- Kenya's new generation notes issued in 2019 prohibits the Central Bank of Kenya from using portraits on the notes and coins.
- The use of these images meets the CBK requirements, serve the public aspirations and capture the spirit of the constitution.
Image: COURTESY
China has unveiled a list of African banknotes bearing images of some significant infrastructure projects it prides itself on having implemented.
The sample of the currencies has been shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a week the African leaders are converging in Beijing for the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
From rice paddies to hydroelectric stations, bridges to buildings, numerous landmark achievements of China-Africa cooperation have been printed on the currencies of these African countries, it said.
At least 10 countries have been featured. Some of them are the DR Congo’s 500 Francs which feature the Kinsuka bridge built by the China Railway No. 8 Engineering Group Co. Limited, and Algeria’s 1,000 Francs, which have the grand mosque.
The mosque was constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited and is said to be the third largest in the world.
Guinea’s 20,000 Francs note also displays the Kaleta Hydropower Station built by China International Water & Electric Corporation, while Madagascar’s 20,000 Ariary bears the hybrid rice.
The country is said to have been partnering with China in the development of this hybrid variety since 2007.
Malawi, on its part, has 2000 kwachas showing the scenery of the Malawi University of Science and Technology funded by the Chinese government.
On its 200 notes, it also has the new parliament building, also constructed by China.
Other countries with notes capturing the projects either funded or constructed by China are Morocco, which has its 20 dirhams depicting the Mohamed Iv bridge, Sudan’s 100 pounds showing Merowe, Roseires dams and Dam complex of Upper Uthara built by China.
Image: COURTESY
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China will provide 360 billion yuan (more than $50 billion) in financial support to Africa over the next three years.
Kenya is, however, not among the countries with its banknotes showcasing Chinese projects despite being one of the major beneficiaries of Chinese funding.
The new generation notes issued in 2019 following the promulgation of the 2010 constitution forbid the Central Bank of Kenya from using portraits on the notes and coins.
The images on the back of the bank notes symbolise green energy, agriculture, social services, tourism, and governance.
The front part bears the image of the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC), one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in the country.
The use of these images meets the CBK requirements, serves the public aspirations and captures the spirit of the constitution and Kenya's aspirations.
A dove is also shown to symbolise a peaceful Kenya.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the new notes on the June 1, 2019, Madaraka Day celebration.
The back of each note is devoted to a specific theme related to Kenya today.
Image: CBK
The red 50-shilling note has a “green energy” theme highlighting wind power, geothermal power, and solar power.
Agriculture, represented by corn, teas, and livestock is on the purple 100-shilling issue.
The blue 200-shilling note focuses on social services as represented by medical services, education, and Kenya’s world-renowned running athletes.
Simba, the lion, dominates the green 500-shilling note, which is dedicated to tourism, as represented by beaches, parks and the Masai Mara National Game Reserve.
Governance, personified by the Parliament building, is on the brown 1,000-shilling note.