List of Licensed Forex Bureaus in Kenya

Need to change dollars, pounds or euros into shillings (or the other way round)? A licensed forex bureau usually gives you a better rate than the airport hotel desk, and a licensed one keeps you safe from fake notes and street “changers”.

Forex bureaus in Kenya are licensed and supervised by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The list below is taken from the CBK’s Directory of Licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaus as at 30 September 2026, which lists 96 bureaus. It is grouped by town and sorted alphabetically.

The CBK directory also gives each bureau’s postal address, phone numbers and email. Many of the landline numbers are old, so call ahead or visit before you carry a large amount of cash.

Forex Bureaus in Nairobi

Forex Bureaus in Mombasa

Forex Bureaus in Other Towns

Tips for Changing Money at a Forex Bureau

• Check the licence. A licensed bureau must display its CBK licence. If a business is not on the CBK directory, don’t change money there.
• Compare rates. Bureaus set their own buying and selling rates. The CBK publishes a daily indicative exchange rate that you can use as a guide.
• Carry your ID or passport. You may be asked to show it, especially for larger amounts.
• Old US dollar notes. Some bureaus pay less for, or refuse, older or damaged US dollar notes. Bring clean, newer notes.
• Get a receipt. Always ask for a receipt for every transaction.

Avoid money changers on the street. Fake notes and “counting tricks” are common, and you have no one to complain to if things go wrong.

Sending money to family rather than changing cash? See our guides on the licensed money remittance providers in Kenya and the cheapest way to send money to Kenya from the UK.

Sources and useful links

• Central Bank of Kenya – Directory of Licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaus (as at 30 September 2026)
• Central Bank of Kenya – Foreign exchange rates