Kenya Replaces Pictures Of Leaders On Coins With Animals

Kenya has scrapped images of presidents on their coins in exchange for wildlife, in what is believed to be an attempt to prevent the glorification of the country's leaders.

The Central Bank of Kenya unveiled the new one, five, 10 and 20 shilling coins which feature a giraffe, rhino, lion and an elephant on one side and the Kenyan coat of arms on the other.

Previous coins were printed with images of Kenya's three former rulers - Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.

Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, said that the new coins were a 'big change' and showed 'our nation has come a long way'.

He said: "A nation's currency is not merely an instrument for exchange of value. The motifs and design elements on currencies present a unique way of recording history, celebrating a country's diverse culture and natural environment."

Many people believe that the same should be done in other countries. While others have joked about what animals would be printed onto the British currency.

One said: "Yeah what would we have? A badger? A mole? A pigeon? Not quite as exciting".

While another added: "A seagull feasting on some stolen chips? A fox rooting around in a tipped over bin? A rottweiler snarling at a toddler? A battery hen? A cow vacantly chewing cud on its way to the abbatoir?" Wow, that escalated.

Someone else said: "Great Choice! At least we never heard of a corrupt elephant or a dictator lion! Kudos!"