Central Bank last December launched Kenya’s New Generation coins which have wildlife images as the theme.

However, today at the Madaraka Day celebrations in Narok, the new generation bank notes were launched.

"I confirm that the New Generation banknotes were issued yesterday, May 31, 2019, by a Gazette Notice. They are now legal tender, the Central Bank governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge said.

Adding, "A few words on the new banknotes are in order. The new banknotes bear a significant aspect of our nation, and like the coins, will serve as a means of passing knowledge, conserving culture and promoting our global uniqueness. All

banknotes bear the image of Kenyatta International Conference Centre, one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in our country."

He continued, "The banknotes also embody each of the big five; nyati, chui, kifaru, simba, and ndovu. Each banknote has a unique theme to show the richness of our people and nature in our beautiful Kenya. For the fifty shillings we have Green Energy, one hundred shillings - Agriculture, two hundred shillings - Social Services, five hundred shillings – Tourism, and one thousand shillings - Governance."

Dr. Patrick Njoroge also noted, "These are the drivers of a Newly Reborn and Prosperous Kenya. Additionally, for the first time, the new banknotes bear features that make them more accessible to the visually impaired members of our society. In the coming days, CBK will roll out an awareness campaign to educate the public on the features of the new banknotes."

The Central BanK governor also stated that the Ksh 1,000 notes shall be withdrawn from circulation. As of October 2019, the Ksh 1000 will no longer be legal tender.

"By a Gazette Notice dated May 31, 2019, all persons have until October 1, 2019, to exchange those notes, after which the older one thousand shillings banknotes will cease to be legal tender. More details about this will be provided."