CBK legal director Kennedy Abuga explains how new currency notes were designed

CBK reveals those involved in putting Jomo Kenyatta statue on new notes

June 12, 2019 4:18 PM

The design of the new notes has been challenged in court

CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge presents the new generation notes to President Uhuru Kenyatta on 01 June 2019 during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Narok

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Legal Director Kennedy Abuga has explained how the new Kenyan currency notes were designed.

Mr Abuga offered the clarification in response to a suit filed by activist Okiya Omtatah who challenged the image of a Jomo Kenyatta statue that is on the face of each of the new notes.

The CBK director stated that the individuals, professional bodies and other recognized entities were all involved in approving the design.

CBK legal director Kennedy Abuga explains how new currency notes were designed Pulse Live Kenya

Abuga was also quick to note that the activist did not raise any queries when the design was put up for public scrutiny, therefore, the designs were approved as the law prescribes.

"I wish to confirm that following the publication of the notices, CBK received proposals from many individuals, institutions, organizations and professional bodies on the design of the new currency. But Mr Okiya Omtatah did not present his proposal, hence the current design was settled on," Abuga stated.

Public participation on Kenya's new currency notes

CBK published advertisements on the local dailies inviting citizens to propose the elements they wanted featured on the new notes.

According to the bank, analysis of the feedback collected was summarized under two major themes, showcasing Kenya reborn and prosperity within the country.

New Kenyan Currency Notes Pulse Live Kenya

The five themes that are portrayed on the different denominations are: green energy (Sh50), agriculture (Sh100), social services (Sh200), Tourism (Sh500) and governance (Sh1,000).

Abuga noted that the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the major attraction on the front side of the notes, and that the statue of the founding president is part of the attractions that can be seen at the KICC grounds.