Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda Ban Cash Bouquets Ahead of Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day draws near, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have taken a strong stand against the growing trend of using banknotes to create decorative cash bouquets and gift displays.

The move began in Kenya, where the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently warned that although giving money as a gift is allowed, transforming banknotes into decorative items is illegal and harmful to the currency.

According to the CBK, practices such as folding, rolling, stapling, pinning, or gluing banknotes damage the notes and make them unsuitable for circulation. The bank also cited the law, noting that defacing or mutilating currency is an offence under the Penal Code.

Following Kenya’s decision, the Bank of Uganda issued a public notice cautioning florists, designers, and the general public against using banknotes in bouquets, money cakes, or other decorations.

The bank explained that damaged currency cannot be processed by ATMs or cash-counting machines, forcing the government to replace notes at a high cost. Officials stressed that while cash gifts are acceptable, banknotes must remain in good condition to maintain their usability.

Rwanda has also joined the campaign against currency misuse. The National Bank of Rwanda warned that using banknotes for decorative or celebratory purposes is illegal and punishable by law.

The bank noted that activities such as folding, taping, pinning, or gluing money weaken public confidence in the currency and disrupt the country’s cash distribution system.

End of the Cash Bouquet Trend?

With several African countries now moving to protect their currencies, the popular trend of cash bouquets may soon decline. Financial regulators across the region are urging citizens to celebrate special occasions without damaging national currency.