What is money?

Money is what we use to buy and sell things. In Kenya we use the Kenyan Shilling. We measure value with money (how much something costs).

Currency used: KSh (Kenyan Shilling). We also use cents when writing small parts (1 KSh = 100 cents).

Common coins and notes

(Other notes: KSh 200, 500, 1,000. Coins and notes may change over time.)

Writing money amounts

Write KSh before the number: e.g., KSh 120. Use a decimal for cents: KSh 12.50 means 12 shillings and 50 cents (12 shillings + 50/100 shilling).

1 KSh = 100 cents. So:

• KSh 2.75 = 2 shillings and 75 cents = 2 + 75/100 shilling.
• KSh 0.50 = 50 cents.

Adding and subtracting money (step-by-step)

Using decimals for money

When cents are shown, line up decimals and add:

Example: KSh 12.50 + KSh 3.75 = ?

Add cents first: 50 + 75 = 125 cents = KSh 1.25. Then 12 + 3 = 15. So total = 15 + 1.25 = KSh 16.25.

Multiply and divide with money

Multiplication: useful when buying many of the same item.

Example: One toy costs KSh 45. How much for 4 toys? 4 × KSh 45 = KSh 180.

Division: share cost among friends.

Example: A pizza costs KSh 360 shared equally by 6 friends. Each pays 360 ÷ 6 = KSh 60.

Comparing prices (unit price)

To know which is cheaper, find the cost per unit (per Kg, per piece, per litre).

Example: Pack A: 2 kg for KSh 240 → per kg = 240 ÷ 2 = KSh 120/kg. Pack B: 3 kg for KSh 330 → per kg = 330 ÷ 3 = KSh 110/kg. Pack B is cheaper.

Estimating with money

Round amounts to estimate totals quickly. If you buy KSh 19, KSh 42 and KSh 63, round to KSh 20 + 40 + 60 = KSh 120 (actual total 124).

Practice questions

1. What is KSh 25 + KSh 37?
2. You buy sweets for KSh 18.50 and juice for KSh 22.75. How much do you pay?
3. Pay KSh 500 for goods costing KSh 346. How much change?
4. One pen costs KSh 12. How much for 9 pens?
5. A tin of sugar 2 kg costs KSh 260. Find cost per kg.
6. Choose cheaper: 1 litre at KSh 90, or 2 litres at KSh 180? (Explain.)

Answers

1. KSh 25 + KSh 37 = KSh 62.
2. KSh 18.50 + KSh 22.75 = KSh 41.25.
3. Change = KSh 500 − KSh 346 = KSh 154.
4. 9 pens at KSh 12 = 9 × 12 = KSh 108.
5. Cost per kg = 260 ÷ 2 = KSh 130 per kg.
6. Compare unit price: 1 litre at KSh 90 → KSh 90/litre. 2 litres at KSh 180 → 180 ÷ 2 = KSh 90/litre. Both are the same price per litre.