Why this BBC headline has divided Kenyans

Earlier this week, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched the new generation coins at CBK but a story on BBC’s official website captured the attention of Kenyans.

The story — Kenya coins replace leaders with animals — elicited mixed reactions from netizens who questioned the choice of words in that particular headline.

“Previous coins bore the images of Kenya's three ex-rulers: Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.

“Many Kenyans saw this as an attempt by their leaders to promote themselves, and to personalise the state.

“The new ones have images of the country's famous wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos,” read the story in part.

While some did not see anything wrong with the article, others stated that the media house should have chosen better words to pass across their message.

“Choice of words!” wrote one netizen.

“Dear http://Bbc.You  are http://shallow.You  lack words to communicate effectively.

“Put it this way: Kenyan currency adopts animals to reflect its rich wildlife,” wrote another.

“Your description though!” lamented another.

During the launch, President Kenyatta expressed his delight at achieving the milestone saying: “Our nation has come a long way in making this big change, in line with our Constitution.

“I applaud the CBK for finally making this a reality. A nation’s currency is not merely an instrument for exchange of value.”

He further added: “The motifs and design elements on currencies present a unique way of recording history, celebrating a country’s diverse culture and natural environment. The new coins have aspects that best describe our country.”