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Kenya Central Bank Bans Banknotes in Cash Bouquets Ahead of Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Kenya’s Central Bank has issued a strong warning to stop people from making decorative cash bouquets with banknotes. The bank says this popular trend breaks the law by damaging the country’s money. Those caught could face up to seven years in prison.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shared this message in a statement on Monday. It appeared on their official X account on Tuesday. The bank noticed more people using Kenyan shilling notes to create flower-like gifts. These cash bouquets have become a hit in recent years, especially for celebrations. Social media stars and celebrities often show them off online.
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People make these bouquets by rolling banknotes of different colors and amounts. They fold, glue, staple, pin, or tape them together to look like real flowers. Couples and friends exchange them as special gifts, mainly around Valentine’s Day. But the CBK says this ruins the money. It makes the notes unfit for everyday use.
In its statement, the CBK explained the problems clearly. “The Central Bank of Kenya has noted a growing trend in the use of Kenyan shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements,” it said. “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 Kenyan shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.”
The bank pointed out more issues. Glue, pins, and staples harm the notes. This causes trouble for machines like ATMs, cash counters, and sorters. More damaged notes get rejected. This means extra costs to replace them for banks and people. The trend wastes money that could stay in use.
CBK made it clear they support giving cash as a gift. But no one should change or harm the notes. “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 added. Under Kenya’s currency laws, defacing money is a serious crime. Convicted people risk heavy fines or jail time.
Kenya grows a lot of flowers and exports them worldwide. Some Kenyans welcome the bank’s move. They say real flower bouquets fit Valentine’s Day better than fake ones made of cash. Fresh flowers from local farms could boost the economy too.
Online reactions are mixed. Many X users feel relieved. They call cash bouquets too costly and wasteful. One person wrote, “Finally! Those things were just showing off rich.” Others disagree. Some defend the trend as a fun, creative way to give money. “Why ruin our joy? Use fake money instead,” one suggested.
This warning comes at a busy time. Valentine’s Day is just weeks away on February 14. Shops and markets buzz with gift ideas. Couples plan surprises, from dinners to presents. Cash gifts stay popular in Kenya, where people value practical tokens. But now, everyone thinks twice about fancy displays.
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The CBK hopes to protect the shilling’s value. Good currency keeps the economy running smoothly. Damaged notes slow things down and cost more. Banks already handle millions of shillings daily. Any rise in bad notes strains their work.
For now, creative gift-givers look for options. Some suggest wrapping cash neatly without touching it. Others push digital money transfers via apps like M-Pesa. Kenya leads in mobile money, so this fits well.
The bank’s firm stand shows its role in guarding national money. It reminds everyone that banknotes belong in wallets and shops, not vases. As debates continue online, Valentine’s shoppers adapt. Real flowers might shine brighter this year.
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