The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a warning against using Kenyan shilling banknotes for decorative purposes such as cash bouquets, stating that it violates the law and causes issues with cash-handling machines. The alert was released on Monday, February 2, 2026, just before Valentine's Day. CBK emphasizes that cash can be given as a gift but without damaging or altering the notes.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has observed a rising trend of using Kenyan shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements.
This involves folding, rolling, gluing, stapling, or pinning the notes, which damages them and disrupts cash-handling equipment such as ATMs, cash-counting machines, and sorting devices.
The consequences include higher rejection rates during processing and unnecessary early withdrawal and replacement of currency, leading to avoidable costs for the public and the bank.
"The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has noted a growing trend in the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements," CBK stated in a release.
CBK clarifies that while it does not oppose using cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes. Currency must remain in a condition fit for circulation to serve as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.
"While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes. Currency should remain in a condition that allows it to circulate freely and perform its intended functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value," the statement continued.
The bank reminds the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes, warning that those who willfully damage lawfully issued currency commit an offence under the Penal Code.
The monetary authority's warning arrives barely two weeks before Valentine's Day, a occasion known for grand romantic gestures. In Kenya, the holiday has evolved creatively, with couples increasingly choosing bouquets made from cash over traditional flowers.
CBK urges the public to choose non-damaging alternatives for monetary gifts and to avoid actions that compromise the quality of Kenya Shilling notes.