Kenya mulls new currency design in 2015

Kenya plans to introduce new currency designs in 2015 as required by the new constitution, which does not allow an individual's picture on Kenyan money.

Francis Kimemia, secretary to the cabinet, said Sunday that the government has approved the proposal, and new currency designs are set to be ready by February-May 2015, reported Xinhua.

"New currency with our country's heritage as its key feature will be unveiled in the next two years," Kimemia said.

He said the symbols to appear on the currency, colours and sizes will be unveiled to the public soon.

The Kenyan constitution states that notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of Kenya may bear images that depict or symbolise an aspect of Kenya but shall not bear any individual's portrait.

Kenya started minting its own currency in 1966, bearing former president Jomo Kenyatta's portrait.

The official said new currencies will be in notes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. The withdrawal of the current notes will be done in phases.

"Kenyans should expect the new currency in February 2015, and thereafter withdrawal of the current currency which will be done in phases," Kimemia said.