New currency will not bear portraits of individuals

The Government is working on a design for Kenyan currency that will not have the image of an individual.The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) wants to do away with the current notes and coinsbearing the portraits of former presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Moi.The new law prohibits the use of currency that bears the images of individuals. Article 231 (4) of the Constitution states, "Notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of Kenya may bear images that depict or symbolise an aspect of Kenya, but shall not bear the portrait of an individual." Consequently, CBK has invited individuals, organisations or professionals to present in writing proposals on features they would like to see in the new currency.CBK wants proposals that consider dominant physical features that reflect any aspect of Kenya, key aspects in agriculture, technology, sports, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, and environment.The new currency may also have the portraits of wildlife, plants, natural treasures, culture and heritage.Other preferred features include unique colour schemes for each bank note and sizes of banknotes.