Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower known for unearthing the controversial Adani-JKIA deal, has made fresh allegations against the Kenyan government—this time claiming a secret overhaul of the Kenyan currency design. According to Amenya, the redesign and subsequent printing of new banknotes are being conducted clandestinely in Germany, raising alarm over transparency, legality, and financial implications for Kenyan taxpayers.
Claims of Currency Redesign and Secret Printing
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on the morning of Monday, June 2, Amenya alleged that the Government of Kenya had already embarked on mass production of newly designed currency notes in Germany without public knowledge or consultation.
“The Government of Kenya has quietly changed the design of our currency and is now printing it in Germany without any public disclosure or participation,” Amenya posted.
The timing and nature of the alleged redesign are particularly striking. Just last year, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rolled out an update to enhance the security features of the Kenyan currency. However, there was no public mention of a comprehensive redesign of banknotes since the 2019 reissue initiated under former CBK Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge.
CBK Governor Previously Confirmed German Involvement
Interestingly, CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, during a press briefing in August 2024, confirmed that a German firm had been contracted to handle the printing of Kenyan currency.
“The printing is being done by a German firm, and it is actually one of the best firms,” Dr. Thugge noted at the time.
While this disclosure partly aligns with Amenya’s claims, the governor made no mention of a new currency design. Instead, he explained that the printing was part of a routine process aimed at replacing worn-out notes already in circulation.
Giesecke+Devrient: The New Partner
As per CBK’s submission to Parliament in late 2024, the new currency printing contract was awarded to Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology GmbH (G+D)—a reputable German company known for producing secure banknotes for several countries.
This move came after the Kenyan government terminated its long-standing partnership with De La Rue, a British firm that had been printing the country’s currency for decades under a joint venture. The Kenyan government held a 40% stake in that venture.
In 2023, De La Rue publicly announced that it had incurred losses amounting to approximately Ksh2.7 billion to downsize its operations in Kenya. The company cited declining demand for currency printing and other security products as the primary reason for exiting.
Legal Complications: The De La Rue Contract
Nelson Amenya claims that Kenya may have breached a non-compete clause in its contract with De La Rue Kenya, which could expose the country to costly litigation or settlement penalties.
“In doing so, they breached a non-compete clause in the existing contract with De La Rue, a move that could cost taxpayers billions, just like the Arror and Kimwarer dam scandal,” Amenya alleged.
He went a step further by suggesting that the entire deal may have been politically motivated. According to Amenya, the G+D contract was a “token” granted to Raila Odinga in exchange for his support for the Kenya Kwanza-led government.
“Reports indicate it was a contract awarded to Raila Odinga for his handshake with Ruto,” Amenya added, drawing parallels with past political handshake deals that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.
Historical Context of Currency Printing in Kenya
The controversy comes against the backdrop of long-standing debates over the transparency of currency printing contracts in Kenya. In 2018, the High Court dismissed a legal bid by De La Rue and another international firm that attempted to block CBK from opening up the tender process for printing new notes.
That ruling opened the door for competitive international bidding—a move praised by anti-corruption watchdogs but fiercely opposed by domestic players in the printing industry.
In 2019, CBK launched a complete overhaul of the Kenyan currency design, introducing new imagery and removing portraits of political figures. This redesign was part of CBK’s strategy to promote national identity while complying with constitutional requirements.
The new allegations by Amenya suggest that yet another design change may be underway—albeit without public notice or parliamentary debate.
Public Outcry and Transparency Concerns
While the CBK has yet to respond to the latest claims, Amenya’s exposé has already triggered a wave of online debates. Many Kenyans are questioning whether national currency decisions of such magnitude should be made without public participation or parliamentary oversight.
Others are worried about the economic impact of switching currency printers and redesigning notes. A full reprint of currency can cost billions, not only in production costs but also in logistics, distribution, and withdrawal of old currency.
Analysts also point to the possible diplomatic ramifications of abandoning De La Rue in favor of a European firm, given the long-standing ties between Kenya and the UK-based company.
Political Angle: A Deal for Political Support?
If Amenya’s claims are substantiated, the implications could extend beyond economics and touch on the murky intersection of business and politics in Kenya. The suggestion that the printing contract was part of a deal to reward political alliances raises red flags about procurement integrity in government.
“It’s becoming harder to differentiate between political deals and national policy,” one political analyst noted. “When decisions about national currency are influenced by handshake politics, the cost is paid by the entire country.”
Conclusion
The alleged Kenyan currency redesign and its secret printing in Germany, as claimed by Nelson Amenya, mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of high-stakes government contracts shrouded in secrecy. While CBK has previously confirmed the involvement of Giesecke+Devrient, the central questions remain unanswered: Has the Kenyan currency design indeed been changed again? Was the public deliberately kept in the dark? And is the government exposing taxpayers to legal and financial liabilities through this move?
Until the Central Bank of Kenya offers a clear, detailed statement, the cloud of suspicion will continue to grow—and so will the public’s demand for accountability.