Botswana Joins Kenya’s Cash Bouquet Ban With Fines And Jail Time Ahead Of Valentine’s Day 2026
Men across Botswana are openly celebrating after the Bank of Botswana (BoB) joined Kenya in banning the use of banknotes in cash bouquets ahead of Valentine’s Day, following a stern public warning on 12 January 2026 that has effectively killed off the expensive romantic trend.
The development comes just days after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) cautioned on 4 February 2026 that offenders risk up to seven years in prison for defacing currency in the run-up to 14 February 2026. With both regional powerhouses now outlawing the practice, attention has turned to whether South Africa will follow suit.
Bank Of Botswana Issues Stern Warning With Legal Teeth
In a public statement dated 12 January 2026 titled “Proper Handling Of Banknotes And Coin,” the Bank of Botswana declared that mutilating currency is illegal under Section 27 of the Bank of Botswana Act, Cap 55:01. The central bank left no room for interpretation.
“Mutation of banknotes and coin is prohibited under Section 27 of the Bank of Botswana Act, Cap 55:01 and the Bank of Botswana Clean Banknotes and Coin Policy.”
“Any person who tears, perforates, staples, burns, defaces, writes, prints, stamps, draws, or applies adhesives on, or exposes money to moisture, excessive heat, and dirt; damages the banknotes and coin shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine, imprisonment, or both.”
— Dr Seamogano Mosanako, Head of Communications and Information Services, Bank of Botswana
The Bank confirmed it had “observed a tendency” to use banknotes for “money/cash bouquets, cake decorations, confetti, and any other unauthorised handling.” It warned that such actions compromise “the integrity and quality of the Pula currency” and could make notes “unfit for circulation,” potentially lowering public confidence in the national currency.
The institution urged members of the public to report any misuse to the Bank or the nearest police station.
Kenya’s Seven-Year Jail Warning Sends Shockwaves
On 4 February 2026, the Central Bank of Kenya raised the alarm over the surging popularity of cash bouquets, which have become a Valentine’s Day staple fuelled by influencers and celebrities displaying elaborate cash arrangements on social media.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya, banknotes used in decorative bouquets are often “folded, rolled, glued, stapled or pinned”—actions that compromise their integrity and lifespan. The bank warned that defacing Kenyan currency is a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years in prison.
The Kenyan regulator further indicated that damaged notes from cash bouquets are increasingly being rejected by ATMs and cash-counting machines, disrupting banking operations and forcing early currency replacement at significant cost. Florists in Kenya have welcomed the ban, arguing fresh flowers are a more appropriate romantic gesture.
Social Media Erupts As Men Celebrate Regional Crackdown
The twin announcements triggered immediate and intense reactions across X, with a clear gender divide emerging in the commentary.
Victor Baatweng marked the occasion with verse.
“Cash Bouquets? Bank of Botswana says ‘No, My Love’.”
“Roses are red. Violets are blue. Glue that Pula on a cake. And the Bank might fine you.”
— @VictorBaatweng, X, 12 February 2026
Katso Lizarene Ramodia lamented the timing.
“Bank of Botswana forbids the use of Bank Notes to make bouquets with immediate effect. Go ile hela yalo ka Valentine
”
(Translation: “It’s over just like that on Valentine’s Day.”)
— @Katso_lizarene, X, 12 February 2026
Christine spotted the pattern immediately.
“Men are on this scheme.
”
— @Chrissy_52, X, 12 February 2026
Bokamoso kept it short and pointed.
“Right before valentines
”
— @bokamosodes, X, 12 February 2026
Ounas summed up the mood of an entire demographic.
“We got Excuses boys
”
— @MrKelebeletse_, X, 12 February 2026
Not everyone was convinced. Some questioned whether the state should dictate how citizens use their own money.
“It’s your money do whatever the fuck you want. Batswana camon grow some balls
”
— @Pita_Airl, X, 12 February 2026
South Africa Watches Closely As Regional Domino Looms
With Kenya and Botswana now enforcing strict bans on cash bouquets, attention has rapidly shifted southward. Netizens have already begun tagging the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), demanding clarity ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026.
“First Kenya, now Botswana. SA must not see this.”
— @ziyandas, X, 12 February 2026
Allan Heisenberg directly challenged Uganda’s central bank.
“@BOU_Official where are you when we need you most”
— @allan_atukunda, X, 12 February 2026
Dr. Ho Yinsen tagged Kenya’s central bank in apparent approval.
“@CBKKenya What have you done”
— @kinjeketile, X, 12 February 2026
With Valentine’s Day 2026 now less than 48 hours away, florists in Gaborone may report a surge in orders for real flowers.
Both central banks have made their position unequivocally clear: cash may be given as a gift, but damaging legal tender will result in fines or imprisonment.
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The post Men Celebrate As Botswana Joins Kenya In Banning Cash Bouquets Ahead Of Valentine’s Day 2026 appeared first on iHarare News.
