The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has cautioned the public against the growing practice of using banknotes to make decorative cash bouquets, warning that it constitutes defacement of the national currency and could attract stiff penalties.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14.
In a statement issued on Monday and shared on its official X account on Tuesday, the apex bank said anyone found guilty of the practice could face up to seven years’ imprisonment under existing currency laws.
The trend, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, involves folding and rolling banknotes of various denominations and arranging them into flower-like displays. These cash bouquets are commonly exchanged as gifts during celebrations, especially around Valentine’s Day, and have been widely promoted by celebrities and social media influencers.
CBK said such practices damage the integrity of the Kenyan shilling and render the notes unfit for circulation.
“The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has noted a growing trend in the use of Kenyan shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements,” the statement said.
“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials. Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenyan shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.”
The bank explained that the use of pins, glue, staples and other materials damages notes and disrupts the smooth functioning of cash-handling systems.
“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines, and sorting equipment,” CBK added.
According to the central bank, the trend has led to a rise in rejected banknotes, increasing replacement costs for both individuals and financial institutions.
However, CBK clarified that giving cash as a gift is not prohibited, provided it is done without damaging the currency.
“While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes,” the statement noted.
“Currency should remain in a condition that allows it to circulate freely and perform its intended functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.”
Kenya, one of the world’s top flower-producing countries, has seen some welcome the warning, arguing that fresh flowers make more suitable Valentine’s Day gifts. The announcement has also triggered mixed reactions online, with several users expressing relief over what they described as an expensive and wasteful trend.
