Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a stern warning that the popular social media trend of arranging banknotes into floral-style bouquets is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. The practice, which involves rolling, pinning, and gluing cash into decorative shapes for gifts and celebrations, constitutes currency defacement under Kenyan law.
In a statement released on Monday, the CBK emphasized that any alteration to banknotes—including attaching them with staples, pins, or adhesive—compromises their integrity and renders them unusable in automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-counting systems. This damage necessitates costly replacement by the central bank, imposing “unnecessary costs” on both the institution and the public. Individuals convicted of defacing currency face a maximum penalty of seven years in jail.
While the bank clarified that presenting cash as a gift is permissible, it urged citizens to adopt alternative methods that do not physically damage the notes. The announcement has generated a mixed response online, with some social media users expressing relief, noting the ban offers a convenient justification for avoiding the perceived expense and extravagance of such displays.
Kenya’s stance aligns with a broader regional push to protect national currencies from ceremonial misuse. In Nigeria, the Central Bank has intensified enforcement against the traditional practice of “spraying” money at social events, arresting several high-profile individuals for trampling or throwing banknotes. Similarly, Ghanaian authorities have cautioned against creating “money cakes” from folded bills, reiterating that the Cedi is state property and must be preserved to avoid high replacement expenses.
As a leading global flower exporter, Kenya has seen some supporters of the CBK’s directive suggest that traditional floral arrangements remain a more appropriate and sustainable gift, particularly with Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14. The crackdown underscores a growing tension between modern social media trends and long-standing legal frameworks designed to safeguard national currency.
