CBK Warns Kenyans Against Using Banknotes to Make Cash Bouquets

Kenyans who use banknotes to create cash bouquets and other decorative displays could soon face legal consequences, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned.

In a statement released on Monday, February 2, 2026, the CBK cautioned the public against using Kenyan shilling notes for decorative purposes. The bank noted that the trend of folding, rolling, stapling, pinning, or gluing banknotes to make bouquets and ornamental designs has been growing rapidly across the country.

According to the CBK, such practices damage currency notes and disrupt the smooth operation of cash-handling machines, including ATMs, cash-counting machines, and sorting systems. This leads to higher rejection rates during processing and forces the early withdrawal and replacement of damaged notes, resulting in unnecessary costs for both the public and the banking sector.

The CBK clarified that giving money as a gift is allowed, but it must be done without altering or damaging the notes. The bank emphasized that currency should remain in good condition so that it can continue to serve its core purposes as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value.

The regulator also reminded Kenyans that the law prohibits the defacement or destruction of currency. Under Section 367 of the Penal Code, anyone who deliberately damages banknotes issued by a lawful authority commits an offence and may be subject to legal action.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the CBK urged the public to consider safer, non-damaging ways to present monetary gifts. The warning comes at a time when many Kenyans are embracing extravagant romantic gestures, including bouquets made from cash instead of traditional flowers.