CBK Warns Kenyans: Stop Making Cash Flower Bouquets

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public warning to Kenyans over the growing practice of folding banknotes into flower-like bouquets and using cash as decorative gifts, saying the trend damages currency and disrupts circulation.

In a statement released on Monday, the regulator said it has noted an increase in the use of Kenyan shilling banknotes for celebratory and ornamental purposes, including cash flower bouquets, decorative displays and similar arrangements popular at weddings, birthdays and graduations.

According to the CBK, these practices often involve physically altering the notes in ways that render them unfit for circulation.

“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials. Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya shillings banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation,” the bank said.

The CBK warned that damaged notes interfere with the smooth operation of cash-handling systems across the banking sector. It explained that adhesives, pins, staples and tape affect the performance of automated teller machines (ATMs), cash-counting machines and sorting equipment used by banks and businesses.

“This results in increased rejection of banknotes during processing and leads to premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, at an avoidable cost to the public and store of value,” the bank added.

While acknowledging that cash gifts remain a common and acceptable practice, the CBK stressed that such gifts must not involve actions that alter, deface or damage 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 regulator also reminded the public that Kenyan law prohibits the defacement of currency. Under Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap 63, Laws of Kenya), mutilating or impairing banknotes constitutes a criminal offence.

In its advisory, the CBK urged Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging ways of presenting monetary gifts, warning that protecting the integrity of banknotes helps reduce unnecessary replacement costs and safeguards the efficiency of the country’s cash ecosystem.

“CBK therefore urges the public to refrain from practices that compromise the integrity of Kenyan shilling banknotes and to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts,” the statement said.

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