FOR many Kenyans, the 40 bob coin is more than just money — it's a symbol of national pride and shared memories.
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It was introduced on 12 December 2003 to celebrate 40 years of independence and quickly became one of the most recognized and cherished coins in Kenya's history.
The coin has a picture of former President Mwai Kibaki on one side, showing his leadership during that time.
The other side shows the Kenya Coat of Arms along with the words "Commemorating 40 Years of Independence 1963–2003," which ties it directly to a major national event.
Unlike most commemorative coins, the 40 bob was made to be used in daily life.
Its unique bi-metallic design — with a silver center and a gold-colored edge — made it easy to spot, hard to copy, and visually striking. Kenyans even gave it a nickname, "Ki-Lucy," in honor of the late First Lady Lucy Kibaki, showing the deep emotional connection people had with that time in history.
Two decades after its release, the coin is still a favorite among collectors and ordinary people.
Its limited number of coins, cultural significance, and the fact that it was actually used as regular money have kept it popular. Today, the 40 bob coin serves as a lasting reminder that history isn’t always locked away in museums — sometimes, it’s right in our pockets.