Kenya banknotes may exclude portraits

According to a Daily Nation article dated 18 November 2009, Kenya’s coins and notes will not bear the portrait of any individual if the proposals in the new draft constitution of Kenya are adopted. The draft proposes "Notes and coins issued by the Central Bank of Kenya may bear images that depict or symbolise Kenya or an aspect of Kenya but may bear the portrait of any individual." This means that former presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi will be the only personalities to have had portraits on Kenya’s currency.

Kenyans have a month to make their contributions on what they think of the proposals before changes are made to the draft constitution. A referendum is scheduled for early March 2010. If the referendum agrees to adopt the constitution, it will see the Central Bank governor hold office for a term of six years instead of the current four years, and will no longer be eligible for re-appointment.

Courtesy of Aidan Work.