CBK Warns Against Cash Flower Bouquets, Threatens Legal Action Over Mutilation of Banknotes
News Updated: 02 February 2026 20:55 EAT
Money bouquet
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a strong warning against the growing practice of using Kenya Shilling banknotes to create cash flower bouquets and other ornamental displays, saying the trend amounts to the mutilation of currency.
In an advisory issued on Monday, CBK cautioned members of the public, florists and event decorators against folding, rolling, stapling, pinning, taping or gluing banknotes for decorative purposes, noting that such actions damage the notes and render them unfit for circulation.
The Bank said damaged notes interfere with the smooth functioning of ATMs, cash-counting and sorting machines, leading to frequent rejections and increased replacement costs.
CBK explained that the practice weakens the integrity and lifespan of currency, forcing the Bank to withdraw and replace notes earlier than planned, a process that ultimately increases the cost of currency management.
While clarifying that giving cash as a gift is not prohibited, the regulator emphasized that it must be done in a manner that does not alter or destroy the physical condition of the notes.
The Bank further reminded Kenyans that the law strictly protects the national currency, citing Section 367 of the Penal Code, which criminalises the defacement, mutilation or impairment of banknotes.
According to CBK, anyone found willfully damaging currency by folding, stapling or fixing notes into decorative items risks legal action, including possible fines or imprisonment as provided by law.
The warning comes amid a rise in the popularity of cash bouquets, especially during celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and Valentine’s Day.
CBK urged the public to consider alternative gifting methods, such as placing cash in envelopes or using digital payment options, to preserve the quality of the currency.
The regulator said safeguarding banknotes is essential to maintaining public confidence in the financial system and ensuring that money continues to circulate efficiently.
CBK concluded by calling on businesses and individuals to comply with the law and help protect the integrity of Kenya’s currency.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD