The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a stern directive against the growing social trend of using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes.
In a press statement released on February 2, 2026, the regulator warned that practices such as making cash bouquets and ornamental displays are not only damaging the national currency but also constitute a punishable offense under Kenyan law.
CBK Issues Warning
According to the Bank, such uses often involve folding, rolling, gluing, stapling, taping, pinning, or otherwise fixing banknotes together using adhesives and fasteners.
CBK warned that these actions compromise the integrity of the currency and make the notes unsuitable for circulation.
“Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation. The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines, and sorting equipment,” read the statement by CBK.
The Bank explained that when banknotes are altered in this way, they are rendered unusable and disrupt efficient cash handling and processing.
CBK said the damage increases the rejection of banknotes during processing, forcing banks to remove them from circulation earlier than necessary.
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This results in the premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, which is avoidable and costly to both the public and the Bank.
Jail Term Risk
While CBK clarified that it does not object to the use of cash as a gift, it added that such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes.
CBK reminded the public that Kenyan law protects the integrity of currency.
“CBK wishes to remind the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes. Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code,” CBK stated.
The Central Bank, therefore, urged members of the public to stop practices that compromise the quality and usability of the Kenyan shilling banknotes.
Instead, CBK advised people to use alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts, especially during celebrations.
The Bank noted that currency is a public good and that its protection requires cooperation from all users.
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By handling banknotes responsibly, CBK said, Kenyans can help reduce waste, lower replacement costs, and ensure smooth circulation of cash across the economy.
Cash Money Bouquet Trend in Kenya
The cash-money bouquet trend has grown rapidly in Kenya, especially in cities and towns. The bouquets are made by arranging Kenya shilling notes to look like flowers.
They are popular at weddings, birthdays, graduations, baby showers, and Valentine’s Day.
The trend spread mainly through social media, where celebrities and influencers posted videos and photos of expensive cash bouquets, making them fashionable.
Florists and gift shops quickly adopted the idea, offering designs ranging from small amounts to bouquets worth hundreds of thousands of shillings.
Many young people prefer cash bouquets because they combine beauty and usefulness, unlike flowers that fade after a few days.
The trend gained momentum between 2024 and 2025 as Kenyan celebrities, influencers, and business families shared images and videos of elaborate money bouquets on Instagram, TikTok, and X.
High‑value bouquets presented during birthdays and romantic milestones attracted public attention and normalised the practice among ordinary couples and families.
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