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Kenya Replaces Pictures Of Leaders On Coins With Animals

Kenya Replaces Pictures Of Leaders On Coins With Animals

The move is to promote wildlife heritage on the new currency coins

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

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.

According to the BBC, many Kenyans saw this as an attempt by their leaders to promote themselves, and to personalise the state.

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

According to CNN, Mr Kenyatta added that the coins reflect Kenya's diverse culture and natural environment while showing 'aspects that best describe the East African nation'.

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."

The new coins unveiled in Kenya showing pictures of wildlife printed on them.
Central Bank of Kenya

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!"

Featured Image Credit: Kenya Central Bank

Topics: News, Money, currency, Kenya, Animals