Kenya
Chapter overview
- Airport Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed A)
- Excise (catalogue numbers prefixed X)
- Graduated Personal Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed G)
- Hospital Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed H)
- Huduma (Services Charge) (catalogue numbers prefixed C)
- Impressed revenue stamps (catalogue numbers prefixed Z)
- Judicial (catalogue numbers prefixed J)
- Kodi (catalogue numbers prefixed K)
- Revenue (catalogue numbers prefixed R)
For revenues inscribed Registration of Domestic Servants, see under Impressed revenue stamps.
Kenya Telegraphs inscribed Uganda Railway are listed under Uganda.
Acknowledgments for Kenya can be found on the main East Africa page.
Airport Tax
A: Issues inscribed DEPARTURE FEE
A: Issues inscribed DEPARTURE FEE
A1 and A1a
1971 (recorded usage). Label inscribed DEPARTURE FEE (EXTERNAL PASSENGERS ONLY) PAID. Imperf.
A1. 10s black on cream
a. Slightly bolder font
Note: the alignment of the text differs slightly between the two types. On A1 the final T of TICKET is below the H of THE, while on A1a it is below the T of THE.
B: Issues inscribed AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
A1. 10s black on cream
a. Slightly bolder font
Note: the alignment of the text differs slightly between the two types. On A1 the final T of TICKET is below the H of THE, while on A1a it is below the T of THE.
B: Issues inscribed AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
A6
August 1972 (earliest recorded example). Two aeroplanes. 42 x 31½ mm. Perf 13½. Watermark of rectangular mesh.
A6. 20s blue, yellow and grey
A6. 20s blue, yellow and grey
A7/a and A8/a
A7 underprint visible under UV light
1975-80. View of airport. 42 x 31 mm. Perf 14½. No watermark. Security underprint in turquoise ink reading O P & C M (letters ½ mm high) and GENUINE (2 mm high). Printed by De La Rue. Value and inscriptions in black, design in grey, background colour given.
A7. 20s yellow-green
a. Without underprint
A8. 80s brown-orange (1980)
a. Without underprint
Notes:
1. The dates of issue given here derive from the De La Rue proofs in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library: the 20s was approved on 22nd April 1975 and the 80s on 28th February 1980. It is not known when the reprints without security underprint were issued.
2. Cylinder numbers recorded: 20s (A7) 1B1B, 80s (A8) 1A1A.
A7. 20s yellow-green
a. Without underprint
A8. 80s brown-orange (1980)
a. Without underprint
Notes:
1. The dates of issue given here derive from the De La Rue proofs in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library: the 20s was approved on 22nd April 1975 and the 80s on 28th February 1980. It is not known when the reprints without security underprint were issued.
2. Cylinder numbers recorded: 20s (A7) 1B1B, 80s (A8) 1A1A.
A9/10
c1983. Provisional handstamp surcharges on A8.
A9. 100s on 80s brown-orange
A10. $10 on 80s brown-orange
Note: the 100s on 80s surcharge is also known as a manuscript provisional. Other handstamped versions may also exist.
A9. 100s on 80s brown-orange
A10. $10 on 80s brown-orange
Note: the 100s on 80s surcharge is also known as a manuscript provisional. Other handstamped versions may also exist.
A11/a, A12/13
1984-90s. View of airport. As previous issue but change to perf 13½. Underprint as before but less prominent. Printed by Harrison.
a) Denominated in shillings
A11. 20s yellow-green
a. Without underprint
A12. 100s pale violet
b) Denominated in US dollars, with serial number in black at lower right, six digits prefixed by two letters
A13. $10 pale violet
Notes:
1. The date of issue shown here is based on the Harrison proof of the 100s in the Crown Agents archive, which was approved on 12th March 1984. It is not known when the other values were issued.
2. Cylinder numbers recorded: $10 (A13) 1A1A1A.
3. Gibson lists a 50s value from this (perforated) issue, but I believe this is an erroneous listing for my A21.
a) Denominated in shillings
A11. 20s yellow-green
a. Without underprint
A12. 100s pale violet
b) Denominated in US dollars, with serial number in black at lower right, six digits prefixed by two letters
A13. $10 pale violet
Notes:
1. The date of issue shown here is based on the Harrison proof of the 100s in the Crown Agents archive, which was approved on 12th March 1984. It is not known when the other values were issued.
2. Cylinder numbers recorded: $10 (A13) 1A1A1A.
3. Gibson lists a 50s value from this (perforated) issue, but I believe this is an erroneous listing for my A21.
A19
c1985. View of airport. As A13 but imperf. Underprint as before. Denominated in US dollars, with serial number in black at lower right, consisting of six digits with no letters.
A19. $10 pale violet
C: Issues inscribed AIRPORT PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE
A21/23
1985 (according to Gibson). View of airport. 41 x 30 mm. Imperf. No watermark. Self-adhesive, with cross-shaped security puncture to prevent re-use (except A22). Faint security underprint in turquoise ink reading O P & C M (letters ½ mm high). Value, inscriptions and serial number (at lower right) in black, design in grey, background colour given.
a) Inscribed LOCAL and denominated in KSHS (Kenyan Shillings)
A21. 50s pale blue
b) Inscribed INTERNATIONAL and denominated in US$ (United States Dollars)
A22. $20 pale violet
A23. $20 ultra-pale pink
Note: the pink of A23 is so pale that the turquoise security underprint tends to dominate, making the stamp appear pale green. Gibson lists this stamp as being green and black.
a) Inscribed LOCAL and denominated in KSHS (Kenyan Shillings)
A21. 50s pale blue
b) Inscribed INTERNATIONAL and denominated in US$ (United States Dollars)
A22. $20 pale violet
A23. $20 ultra-pale pink
Note: the pink of A23 is so pale that the turquoise security underprint tends to dominate, making the stamp appear pale green. Gibson lists this stamp as being green and black.
A31/32 and A32a (top row), A35/36
Detail of A32 (top) and A32a (bottom)
c1990 (according to Gibson). Elephant and mountains, inscribed KENYA GOVERNMENT at top. 41 x 30 mm. Imperf, with deckled edge at top. No watermark. Self-adhesive, with cross-shaped security puncture to prevent re-use (the serial letter is also punctured into the stamp at right). Design multicoloured, with inscriptions and serial number in black. KENYA and value in colour given.
a) Inscribed LOCAL and denominated in KSHS (Kenyan Shillings)
A31. 100s pale blue
b) Inscribed INTERNATIONAL and denominated in US$ (United States Dollars)
A32. $20 black
a. International shifted to left
1993 (earliest recorded example). As A31/2 but inscription at top changed to KENYA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY.
[A34. 50s pale blue]
A35. 100s on 50s pale blue (handstamped provisional)
A36. $20 black
Notes:
1. The word INTERNATIONAL is centred relative to the elephant's tusk on A32 and A36, and relative to the elephant's flank on A32a. The two types can also be distinguished by the security numbers, which are in a bolder thicker font on A32a. These seem to be two different printings and it is not known which was issued first.
2. The face value on A34/5 is shown as KSHS50. A34 is presumed to have been issued without the 100s provisional surcharge but I have not seen an example.
a) Inscribed LOCAL and denominated in KSHS (Kenyan Shillings)
A31. 100s pale blue
b) Inscribed INTERNATIONAL and denominated in US$ (United States Dollars)
A32. $20 black
a. International shifted to left
1993 (earliest recorded example). As A31/2 but inscription at top changed to KENYA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY.
[A34. 50s pale blue]
A35. 100s on 50s pale blue (handstamped provisional)
A36. $20 black
Notes:
1. The word INTERNATIONAL is centred relative to the elephant's tusk on A32 and A36, and relative to the elephant's flank on A32a. The two types can also be distinguished by the security numbers, which are in a bolder thicker font on A32a. These seem to be two different printings and it is not known which was issued first.
2. The face value on A34/5 is shown as KSHS50. A34 is presumed to have been issued without the 100s provisional surcharge but I have not seen an example.
Excise
Labels stuck on bottles or cigarette packs to indicate the payment of alcohol or tobacco duty.
c2005-2010. Alcohol excise. Arms of Kenya and lion device, with letters KRA (= Kenya Revenue Authority). 34 x 11 mm. Imperf. No watermark. Silver hologram strip at foot and security number in black.
c2005-2010. Alcohol excise. Arms of Kenya and lion device, with letters KRA (= Kenya Revenue Authority). 34 x 11 mm. Imperf. No watermark. Silver hologram strip at foot and security number in black.
X1, X11/14
a) Wide margin around design (c2005)
X1. "W ≥750 ml" (wine 750 ml or more) green, purple and black
b) No margin around design (first recorded in 2010)
X11. "S <750 ml" (spirits less than 750 ml) scarlet and purple
a. Carmine and purple, figures of value slightly taller
X12. "S ≥750 ml" (spirits 750 ml or more) scarlet and purple
X13. "W <750 ml" (wine less than 750 ml) purple and bright green
X14. "W ≥750 ml" (wine 750 ml or more) purple and bright green
X1. "W ≥750 ml" (wine 750 ml or more) green, purple and black
b) No margin around design (first recorded in 2010)
X11. "S <750 ml" (spirits less than 750 ml) scarlet and purple
a. Carmine and purple, figures of value slightly taller
X12. "S ≥750 ml" (spirits 750 ml or more) scarlet and purple
X13. "W <750 ml" (wine less than 750 ml) purple and bright green
X14. "W ≥750 ml" (wine 750 ml or more) purple and bright green
X21/22
2010 (first recorded usage). Tobacco excise. Arms of Kenya and lion device, with letters BAT (= British American Tobacco) inverted at top. 34 x 11 mm. Imperf. No watermark. Silver hologram strip at top and security number in black. Wide margin around design.
X21. (No value) carmine and lilac ('BAT' in carmine)
X22. (No value) carmine, lilac and black ('BAT' in black)
X21. (No value) carmine and lilac ('BAT' in carmine)
X22. (No value) carmine, lilac and black ('BAT' in black)
Note: the above listing requires further development, and readers are encouraged to consult the Kenya page on Andrey Vasiunin's excellent website Tax Stamps Collection.
Graduated Personal Tax
Please note: footnotes for all Graduated Personal Tax issues are given below G41
1963 (see note 1). 19½ x 22½ mm. Perf 14 x 14½. No watermark except where indicated. Printed (recess) by De La Rue.
Please note: footnotes for all Graduated Personal Tax issues are given below G41
1963 (see note 1). 19½ x 22½ mm. Perf 14 x 14½. No watermark except where indicated. Printed (recess) by De La Rue.
G1/8
a) Value in blue-black; underprint of faint mauve diagonal lines
G1. 4s deep blue
G2. 6s blue-green
G3. 9s brown
G4. 13s vermilion
G5. 20s violet
G6. 30s red-brown
G7. 40s orange-yellow
G8. 50s light blue
G1. 4s deep blue
G2. 6s blue-green
G3. 9s brown
G4. 13s vermilion
G5. 20s violet
G6. 30s red-brown
G7. 40s orange-yellow
G8. 50s light blue
G12/18
b) Value in red; same mauve underprint as G1/8, but headplate now also incorporating radiating contour lines
G12. 6s scarlet
G13. 9s bright green
G14. 13s brown
G15. 20s light blue
G16. 30s yellowish green
G17. 40s purple-brown
G18. 50s red-orange
c1967. As G1/18 but different colours. 19½ x 22½ mm. Perf 14 x 14½. No wmk.
G12. 6s scarlet
G13. 9s bright green
G14. 13s brown
G15. 20s light blue
G16. 30s yellowish green
G17. 40s purple-brown
G18. 50s red-orange
c1967. As G1/18 but different colours. 19½ x 22½ mm. Perf 14 x 14½. No wmk.
G21/28
a) Value in black, with mauve underprint as G1/8
G21. 4s orange-yellow
G22. 6s scarlet
G23. 9s bright green
G24. 13s brown
G25. 20s light blue
G26. 30s yellowish green
G27. 40s purple-brown
G28. 50s red-orange
G21. 4s orange-yellow
G22. 6s scarlet
G23. 9s bright green
G24. 13s brown
G25. 20s light blue
G26. 30s yellowish green
G27. 40s purple-brown
G28. 50s red-orange
G32/38
b) Value in red, with radiating contour lines as G12/18 but no mauve underprint
G32. 6s orange-yellow
G33. 9s claret
G34. 13s deep blue
G35. 20s vermilion
G36. 30s bright yellow-green
G37. 40s brick-red
G38. 50s light blue
G32. 6s orange-yellow
G33. 9s claret
G34. 13s deep blue
G35. 20s vermilion
G36. 30s bright yellow-green
G37. 40s brick-red
G38. 50s light blue
G41/48
1964 (earliest recorded usage - see note 1). Different colours again. Contour lines behind value as G12/18 and G32/38. No mauve underprint. Wmk Mult Crown and Block CA.
G41. 4s sepia and turquoise
G43. 9s yellow-orange and claret
G45. 20s green and red-orange
G46. 30s blue-black and bright yellow green
G47. 40s blue-black and brick-red
G48. 50s blue-black and light blue
Notes:
1. The numbering of the above series should be regarded as provisional, since the lack of official information and the shortage of dated examples makes it difficult to establish the sequence of these issues. The dates given here for G1/38 are as suggested by Gibson, who suggests that G1/8 and G12/18 were issued simultaneously, and that later G21/28 were issued simultaneously with G32/38.
Dated examples are known as follows:
- G34 (June 1970)
- G41 (1964)
- G45 (May 1964)
- G46 (January to March 1966)
- G47 (April 1966)
- G48 (May to June 1966)
2. G1/18 are commonly found as mint stamps with remainder overprint MSA02. I have not seen any examples of G12/18 without this overprint.
3. I have seen used examples of G2/6 and G8 which appear not to have the mauve background lines. It is possible that the lines were printed in water-soluble ink.
4. The following proofs are held in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library:
6. G1/8 and G21/28 have a phosphor underprint reading FRAUD in letters 1mm high across whole surface of each stamp.
7. Plate numbers recorded:
- (G1/8): 4s Plate 1B-duty 3A-frame, 9s Plate 1-duty, 13s Plate 3A-frame, 20s Plate 3A-frame, 50s Plate 1-duty 3B-frame
- (G12/18): 9s, 13s, 30s, 40s - all with Plate 1-duty 2B-frame
Further insight into understanding these issues would be welcome.
Hoffman illustrates an impressed stamp inscribed Graduated Personal Tax NCC (= Nairobi City Council), suggesting that this could be a proof of a new issue. He lists values of 4s, 6s, 9s, 13s and 20s. These are not known as issued stamps.
G41. 4s sepia and turquoise
G43. 9s yellow-orange and claret
G45. 20s green and red-orange
G46. 30s blue-black and bright yellow green
G47. 40s blue-black and brick-red
G48. 50s blue-black and light blue
Notes:
1. The numbering of the above series should be regarded as provisional, since the lack of official information and the shortage of dated examples makes it difficult to establish the sequence of these issues. The dates given here for G1/38 are as suggested by Gibson, who suggests that G1/8 and G12/18 were issued simultaneously, and that later G21/28 were issued simultaneously with G32/38.
Dated examples are known as follows:
- G34 (June 1970)
- G41 (1964)
- G45 (May 1964)
- G46 (January to March 1966)
- G47 (April 1966)
- G48 (May to June 1966)
2. G1/18 are commonly found as mint stamps with remainder overprint MSA02. I have not seen any examples of G12/18 without this overprint.
3. I have seen used examples of G2/6 and G8 which appear not to have the mauve background lines. It is possible that the lines were printed in water-soluble ink.
4. The following proofs are held in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library:
- Set of 8 values (4s to 50s) consisting of my G41, G45 and G48 plus five colour combinations unlisted by me – approved 24th October 1963
- Sixteen frame-only colour trials dated July 1965, all rejected
- New colours for 6s, 13s, 2s (new value) and 4s, approved on 21st October 1966, 1st September 1967, 27th August 1968 and 12th October 1970 respectively
- Two further 1970 proofs for 4s values – both with orange frame but with value in either red or black, annotated Nairobi City and Treasury respectively
6. G1/8 and G21/28 have a phosphor underprint reading FRAUD in letters 1mm high across whole surface of each stamp.
7. Plate numbers recorded:
- (G1/8): 4s Plate 1B-duty 3A-frame, 9s Plate 1-duty, 13s Plate 3A-frame, 20s Plate 3A-frame, 50s Plate 1-duty 3B-frame
- (G12/18): 9s, 13s, 30s, 40s - all with Plate 1-duty 2B-frame
Further insight into understanding these issues would be welcome.
Hoffman illustrates an impressed stamp inscribed Graduated Personal Tax NCC (= Nairobi City Council), suggesting that this could be a proof of a new issue. He lists values of 4s, 6s, 9s, 13s and 20s. These are not known as issued stamps.
Hospital Tax
A tax on all Kenyans formally employed in the country to cover visits to public hospitals
A tax on all Kenyans formally employed in the country to cover visits to public hospitals
H1
1966. Small vertical key type inscribed KENYA HOSPITAL TAX. 19 x 22 mm. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson.
H1. 20s red and black
Note: the proof in the Crown Agents archives was approved on 18th March 1966, and the stamp was presumably issued later that year.
Crown Agents proofs: H2/6, H8, H11/18 and H20 are currently known only from proofs in the Crown Agents archives in the British Library. No issued examples of any of these issues have been recorded to date. A proof of H9 and frame-only proofs for the 1975-78 issue exist in private hands and are illustrated above the relevant listings.
[no image available]
1967. Similar to H1 but changed to horizontal format. Inscribed KENYA HOSPITAL INSURANCE, with INSURANCE at foot of stamp below the value.
[H2. 20s black and red]
Note: the proof in the Crown Agents archives was approved on 25th April 1967, and the stamp was presumably issued later that year.
[H2. 20s black and red]
Note: the proof in the Crown Agents archives was approved on 25th April 1967, and the stamp was presumably issued later that year.
H7 and H9
1968-74. Similar to 1967 issue but slightly redrawn with INSURANCE above the value, and now showing a pair of dates eg 1970-71 to indicate validity. 22½ x 19 mm. Perf 14 x 13½. No watermark. Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson.
[H3. 20s deep green 1968-69]
[H4. 20s deep blue 1969-70]
[H5. 20s deep carmine 1970-71]
[H6. 20s pale brown 1971-72]
H7. 20s deep blue 1972-73
[H8. 20s deep grey-green 1973-74]
H9. 20s red-orange 1974-75
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to H3/6 and H8.
2. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
[H3. 20s deep green 1968-69]
[H4. 20s deep blue 1969-70]
[H5. 20s deep carmine 1970-71]
[H6. 20s pale brown 1971-72]
H7. 20s deep blue 1972-73
[H8. 20s deep grey-green 1973-74]
H9. 20s red-orange 1974-75
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to H3/6 and H8.
2. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
- H3 – 30th April 1968
- H4 – 3rd April 1969
- H5 – no date specified
- H6 – 20th May 1971
- H7 – 2nd May 1972
- H8 – 26th April 1973
- H9 – 11th April 1974
H11/14 frame proofs
1975-78. As 1968-75 issue but with background slightly redrawn and printed by House of Questa.
[H11. 20s orange-red 1975-76]
[H12. 20s deep blue 1976-77]
[H13. 20s orange-red 1977-78]
[H14. 20s orange-red 1978-79]
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to this issue.
2. Frame-only proofs in orange-red and deep blue exist in private hands and are illustrated above.
3. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
[H11. 20s orange-red 1975-76]
[H12. 20s deep blue 1976-77]
[H13. 20s orange-red 1977-78]
[H14. 20s orange-red 1978-79]
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to this issue.
2. Frame-only proofs in orange-red and deep blue exist in private hands and are illustrated above.
3. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
- H11 – 24th February 1976
- H12 – 12th June 1976
- H13 – 26th July 1977
- H14 – 8th September 1978
Hoffman illustrates another proof of a hospital revenue, this time with a coat of arms motif and inscribed KENYA NHIF. The letter H (meaning uncertain) appears at lower left and the stamp is denominated 20 shillings. No issued stamps in this design have been recorded.
[no image available]
1979. New design featuring rosettes similar to H16 below but in small horizontal format (21 x 17.5mm). Inscribed KENYA at top, HOSPITAL INSURANCE at sides. Printed by House of Questa on fluorescent fibre paper.
[H15. 20s black, green and blue 1979-80]
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to this issue.
2. The proof in the Crown Agents archives was approved on 28th June 1979.
[H15. 20s black, green and blue 1979-80]
Notes:
1. The note above H2 applies to this issue.
2. The proof in the Crown Agents archives was approved on 28th June 1979.
H16 and H19
1980-84. As H15 in similar design but now in larger horizontal format, with a different background pattern for each year. Inscribed KENYA NATIONAL HOSPITAL INSURANCE FUND. Printed by House of Questa.
H16. 20s violet, brown and yellow-brown 1980-81
[H17. 20s blue, bright green and pale yellow 1981-82]
[H18. 20s purple, blue and pale yellow 1982-83]
H19. 20s slate-blue, blue-green and yellow-green 1983-84
[H20. 20s grey, blue and pale yellow 1984-85]
Notes:
1. H17/8 and H20 are currently known only from proofs in the Crown Agents archives in the British Library. No issued examples of any of these issues have been recorded to date.
2. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
H16. 20s violet, brown and yellow-brown 1980-81
[H17. 20s blue, bright green and pale yellow 1981-82]
[H18. 20s purple, blue and pale yellow 1982-83]
H19. 20s slate-blue, blue-green and yellow-green 1983-84
[H20. 20s grey, blue and pale yellow 1984-85]
Notes:
1. H17/8 and H20 are currently known only from proofs in the Crown Agents archives in the British Library. No issued examples of any of these issues have been recorded to date.
2. The proofs in the Crown Agents archives were approved on the following dates:
- H16 – 13th February 1980
- H17 – 31st December 1980
- H18 – 8th February 1982
- H19 – 14th December 1982
- H20 – 22nd November 1983
H199 and H201
|
Similar 10s inscribed HCF (see note)
|
1987-90. Shields. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red.
H199. 20s rose-pink and orange-brown 1987/88
H201. 20s violet and orange-brown 1989/90
Note: illustrated above right is a 10s value in similar design but of uncertain status, which was first reported by Taddeo Papi in the June 2017 edition of The Revenue Journal. It has no dates, and the letters HCF appear in the corners in place of NHIF.
H199. 20s rose-pink and orange-brown 1987/88
H201. 20s violet and orange-brown 1989/90
Note: illustrated above right is a 10s value in similar design but of uncertain status, which was first reported by Taddeo Papi in the June 2017 edition of The Revenue Journal. It has no dates, and the letters HCF appear in the corners in place of NHIF.
H221/233
1990/91. Mount Kenya. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in grey and black.
H221. 40s pale blue
H222. 60s yellow-brown
H223. 80s pale rose
H224. 100s pale grey
H225. 120s green
H226. 140s orange-yellow
H227. 160s scarlet
H228. 200s bright green
H229. 220s slate-violet
H230. 240s reddish purple
H231. 260s purple-brown
H232. 280s bright violet
H233. 300s blue
H221. 40s pale blue
H222. 60s yellow-brown
H223. 80s pale rose
H224. 100s pale grey
H225. 120s green
H226. 140s orange-yellow
H227. 160s scarlet
H228. 200s bright green
H229. 220s slate-violet
H230. 240s reddish purple
H231. 260s purple-brown
H232. 280s bright violet
H233. 300s blue
H241/252
H253
1991/92. Mount Kenya. As previous issue but dates changed. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in grey and black.
H241. 30s scarlet
H242. 40s deep pink
H243. 60s greenish yellow
H244. 80s olive-green
H245. 100s pale blue
H246. 140s pale grey-brown
H247. 160s green
H248. 200s pale greenish blue
H249. 240s brown
H250. 260s blue
H251. 280s deep green
H252. 300s pale yellow-brown
H253. 320s lake
H241. 30s scarlet
H242. 40s deep pink
H243. 60s greenish yellow
H244. 80s olive-green
H245. 100s pale blue
H246. 140s pale grey-brown
H247. 160s green
H248. 200s pale greenish blue
H249. 240s brown
H250. 260s blue
H251. 280s deep green
H252. 300s pale yellow-brown
H253. 320s lake
H261/275
1992/93. Nyayo Monument, Nairobi. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in black.
H261. 30s bronze-green
H262. 40s pale blue
H263. 80s brownish rose
H264. 100s pale grey
H265. 120s green
H266. 140s orange-yellow
H267. 160s rose-carmine
H268. 180s pale blue
H269. 200s bright green
H270. 220s slate-violet
H271. 240s lilac
H272. 260s purple-brown
H273. 280s violet
H274. 300s ultramarine
H275. 320s rose-lilac
H261. 30s bronze-green
H262. 40s pale blue
H263. 80s brownish rose
H264. 100s pale grey
H265. 120s green
H266. 140s orange-yellow
H267. 160s rose-carmine
H268. 180s pale blue
H269. 200s bright green
H270. 220s slate-violet
H271. 240s lilac
H272. 260s purple-brown
H273. 280s violet
H274. 300s ultramarine
H275. 320s rose-lilac
H282/296
1993/94. Similar to previous issue but with inscriptions rearranged. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in black.
H282. 40s grey-blue
H283. 60s sepia
H284. 80s lilac-rose
H285. 100s pale grey
H286. 120s green
H287. 140s brownish yellow
H289. 180s turquoise-blue
H290. 200s bright green
H291. 220s deep violet
H292. 240s purple
H293. 260s slate-purple
H294. 280s slate-violet
H295. 300s deep blue
H296. 320s lilac
H282. 40s grey-blue
H283. 60s sepia
H284. 80s lilac-rose
H285. 100s pale grey
H286. 120s green
H287. 140s brownish yellow
H289. 180s turquoise-blue
H290. 200s bright green
H291. 220s deep violet
H292. 240s purple
H293. 260s slate-purple
H294. 280s slate-violet
H295. 300s deep blue
H296. 320s lilac
H301/316 (image taken from www.revenue-manstamps.co.uk website)
1994/95. NHIF flag with Nyayo Monument, Nairobi. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in black.
H301. 30s bronze-green
H302. 40s grey-blue
H303. 60s sepia
H304. 80s lilac-rose
H305. 100s pale grey
H306. 120s green
H307. 140s brownish yellow
H308. 160s rose-carmine
H309. 180s turquoise-blue
H310. 200s bright green
H311. 220s deep violet
H312. 240s purple
H313. 260s slate-purple
H314. 280s slate-violet
H315. 300s deep blue
H316. 320s lilac
H301. 30s bronze-green
H302. 40s grey-blue
H303. 60s sepia
H304. 80s lilac-rose
H305. 100s pale grey
H306. 120s green
H307. 140s brownish yellow
H308. 160s rose-carmine
H309. 180s turquoise-blue
H310. 200s bright green
H311. 220s deep violet
H312. 240s purple
H313. 260s slate-purple
H314. 280s slate-violet
H315. 300s deep blue
H316. 320s lilac
H321/336
1995/96. Similar to previous issue but with inscriptions rearranged. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in black.
H321. 30s bronze-green
H322. 40s pale grey-blue
H323. 60s brown
H324. 80s brownish rose
H325. 100s pale grey
H326. 120s green
H327. 140s olive-yellow
H328. 160s claret
H329. 180s pale blue
H330. 200s bright green
H331. 220s slate-violet
H332. 240s reddish purple
H333. 260s purple-brown
H334. 280s violet
H335. 300s ultramarine
H336. 320s rose-lilac
Cylinder numbers recorded: 30s 1B1B1B1B, 40s 1B1B1B1B, 120s 1B1B1B1B, 180s 1A1A1A1A, 200s 1A1A1A1A, 220s 1B1B1B1B, 240s 1B1B1B1B.
H321. 30s bronze-green
H322. 40s pale grey-blue
H323. 60s brown
H324. 80s brownish rose
H325. 100s pale grey
H326. 120s green
H327. 140s olive-yellow
H328. 160s claret
H329. 180s pale blue
H330. 200s bright green
H331. 220s slate-violet
H332. 240s reddish purple
H333. 260s purple-brown
H334. 280s violet
H335. 300s ultramarine
H336. 320s rose-lilac
Cylinder numbers recorded: 30s 1B1B1B1B, 40s 1B1B1B1B, 120s 1B1B1B1B, 180s 1A1A1A1A, 200s 1A1A1A1A, 220s 1B1B1B1B, 240s 1B1B1B1B.
H342/356
1996/97. Similar to previous issue but with inscriptions again rearranged. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14, with one wide perf in the middle of each horizontal row. No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions in black.
H342. 40s pale grey-blue
H343. 60s olive-brown
H344. 80s brownish rose
H345. 100s pale grey
H346. 120s green
H347. 140s orange-yellow
H348. 160s rose-carmine
H349. 180s pale blue
H350. 200s bright green
H351. 220s deep violet
H355. 300s ultramarine
H356. 320s pale purple-brown
Cylinder numbers recorded: 40s 1A1A1A1A, 80s 1A1A1A1A, 160s 1A1A1A1A, 200s 1A1A1A1A, 220s 1A1A1A1A, 300s 1A1A1A1A.
H342. 40s pale grey-blue
H343. 60s olive-brown
H344. 80s brownish rose
H345. 100s pale grey
H346. 120s green
H347. 140s orange-yellow
H348. 160s rose-carmine
H349. 180s pale blue
H350. 200s bright green
H351. 220s deep violet
H355. 300s ultramarine
H356. 320s pale purple-brown
Cylinder numbers recorded: 40s 1A1A1A1A, 80s 1A1A1A1A, 160s 1A1A1A1A, 200s 1A1A1A1A, 220s 1A1A1A1A, 300s 1A1A1A1A.
H361/376
1997/98. Similar to previous issue but with inscriptions again rearranged, and incorporating a security number at lower right. 34½ x 21 mm. Perf 15 x 14 (all perfs normal). No watermark. Cross in red, inscriptions and serial number in black.
H361. 30s bronze-green
H363. 60s brown
H364. 80s brownish rose
H365. 100s pale grey
H366. 120s green
H367. 140s olive-yellow
H368. 160s claret
H369. 180s pale blue
H370. 200s bright green
H371. 220s slate-violet
H373. 260s purple-brown
H374. 280s violet
H375. 300s ultramarine
H376. 320s rose-lilac
H361. 30s bronze-green
H363. 60s brown
H364. 80s brownish rose
H365. 100s pale grey
H366. 120s green
H367. 140s olive-yellow
H368. 160s claret
H369. 180s pale blue
H370. 200s bright green
H371. 220s slate-violet
H373. 260s purple-brown
H374. 280s violet
H375. 300s ultramarine
H376. 320s rose-lilac
H381/391
1998/99. National flag and Uhuru Gardens Monument. 35½ x 21½ mm. Roulette 13½. No watermark. Cross in blue, inscriptions and serial number (below centre) in black.
H381. 30s pink
H382. 80s purple-brown
H383. 100s deep pink
H384. 120s slate-violet
H385. 140s bright green
H386. 160s pale blue
H387. 180s salmon
H388. 200s yellow
H389. 220s deep green
H390. 280s olive
H391. 320s bronze-green
H381. 30s pink
H382. 80s purple-brown
H383. 100s deep pink
H384. 120s slate-violet
H385. 140s bright green
H386. 160s pale blue
H387. 180s salmon
H388. 200s yellow
H389. 220s deep green
H390. 280s olive
H391. 320s bronze-green
H401/406
1999/2000. National flag and Kenyatta National Hospital. 37½ x 23½ mm, with background extending into margins. Perf 15 x 14. No watermark. Multicoloured, with cross in blue and serial number (below centre) in black. Background colours given.
H401. 40s pink
H402. 60s pale yellow
H403. 80s pale green
H404. 120s brown-orange
H405. 180s deep yellow
H406. 300s pale violet
H401. 40s pink
H402. 60s pale yellow
H403. 80s pale green
H404. 120s brown-orange
H405. 180s deep yellow
H406. 300s pale violet
H421/432
2000/2001. Proposed NHIF Headquarters building. 35½ x 21½ mm. Perf 13½ (30s, 80s, 160s, 280s, 300s, 320s) or 13 (others). No watermark. Multicoloured, with cross in blue. Serial number (at lower left) in black, beginning with two letters. Background colours given.
H421. 30s violet-grey
H422. 40s green
H423. 60s claret
H424. 80s white
H425. 100s pale green
H426. 140s slate
H427. 160s greyish purple
H428. 180s brown
H429. 260s salmon
H430. 280s greenish yellow
H431. 300s indigo
H432. 320s bronze-green
H421. 30s violet-grey
H422. 40s green
H423. 60s claret
H424. 80s white
H425. 100s pale green
H426. 140s slate
H427. 160s greyish purple
H428. 180s brown
H429. 260s salmon
H430. 280s greenish yellow
H431. 300s indigo
H432. 320s bronze-green
H441/454
2001/2002. As previous issue but dates changed, and no letters preceding serial number. Perf 13.
H441. 30s violet-grey
H442. 40s green
H443. 80s white
H444. 100s pale green
H445. 120s pale yellow
H446. 140s slate
H447. 160s greyish purple
H448. 180s brown
H449. 200s brick-red
H450. 220s brown-orange
H451. 240s violet
H452. 260s salmon
H453. 300s indigo
H454. 320s bronze-green
H441. 30s violet-grey
H442. 40s green
H443. 80s white
H444. 100s pale green
H445. 120s pale yellow
H446. 140s slate
H447. 160s greyish purple
H448. 180s brown
H449. 200s brick-red
H450. 220s brown-orange
H451. 240s violet
H452. 260s salmon
H453. 300s indigo
H454. 320s bronze-green
Huduma (Services Charge)
C1/12
1995-96 (recorded usage). Mount Kenya. Inscribed HUDUMA / SERVICES CHARGE. 18½ x 21½ mm. Perf 12. No watermark.
C1. 10s grey and pale blue
C2. 20s grey and deep violet
C3. 30s grey and grey-blue
C4. 40s grey and deep ultramarine
C5. 50s grey and carmine
C6. 60s grey and red-brown
C7. 70s grey and magenta
C8. 100s grey and lake
C9. 150s grey and brown
C10. 200s grey and yellow-olive
C11. 400s grey and emerald
C12. 600s grey and claret
Notes:
1. The exact purpose of this issue is not clear, but may be related to an initiative to offer government services through local Huduma Centres similar to post offices. As of October 2018 there are 52 such centres across the country, each offering a range of public services such as certification of births, driving licence applications and registration of business names. The centres now in operation were established under a programme launched in 2013 and do not use adhesive stamps for payment, but it is possible that a similar scheme existed in the 1990s and that the stamps listed here as C1/12 were used in that context.
2. C1 and C9 are found on postal covers (where charges were incurred for unpaid postage) dated 1995-96, though the date of issue may have been some years earlier.
2. Most recorded examples are handstamped or overprinted with the digits 001, which probably indicates the post office in which the stamps were sold or used.
C1. 10s grey and pale blue
C2. 20s grey and deep violet
C3. 30s grey and grey-blue
C4. 40s grey and deep ultramarine
C5. 50s grey and carmine
C6. 60s grey and red-brown
C7. 70s grey and magenta
C8. 100s grey and lake
C9. 150s grey and brown
C10. 200s grey and yellow-olive
C11. 400s grey and emerald
C12. 600s grey and claret
Notes:
1. The exact purpose of this issue is not clear, but may be related to an initiative to offer government services through local Huduma Centres similar to post offices. As of October 2018 there are 52 such centres across the country, each offering a range of public services such as certification of births, driving licence applications and registration of business names. The centres now in operation were established under a programme launched in 2013 and do not use adhesive stamps for payment, but it is possible that a similar scheme existed in the 1990s and that the stamps listed here as C1/12 were used in that context.
2. C1 and C9 are found on postal covers (where charges were incurred for unpaid postage) dated 1995-96, though the date of issue may have been some years earlier.
2. Most recorded examples are handstamped or overprinted with the digits 001, which probably indicates the post office in which the stamps were sold or used.
Impressed revenue stamps
Z1/20
1927-73 (recorded usage). Lion and Mount Kenya in frames of different shapes, all 25 to 30 mm across. All designs incorporate date plugs, with the year plug normally on the right. The earliest recorded usage of each type is shown in brackets. (Two essays are known dated 1933 - see below right.)
50c and 1s50c essays dated 1933
Z1. 20c slate-blue (year plug at foot) (1945)
Z2. 20c vermilion (year plug at right) (1950)
Z3. 20c slate-blue (year plug at right) (Die A) (1953)
a. No letter die (1954)
Z6. 50c vermilion (1964)
Z7. 1s vermilion (1927)
Z8. 1s50c vermilion (year plug at foot) (1956)
Z9. 1s50c vermilion (year plug at right) (1972)
Z10. 2s vermilion (1973)
Z12. 3s vermilion (1972)
Z13. 4s vermilion (1964)
Z14. 5s vermilion (1973)
Z15. 10s vermilion (1964)
Z16. £1 vermilion (1964)
Z17. £3 vermilion (1972)
Z18. £5 vermilion (1972)
Z19. £10 vermilion (1973)
Z20. £25 vermilion (1973)
Notes:
1. The two types of the 1s50c differ from each other in size, Z9 being slightly smaller than Z8. The design of the later type is also coarser, with less detail visible on the lion and the mountains. The 1s50c essay shown above right is a different type again, though this is not currently known as an issued stamp.
2. Barber illustrates proofs of a complete set of values including a 2s50c and £100, but I have not seen these two values as issued stamps.
3. Barber also lists a 30c value in both blue and red, but I have not seen these.
4. I have seen an example of the 20c vermilion with year plug at foot, used in 1954, but I am unable to illustrate this at present.
Z2. 20c vermilion (year plug at right) (1950)
Z3. 20c slate-blue (year plug at right) (Die A) (1953)
a. No letter die (1954)
Z6. 50c vermilion (1964)
Z7. 1s vermilion (1927)
Z8. 1s50c vermilion (year plug at foot) (1956)
Z9. 1s50c vermilion (year plug at right) (1972)
Z10. 2s vermilion (1973)
Z12. 3s vermilion (1972)
Z13. 4s vermilion (1964)
Z14. 5s vermilion (1973)
Z15. 10s vermilion (1964)
Z16. £1 vermilion (1964)
Z17. £3 vermilion (1972)
Z18. £5 vermilion (1972)
Z19. £10 vermilion (1973)
Z20. £25 vermilion (1973)
Notes:
1. The two types of the 1s50c differ from each other in size, Z9 being slightly smaller than Z8. The design of the later type is also coarser, with less detail visible on the lion and the mountains. The 1s50c essay shown above right is a different type again, though this is not currently known as an issued stamp.
2. Barber illustrates proofs of a complete set of values including a 2s50c and £100, but I have not seen these two values as issued stamps.
3. Barber also lists a 30c value in both blue and red, but I have not seen these.
4. I have seen an example of the 20c vermilion with year plug at foot, used in 1954, but I am unable to illustrate this at present.
Registration of Domestic Servants essays
Illustrated here are proofs (ex De La Rue archive) for impressed stamps denominated 2s and 5s inscribed Registration of Domestic Servants. It is not known when they were prepared, or whether they were ever issued. No other examples have been recorded to date.
Z30/31
1955-69. Receipt stamps used on cheques.
a) Rubber handstamped receipts reading DUTY PAID and value
Z30. 10c purple (CENTS in capitals)
Z31. 30c purple (CENTS in mixed case)
First recorded usage: 1955 (30c)
a) Rubber handstamped receipts reading DUTY PAID and value
Z30. 10c purple (CENTS in capitals)
Z31. 30c purple (CENTS in mixed case)
First recorded usage: 1955 (30c)
Z36
b) Imprinted double-ring oval reading KENYA DUTY PAID 30 Cents
(first recorded usage 1968)
Z36. 30c black
Note: for an impressed stamp similar to Z36 but reading DUTY PAID (without KENYA), see Z16 of Tanganyika-Tanzania.
(first recorded usage 1968)
Z36. 30c black
Note: for an impressed stamp similar to Z36 but reading DUTY PAID (without KENYA), see Z16 of Tanganyika-Tanzania.
Z41/42
1973 (earliest recorded usage). Square meter stamps reading KENYA REVENUE at top, value in centre, code letters and numbers at foot.
Z41. [various values] red
Z42. [various values] blue
Note: separate values are not listed since the use of printed meters allowed any value (presumably up to 99s99c) to be produced.
Z41. [various values] red
Z42. [various values] blue
Note: separate values are not listed since the use of printed meters allowed any value (presumably up to 99s99c) to be produced.
Z46/47 (Z47 illustration is black and white)
1998-99 (recorded usage). Rectangular meter stamps reading KENYA REVENUE and either SHILLINGS or POUNDS at top, value in centre, code letters and numbers at foot.
Z46. [various values] SHILLINGS red
Z47. [various values] POUNDS red
Notes:
1. Separate values are not listed since the use of printed meters allowed any value to be produced.
2. The type inscribed POUNDS may have been an error for SHILLINGS since the pound (formerly worth 20 shillings) was not used in Kenya after Independence.
Z46. [various values] SHILLINGS red
Z47. [various values] POUNDS red
Notes:
1. Separate values are not listed since the use of printed meters allowed any value to be produced.
2. The type inscribed POUNDS may have been an error for SHILLINGS since the pound (formerly worth 20 shillings) was not used in Kenya after Independence.
Judicial
J1/20
1928-30 (earliest and latest recorded usage). King George V postage stamps inscribed Kenya and Uganda, overprinted Kenya Judicial. Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Script CA (sideways on shilling and pound values, with crown to the left of 'CA' when seen from the back of the stamp). Overprinted locally by unknown printer. Kenya in capitals on all values, Judicial in mixed case (cents values) or capitals (others). (For similar stamps with slightly different overprints, see J21ff).
a) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, Judicial 12 x 2 mm
J1. 1c deep brown
J2. 5c green
J3. 15c rose-carmine
J4. 20c bright orange
J5. 30c ultramarine
J6. 50c grey
J7. 75c olive
b) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, JUDICIAL 17½ x 2 mm, vertical spacing 14 mm between lines
a) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, Judicial 12 x 2 mm
J1. 1c deep brown
J2. 5c green
J3. 15c rose-carmine
J4. 20c bright orange
J5. 30c ultramarine
J6. 50c grey
J7. 75c olive
b) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, JUDICIAL 17½ x 2 mm, vertical spacing 14 mm between lines
Enlargement showing J12 (left) and J12a (right)
J11. 1s green
J12. 2s dull purple
a. Thin letters
J13. 3s brownish grey and jet-black
a. Red overprint
J14. 4s grey (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J15. 5s carmine-red
J16. 10s bright blue
J17. £1 black and orange
J18. £5 black and blue (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J19. £10 black and green (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J20. £50 black and brown
Notes:
1. J12a is very similar to J12, the overprint having the same overall dimensions but using thinner letters with less pronounced serifs (see enlarged illustration above right).
2. Koeppel additionally lists the 2s50c, 7s50c and £2 overprinted KENYA JUDICIAL, though he does not distinguish between the local overprint and the De La Rue type. I have not seen any of these values with either type of overprint.
J12. 2s dull purple
a. Thin letters
J13. 3s brownish grey and jet-black
a. Red overprint
J14. 4s grey (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J15. 5s carmine-red
J16. 10s bright blue
J17. £1 black and orange
J18. £5 black and blue (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J19. £10 black and green (wmk Crown to right of CA)
J20. £50 black and brown
Notes:
1. J12a is very similar to J12, the overprint having the same overall dimensions but using thinner letters with less pronounced serifs (see enlarged illustration above right).
2. Koeppel additionally lists the 2s50c, 7s50c and £2 overprinted KENYA JUDICIAL, though he does not distinguish between the local overprint and the De La Rue type. I have not seen any of these values with either type of overprint.
J21/37
1928-30 (earliest and latest recorded usage). As previous issue but overprinted in capitals by De La Rue in London.
a) KENYA 8½ x 1½ mm, JUDICIAL 9½ x 1½ mm
J21. 1c deep brown
J22. 5c green
J23. 10c black (red)
J24. 15c rose-carmine
J26. 30c ultramarine
b) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, JUDICIAL 16 x 2 mm, vertical spacing 16 mm between lines
J32. 2s dull purple
J33. 3s brownish grey (red)
J34. 4s grey (red)
J35. 5s carmine-red
J36. 10s bright blue (red)
J37. £1 black and orange
a) KENYA 8½ x 1½ mm, JUDICIAL 9½ x 1½ mm
J21. 1c deep brown
J22. 5c green
J23. 10c black (red)
J24. 15c rose-carmine
J26. 30c ultramarine
b) KENYA 12½ x 2 mm, JUDICIAL 16 x 2 mm, vertical spacing 16 mm between lines
J32. 2s dull purple
J33. 3s brownish grey (red)
J34. 4s grey (red)
J35. 5s carmine-red
J36. 10s bright blue (red)
J37. £1 black and orange
Note: illustrated at right (low-definition image – no other available) is a set consisting of all the values listed above (J21/37) plus the 20c, 50c, 75c and 1s, opt Specimen. These last four values are not known as issued stamps and it is possible that they were not sent to the Colony, though the 50c and 1s are listed by Barefoot. He also lists the £5, £10 and £50 with similar overprint, but I have only seen these values with the local overprint (see J1ff).
Kodi
K1
1936. Large Nyasa key type featuring the portrait of King George V. 25½ x 30 mm. Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue.
K1. 1s carmine and dull purple
The first printing of this stamp was despatched to Kenya in December 1935, so it presumed that it was issued in early 1936. A reprint was sent to Kenya in May 1937.
K1. 1s carmine and dull purple
The first printing of this stamp was despatched to Kenya in December 1935, so it presumed that it was issued in early 1936. A reprint was sent to Kenya in May 1937.
K2 and K2a
1938. Similar type but portrait changed to King George VI. Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Script CA.
K2. 1s carmine and dull purple
a. Perf 13. (1950)
The first perf 14 printing was despatched to Kenya in November 1937, so it presumed that it was issued in early 1938. This was then reprinted in 1938, 1940 and 1946. The perf 13 stamps were executed in one printing but sent to Kenya in two despatches in November 1949 and January 1950. Shades of the perf 14 stamp are known.
K2. 1s carmine and dull purple
a. Perf 13. (1950)
The first perf 14 printing was despatched to Kenya in November 1937, so it presumed that it was issued in early 1938. This was then reprinted in 1938, 1940 and 1946. The perf 13 stamps were executed in one printing but sent to Kenya in two despatches in November 1949 and January 1950. Shades of the perf 14 stamp are known.
K6/7
1954-59. Similar type but portrait changed to Queen Elizabeth II. Perf 13. Watermark Multiple Script CA.
K6. 2s deep green
K7. 4s orange
[K8. 5s blue (1959)]
The dates of issue are based on the Crown Agents requisition data. The 5s is known from the archives but I have not seen an issued example.
K6. 2s deep green
K7. 4s orange
[K8. 5s blue (1959)]
The dates of issue are based on the Crown Agents requisition data. The 5s is known from the archives but I have not seen an issued example.
Revenue
c1954. Queen Elizabeth II first pictorial issue, overprinted KENYA REVENUE (KENYA 14½ x 3 mm, REVENUE 19 x 3 mm). Perf 12½ x 13 (10c to 1s), perf 13 x 12½ (2s to 10s), perf 13½ x 13 (£1). Watermark Multiple Script CA.
R1/7 including R1a and R5a (for image of R8 see below right)
a) Overprint horizontal, spacing between lines of overprint 9½ mm (10c to 1s), 11½ mm (2s and 5s), 10½ mm (10s), or 13½ mm (£1)
R8
R1. 10c carmine-red
a. 2 mm spacing between lines of overprint
R2. 20c black and orange
R3. 50c reddish purple
R4. 1s black and claret
R5. 2s black and green
a. 3 mm spacing between lines of overprint
R6. 5s black and orange
R7. 10s black and deep ultramarine
R8. £1 brown-red and black
a. 2 mm spacing between lines of overprint
R2. 20c black and orange
R3. 50c reddish purple
R4. 1s black and claret
R5. 2s black and green
a. 3 mm spacing between lines of overprint
R6. 5s black and orange
R7. 10s black and deep ultramarine
R8. £1 brown-red and black
R11/12, R12a, R13
b) Overprint sideways reading upwards, 9½ mm spacing between lines of overprint
R11. 2s black and green
R12. 5s black and orange
a. Overprint reading downwards
R13. 10s black and deep ultramarine
Note: Barefoot also lists the 10s with overprint reading downwards but I have not seen this.
R11. 2s black and green
R12. 5s black and orange
a. Overprint reading downwards
R13. 10s black and deep ultramarine
Note: Barefoot also lists the 10s with overprint reading downwards but I have not seen this.
R21/28 (for R29 see below right)
R29 front and back showing Script watermark
1956-59. Lion on white background. 18 x 23 mm (10c to 20s) or 26 x 30 mm (25s). Perf 11½. Watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Bradbury Wilkinson.
R21. 10c bright green
R22. 20c purple
R23. 50c olive-green
R24. 1s brownish rose
R25. 2s ultramarine
R26. 5s orange
R27. 10s greenish blue
R28. 20s red-brown
R29. 25s brown (1959)
Note: The proofs for the 10c to 20s were approved on 19th January 1956, and it is assumed that the stamps were issued later that year. The proof of the 25s was approved as a new value on 18th September 1959, so the stamp probably came into use later that year or early in 1960.
R21. 10c bright green
R22. 20c purple
R23. 50c olive-green
R24. 1s brownish rose
R25. 2s ultramarine
R26. 5s orange
R27. 10s greenish blue
R28. 20s red-brown
R29. 25s brown (1959)
Note: The proofs for the 10c to 20s were approved on 19th January 1956, and it is assumed that the stamps were issued later that year. The proof of the 25s was approved as a new value on 18th September 1959, so the stamp probably came into use later that year or early in 1960.
Top row: R31/35, R38; Middle row: R31a, R31b, R34b, R36a; Bottom row: R39a, R39b
10s with faint or no wmk (see note)
c1963. As previous issue but watermark changed to Multiple Crown and Block CA.
R31. 10c bright green
a. Watermark sideways (CA reading downwards)
b. Watermark sideways (CA reading upwards)
R32. 20c purple
R33. 50c olive-green
R34. 1s brownish rose
b. Watermark sideways (CA reading upwards)
R35. 2s ultramarine
R36a. 5s orange (wmk sideways, CA reading downwards)
R38. 20s red-brown
R39a. 25s brown (wmk sideways, CA reading downwards)
b. Deep brown, wmk sideways (CA reading upwards)
Note: Barefoot also lists the 10s on Block CA paper. Illustrated above right is an example of the 10s in a brighter shade than R27 and with what seems to be a very faint watermark. This may be Block CA but it is too faint to identify.
R31. 10c bright green
a. Watermark sideways (CA reading downwards)
b. Watermark sideways (CA reading upwards)
R32. 20c purple
R33. 50c olive-green
R34. 1s brownish rose
b. Watermark sideways (CA reading upwards)
R35. 2s ultramarine
R36a. 5s orange (wmk sideways, CA reading downwards)
R38. 20s red-brown
R39a. 25s brown (wmk sideways, CA reading downwards)
b. Deep brown, wmk sideways (CA reading upwards)
Note: Barefoot also lists the 10s on Block CA paper. Illustrated above right is an example of the 10s in a brighter shade than R27 and with what seems to be a very faint watermark. This may be Block CA but it is too faint to identify.
R41
1977. As previous issue but design reduced to 17½ x 21 mm. Perf 14. No watermark. Printed (recess) by Walsall Security Press.
R41. 10c bright green
Notes:
1. The proof in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library was approved on 14th November 1977, and it is assumed that the stamps were issued before the end of that year.
2. Barefoot also lists the 20c, 50c, 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s from this printing, but I doubt these could exist since the 10c is the only value known to have been proofed by Walsall.
R41. 10c bright green
Notes:
1. The proof in the Crown Agents archive in the British Library was approved on 14th November 1977, and it is assumed that the stamps were issued before the end of that year.
2. Barefoot also lists the 20c, 50c, 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s from this printing, but I doubt these could exist since the 10c is the only value known to have been proofed by Walsall.
R51, R54, R56/57
1981 (earliest recorded usage). Heraldic lion on coloured background. 17 x 19½ mm. Perf 14. No watermark. Printed by Walsall Security Press.
R51. 10c green
[R52. 20c purple]
[R53. 50c black]
R54. 1s scarlet
[R55. 2s violet]
R56. 5s orange
R57. 10s blue
[R58. 20s pale olive]
[R59. 25s brown]
Notes:
1. Proofs of all the above values except the 20s were approved on 5th December 1979. The 20s in pale olive was approved on 19th December 1979, the original proposed colour of yellow having been rejected. Barefoot lists all these extra values except the 25s, though I have not seen any of them as issued stamps. He also lists a 10c red but I believe this is an error.
2. The 10c is known postally used.
R51. 10c green
[R52. 20c purple]
[R53. 50c black]
R54. 1s scarlet
[R55. 2s violet]
R56. 5s orange
R57. 10s blue
[R58. 20s pale olive]
[R59. 25s brown]
Notes:
1. Proofs of all the above values except the 20s were approved on 5th December 1979. The 20s in pale olive was approved on 19th December 1979, the original proposed colour of yellow having been rejected. Barefoot lists all these extra values except the 25s, though I have not seen any of them as issued stamps. He also lists a 10c red but I believe this is an error.
2. The 10c is known postally used.
R61/68
R61 and R64 showing Walsall logo in margin
1985 (earliest recorded usage). Similar format but featuring naturalistic lion. 16½ x 20½ mm. Perf 14. No watermark. Printed by Walsall Security Press.
R61. 10c green
R62. 20c magenta
R64. 1s red
R65. 2s slate-violet
R66. 5s orange
R67. 10s blue
R68. 20s yellow
Note: the 1s is known postally used.
R61. 10c green
R62. 20c magenta
R64. 1s red
R65. 2s slate-violet
R66. 5s orange
R67. 10s blue
R68. 20s yellow
Note: the 1s is known postally used.
R72/79
R77 with printer's imprint
1995 (earliest recorded usage). As previous issue but change to perf 15 x 14 and slightly larger (17 x 21 mm). Printed by BDT International Security Printing Ltd, Dublin.
R72. 20c bright magenta
R73. 50c grey-black
R74. 1s rose-red
R75. 2s deep violet
R76. 5s orange
R77. 10s blue
R79. 25s brown
Note: the earliest recorded usage of this issue is the 10s on a postal cover which arrived in the UK on 28th July 1995. The revenue adhesive was rejected and a surcharge applied.
R72. 20c bright magenta
R73. 50c grey-black
R74. 1s rose-red
R75. 2s deep violet
R76. 5s orange
R77. 10s blue
R79. 25s brown
Note: the earliest recorded usage of this issue is the 10s on a postal cover which arrived in the UK on 28th July 1995. The revenue adhesive was rejected and a surcharge applied.
R85/90
R89 with sheet number prefixed E
2001 (earliest recorded usage). Perforation again changed to perf 13 x 13½. 16½ x 20½ mm. Screened background.
R85. 2s deep violet
R86. 5s orange
R87. 10s blue
R88. 20s yellow
R89. 25s brown
R90. 100s claret
Notes:
1. The sheet number is prefixed by a letter in the upper sheet margin above the third stamp from the right. This is A on the 2s, C on the 10s, D on the 20s, E on the 25s, F on the 100s, and presumably (though I have not seen this) B on the 5s.
2. The 10s, 20s and 25s were first recorded in 2010, when they were available at the Kenya Revenue Authority in Nairobi, but they must have been issued some years earlier. The 20s was still in stock at the KRA in October 2018, suggesting that this value was not reprinted in redrawn types as R95 or R105/110.
R85. 2s deep violet
R86. 5s orange
R87. 10s blue
R88. 20s yellow
R89. 25s brown
R90. 100s claret
Notes:
1. The sheet number is prefixed by a letter in the upper sheet margin above the third stamp from the right. This is A on the 2s, C on the 10s, D on the 20s, E on the 25s, F on the 100s, and presumably (though I have not seen this) B on the 5s.
2. The 10s, 20s and 25s were first recorded in 2010, when they were available at the Kenya Revenue Authority in Nairobi, but they must have been issued some years earlier. The 20s was still in stock at the KRA in October 2018, suggesting that this value was not reprinted in redrawn types as R95 or R105/110.
R95
2007 (earliest recorded usage). Design slightly redrawn,
with KENYA larger and lion heavier with less definition.
Perforation again changed to perf 13 x 12½. No watermark.
R95. 2s deep violet
with KENYA larger and lion heavier with less definition.
Perforation again changed to perf 13 x 12½. No watermark.
R95. 2s deep violet
R105/110
c2007-10. Design significantly redrawn, with thinner lettering and lion now rather impressionistic, the R of REVENUE level with the top of KENYA. Narrow format (15½ x 20½ mm). Perf 12½ x 13½. No watermark. Fluorescent security underprint KRA (= Kenya Revenue Authority) just above EN of KENYA.
R105. 2s claret
R106. 5s red-orange
R110. 100s rose
Notes:
1. The 2s value was first recorded around the year 2007. All three values were available at the Kenya Revenue Authority in Nairobi in 2010, but in October 2018 the KRA had only the 2s value in stock along with the 20s of the 2001 issue (R88). This may suggest a phasing-out of adhesive revenue stamps, especially for high-value transactions.
2. All the sheet numbers I have seen (for all three values) are prefixed by the letters AA.
3. R105 can be found in a range of shades and with different types of gum from matt to glossy.
R105. 2s claret
R106. 5s red-orange
R110. 100s rose
Notes:
1. The 2s value was first recorded around the year 2007. All three values were available at the Kenya Revenue Authority in Nairobi in 2010, but in October 2018 the KRA had only the 2s value in stock along with the 20s of the 2001 issue (R88). This may suggest a phasing-out of adhesive revenue stamps, especially for high-value transactions.
2. All the sheet numbers I have seen (for all three values) are prefixed by the letters AA.
3. R105 can be found in a range of shades and with different types of gum from matt to glossy.
