Why Kenyatta’s Image is Still on Kenyan Money

In 2018,Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya Dr Patrick Njoroge came out to explain why founding President Jomo Kenyatta’s name and image are still encrypted in Kenya’s notes and coins.

The move came after pressure from the Senate which stated that the Governor was breaching the constitution, that prohibits the portrait of an individual on the currency.

In a statement, Dr Njoroge said that the process to develop the new currencies was complex and technical, hence the reason for the delay.

“The Central Bank of Kenya has embarked on the process of developing new currency as required by the Constitution. It will be appreciated that the process is very technical and complex and also involves public participation, which the governor confirms has already been undertaken,” the statement read in part.

The Senate, however, summoned Dr Njoroge to appear before the House saying that his explanation was not sufficient.

“This is a serious matter. I am not satisfied with the answer given. We should be told when we will have the new notes,” House Minority Leader Moses Wetangula was quoted by the Nation.

The Senate further warned Dr Njoroge of a possible impeachment if he failed to adhere to the provisions of the constituiton. The Senators expressed concern over the matter arguing that five years since the new constitution came into force was enough period to produce money without Kenyatta’s image.

According to the Constitution, the new design was supposed to have been implemented by September 1, 2015.

Most Kenyan notes and coins currently in circulation have Kenyatta’s image, except for the 40-shilling coin which bear’s former President Mwai Kibaki’s image.