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The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on Friday unveiled Kenya's new-look coins that conform to 2010 constitutional requirements.
The new generation currency coins were launched by President Kenyatta at CBK headquarters in Nairobi.
“The new coins, which are now legal tender, were issued today via a gazette notice, and have significant aspects of our nation which will serve as a means of preserving our culture and passing relevant knowledge,” says President Uhuru in a statement.
The new coins contain symbols as opposed to portraits of persons as required by the 2010 constitution.
The new coins, which come in units of one shilling, five shilling, 10 shilling and 20 shilling, contain special features that make them accessible to people with visual challenges including the blind.
The new currency bear image of giraffe (Sh1), rhino (Sh5), lion (Sh10) while the 20 shilling coin has the image of an elephant. Sh1 is silver in colour and weighs 5.5g, while Sh5, Sh10 and Sh20 weigh 3.75g, 5g and 9g respectively.
“CBK invited the public to provide their views on the elements that they desired on the coins. Having considered all submissions, CBK considered the most appropriate elements including the designs that best meet CBK’s technical requirements, serve the public aspirations and capture the spirit of the constitution,” says CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge.
The old-generation coins bore portraits of former presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.
Comments
Excellent idea....freeze everything deals for now until all the current and past thieves are dealt with first!
No more excitement about anything however good coming from Kenya. I have been talking to many of my friends and there’s this very sad feeling of resignation to fate / lethargy occasioned by the relentless plunder of our dear country by thugs purporting to be leaders. Latest being the loss of $2.7B from State House. Uhuru Kenyatta is utterly incompetent as a president and should humbly bow out akubali kuwa amewhindwa. Then we all come together and give the numero uno position to the likes of Prof Kivutha Kibwana, Gov Makueni County who’s greatly transforming the lives of his county residents bigly
This is bottomless stupidity from statehouse. What can Sh. 1 buy? Ushuru Kenyatax never fails to impress with his lack of imagination. Truly imcompetetent.
I have not seen any of the actual coins nor have the specification; but from a pedestrians perspective isn't 5.5g of silver used to make Sh 1 of greater value than 3.75g, 5g and 9g mixture of Aluminum-bronze, Nickle-copper and silver rings and cores used to make Sh 5, Sh 10, Sh 20? I know these are legal tender and not tendered value but am just casually curious.
The runaway corruption in Kenya is making everything appear 'dim' and unreal. For every project money is stolen. Am sure thieves are waiting to make a killing from these currencies. Everything need to be 'frozen' as we tackle corruption. We need capital punishment back. Consumer spending is eroding and state may fail.