NAIROBI, KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto has received the historic serial number two of the new currency from the CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge.
The Government, through the Central Bank of Kenya, issued the new currency on 1 June in pursuit of the constitutional requirement. Dr. Ruto urged all Kenyans to comply with the CBK directive on the rollout of the new currency.
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) unveiled the new banknotes during the 56th Madaraka Day celebration held in Narok County.
All the bank notes bear the image of Kenyatta International Convention Center. They also embody each of the big five animals (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard).
Dr Njoroge said the new currencies have designs that meets the CBK requirements, serve the public aspirations and capture the spirit of the constitution.
The 50 shillings note bears images that symbolise green energy at the back while that one of Sh100 bears agriculture-related images.
The Sh200 notes bear images of social services, the Sh500 tourism images and the highest value Sh1000 note displays governance images.
The notes have features that make them accessible to the visually impaired people.
The rollout of the new banknotes follows the launch of new coins in December by President Uhuru Kenyatta in conformity with the 2010 constitution.
The Constitution says banknotes and coins may bear images that depict or symbolise Kenya or an aspect of the country, but shall not bear the portrait of an individual.