on financial investment options including a commercial bank’s requirements of a borrower, sources and types of credit, basics of a business plan, cost and timing of credit and legal aspects of credit. Published in 1997

 

 

Kenya Land of Opportunity

Many books have been written about Kenya. Some have been on its history, some on its economic development. Others have focused on its flora and fauna. Yet others have dwelt on the diversity of its landscape. In this book, perhaps for the first time, all these different aspects of the country have been brought together in one illustrated volume. The reader will see, through a series of arresting photographs, not only the grandeur of the land but also the energy and vitality of Kenyan society. At the same time, the reader will discover the story of our economic development and, understanding the complexities of our problems, join with us as we seek solutions to them.

This book was published in November 1991 as the Central Bank marked its 25th anniversary.

Central Bank of Kenya: Its Evolution, Responsibilities and Organization

The book was published to mark the 20th anniversary of the Central Bank of Kenya. It covers Kenya’s economic development since independence, objectives and functions of the Central Bank, foreign exchange and exchange control operations, development of Kenya’s banking legislation etc. Published in 1986

Africa’s Development Problems and Prospects

The book contains a collection of proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi on December 9, 1986 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Central Bank of Kenya. It includes a paper that formed the basis of the symposium discussions. Published in 1986

Sources and Use of Foreign Exchange in Kenya, 1974-1979

The period 1974-1979 left an indelible mark in Kenya’s economic history. It was marked by severe drought followed by good rains, then the tea and coffee bonanza of 1976 and 1977. During this period, an import deposit scheme was introduced to discourage imports and encourage consumption of domestically produced goods. The scheme significantly raised Kenya’s forex reserves. Published in 1981

Money and Banking in Kenya

The book covers events marking the official opening of the current CBK headquarters in 1972. It outlines some historical background of the Central Bank of Kenya, the financial system, contemporary commercial banking, non-bank financial institutions and the government loans market, before ending with a note on the future of central banking. Published in 1972