The new notes are already in circulation.
NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 11 – The Central Bank of Kenya has dismissed claims by activist Okiya Omtatah that the new currency notes bear the portrait of the country’s first President Jomo Kenyatta.
In a response filed Tuesday, CBK explained that the statue which forms part of the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is not a violation of the Constitution.
CBK further states that government’s legal advisor the Attorney General had approved the inclusion of the KICC image.
The building, CBK argues, is an important landmark and a national monument under the national Museums and Heritage Act.
“It depicts the very essence of Kenya and national heritage because of its unique architectural design,” CBK adds.
CBK has further defended itself against allegations of failure to include the public in the process leading to the printing of the new currency.
CBK insists that individuals, institutions, organisations and professionals were given a month to present proposals on the design and imagery.
“There was wide public and stakeholder engagement which provided proper guidelines,” CBK further states.
The new currency notes were unveiled last week and are already in circulation, with tough regulations governing its exchange.
CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge said anyone exchanging amounts of more than Sh5 million should contact the CBK for approval.
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