Banknote bouquets could land you in jail, central bank of Kenya warns

Kenya’s central bank warned people to stop using banknotes to make floral-like bouquets and decorations, which has become a trend in the country.

They are often ordered in the run-up to Valentine’s Day – and have been popularised by celebrities and online influencers, who share videos of themselves presenting such bouquets during celebrations.
To make the cash bouquets, notes of different colours and value are rolled and then fastened together in a style that makes them look like a bunch of flowers.

But the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) says the creators are defacing the Kenyan currency and could face seven years in jail if arrested.

According to the CBK, the banknotes tend to be “folded, rolled, glued, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed using adhesives or fastening materials… compromising their integrity”.

This was affecting equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-counting machines, the CBK said in its statement issued on Monday February 2.

CBK said it has observed increased use of banknotes for decorative purposes, including cash bouquets and ornamental displays.

The bank noted that in many instances, notes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials — actions it said damage banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.

The cash bouquets had also led to more notes being rejected and unnecessary costs for both the public and the bank to replace the currency, it added.

However, the bank said it was not opposed to cash being used as gifts, and asked people to find alternative ways of doing so that did not damage the 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 CBK said.

The regulator also reminded the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation or impairment of currency notes

It warned that any person who wilfully defaces, mutilates or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code.

CBK urged Kenyans to refrain from practices that compromise banknotes and to adopt alternative, non-damaging ways of presenting monetary gifts, adding that it will continue with public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality and usability of currency in circulation.

Kenya is a top global grower of flowers – so the announcement has been welcomed by some who say fresh blooms would be a more appropriate gift for Valentine’s Day on 14 February.

It has also drawn some amused reactions on social media.