Group Files Case to Block Printing, Circulation of Kenya's New-Look Currency

The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has filed a case in court seeking to have the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) blocked from printing Kenya's new-look currency.

In court documents, COFEK argues that CBK violated article 10 of the Constitution on national values and also failed to conduct public participation before unveiling the new generation currency.

COFEK secretary-general Stephen Mutoro says there should have been public participation in relation to the appearance of the new generation coins since currency is a symbol of national unity.

The association wants the court to block the government from printing and circulating the new currency and begin the process anew with the input of the public.

The new coins bearing images of wild animals were launched last week by President Kenyatta and CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge, in line with the 2010 constitution requirements.

The new coins come in denominations of Sh1, Sh5, Sh10 and Sb20 coins. Sh1 bears the image of a giraffe, rhino for Sh5, a lion for Sh10 while Sh20 has the image of an elephant.