CBK Invites Bids to Smelt 281 Tonnes of Old Coins in Nationwide, Fully Supervised Currency Disposal Exercise

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has invited bids for the purchase and smelting of 281 tonnes of old and mutilated coins. The coins are stored at its Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu branches. The exercise aims to safely dispose of unserviceable currency.

The coins are distributed as follows: Mombasa – 196,373 kg, Nairobi – 76,347 kg and Kisumu – 8,947 kg. The winning bidder must buy the full consignment. Destruction will take place under strict CBK supervision. The tender, numbered CBK/015/2025-2026, closes on January 22, 2026.

Only firms registered in metal smelting or coin minting can bid. CBK employees, board members, committee members, and their families are barred. Bidders must submit a valid Tax Compliance Certificate and proof of registration. They must also invite CBK officials to witness the start of the smelting.

The coins are sold on an “As-Is, Where-Is” basis. The bank offers no guarantee on their condition. Bidders must pay a refundable tender security of USD 1,000 or equivalent in Kenyan Shillings. Full payment must be completed within 14 to 21 days after contract award.

Evaluation will focus on technical ability, not price alone. Firms earn up to 40 marks for smelting at least 200 tonnes in the past year. They must also prove ownership of smelting equipment. Preference will go to firms that can complete destruction within four months.

CBK says the exercise follows international best practices. Limiting participation to regulated firms protects public resources. It ensures that old coins are permanently removed from circulation. The tender is a major opportunity for qualified firms to manage a large-scale, fully supervised coin destruction project in Kenya.