NAIROBI, Kenya—Feb 02, 2026—The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned Kenyans against the growing trend of using banknotes as decorative gifts, saying practices such as making cash flower bouquets could attract legal consequences.
In a public notice issued on Monday, CBK said it has observed an increase in the misuse of Kenya shilling banknotes for celebratory and ornamental purposes, including folding, rolling, gluing, stapling, taping, or pinning notes together.
According to the Bank, such practices damage currency and compromise its integrity, making banknotes unsuitable for circulation.
“Using adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including ATMs and cash-counting machines,” CBK said, noting that damaged notes are often rejected during processing.
The Bank added that the damage leads to premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, resulting in avoidable costs to both the public and the Central Bank.
While CBK clarified that it does not object to the use of cash as a gift, it stressed that monetary gifting must not involve any action that alters, defaces, or damages 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 notice said.
CBK further reminded the public that defacing or mutilating currency is an offence under Section 367 of the Penal Code, which prohibits the willful defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes issued by lawful authority.
The advisory comes at a time when elaborate cash presentations have become increasingly popular at weddings, graduations, birthdays, and fundraising events, often showcased on social media.
The Central Bank urged Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Kenya shilling and maintaining public confidence in the national currency.
