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Internet On Fire As Kenyans React to the New Currencies Launched by President Kenyatta

11/12/2018
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has today launched new currencies to replace the old notes and coins bearing portraits and images of individuals like Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

The move has been welcomed by Kenyans while others have felt disappointed over the choice of images used by the Central Bank on a number of notes an coins.

  • KES 1 coin = Bears the image of a Giraffe
  • KES 5 coin = Bears the image of a Rhino
  • KES 10 coin = Bears the image of a Lion
  • KES 20 coin = Bears the image of an Elephant.

According to some Kenyans, the decision to use the image of an Elephant on a 20 shilling coin is proof that the value of the Kenyan currency is indeed decreasing.

“A one thousand note used to an elephant. The has KES 20 as our new ndovu!! This is premonition of the decreasing value of our money. President Kenyatta should know better,” tweeted 

Kenya’s Mafisi Sacco has also aired it’s frustrations after it emerged that the image of a hyena was not used in any of the currencies.

“President Kenyatta the biggest SACCO isn’t happy We are not represented here !,” tweeted 

While launching the new currencies today, President Kenyatta said that he was extremely proud of the milestone achieved so far.

“We shall also be unveiling a set of new generation coins which are compliant with our 2010 constitution. I am extremely pleased that today we can achieve another milestone,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I am informed that the new generation coins continues the tradition of depicting an aspect that best describes our country,” he added.

Central bank of Kenya was last month, October 12th given the go ahead to print the new-look currency after the appeals court held that the De La Rue tender was above board.

According to Central Bank of Kenya estimates, the replacement of the old currency notes will cost Sh18 billion.

The Constitution-compliant new generation bank notes will be in 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shilling denominations.

Their introduction will be followed by phased withdrawal of the old generation notes.

Article 231(4) of the Constitution outlaws currency bearing portraits and images of individuals. Such features have however remained on notes and coins currently on circulation after CBK missed the planned August 2015 deadline in Violation of the clause.

Below Are Other Reactions From Kenyans: What’s Your take?

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