Like Nigeria, Kenya Bans Money Bouquets Ahead of Valentine’s Day

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public warning against the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, saying the practice is damaging the country’s currency.

The trend, popularised by social media influencers, involves rolling and pinning cash into decorative arrangements for celebrations.

In a notice posted on its official X handle, the apex bank said it had observed “a growing trend in the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements.”

According to the CBK, such displays often involve banknotes being “folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials,” actions that physically damage the notes.

The bank stressed that the misuse “compromises the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and renders them unsuitable for circulation.”

It further explained that adhesives, pins and staples attached to the notes “interferes with the efficient operation of cash handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines, cash counting machines, and sorting equipment.”

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As a result, the CBK noted that this leads to “increased rejection of banknotes during processing” and causes “the premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, at an avoidable cost to the public and the Bank.”

While clarifying that it does not object to giving cash as gifts, the regulator emphasized that “such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes.”

The bank reminded citizens that “Section 367 of the Penal Code prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes,” warning that violators “commit an offence under the Penal Code.”

To curb the practice, the CBK urged members of the public to adopt “alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts” and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s national currency.

The warning mirrors a similar position previously taken by Nigeria’s central bank.

In June 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) condemned the widespread mutilation, spraying and defacing of naira notes, cautioning that offenders could face imprisonment. At the time, Assistant Director at the CBN Currency Operations Department, Aladeen Badejo, stated that “abuse of the currency attracts a penalty of not less than six months or a fine of not less than N50,000 or both.”

Two years later, in 2023, the CBN specifically identified money bouquets as a form of naira abuse. Other listed violations included spraying, selling, squeezing and defacing the currency.

Encouraging public vigilance, the Nigerian apex bank urged citizens to report violations, stating: “It is your civic duty to protect the naira. Report naira abuse today.”