Seven-Year Jail Risk: Kenya Central Bank Warns Against Money Bouquets as Valentine’s Day Approaches
Kenya’s central bank has issued a stern warning against a growing trend in which banknotes are fashioned into decorative bouquets.
The bank says the practice amounts to defacing currency and could land offenders in prison.
The trend, which has gained traction in recent years, typically peaks in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, fuelled by celebrities and social media influencers who post videos of elaborate cash arrangements presented as romantic gifts.
How the Cash Bouquets Are Made
The bouquets are created by rolling banknotes of varying denominations and colours, then fastening them together to resemble a bunch of flowers. While visually striking, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) says the process damages the notes and renders them unfit for circulation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CBK said banknotes used in such decorations are often “folded, rolled, glued, stapled or pinned,” actions that compromise their integrity and lifespan.
Impact on ATMs and Cash Handling
According to the bank, damaged notes from cash bouquets are increasingly being rejected by ATMs and cash-counting machines, disrupting banking operations and increasing costs.
The CBK said the trend has resulted in unnecessary expenses for both the public and financial institutions, as damaged currency must be withdrawn and replaced sooner than expected.
Legal Consequences Highlighted
The central bank warned that defacing Kenyan currency is a criminal offence under the law, carrying a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison for those found guilty.
Despite the warning, the CBK stressed that it does not oppose cash being given as a gift, urging the public to find alternative ways of presenting money without damaging banknotes.
Florists Welcome the Message
Kenya is one of the world’s leading flower exporters, and the announcement has been welcomed by some in the floral industry, who say fresh flowers would be a more fitting Valentine’s Day gift.
With February 14 approaching, the CBK’s message serves as a reminder that while romance may be creative, currency is meant to circulate — not be turned into art.
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