By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyans are increasingly becoming creative, and one expression of this creativity is manifested in the lavish gifts presented during ceremonies such as birthdays, weddings and baby showers.
Lately, lavish bouquets bursting with elegance and surprise—velvety cream and red roses blooming at the centre, encircled by rolled currency notes unfurling like petals of prosperity—have become common.
Framed in bold red geometry, they are a striking fusion of romance and wealth.
But it is precisely such eye-catching displays that have prompted the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to issue a public warning on the misuse and defacement of Kenya Shilling banknotes.
In a press release on Monday, the CBK said it has noted a growing trend in which currency notes are used for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays and similar arrangements.
While such practices are often intended to impress or express generosity, the Bank warned that they come at a significant cost to the integrity of the national currency.
The CBK explained that in many instances, banknotes used in these displays are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials.
These actions, it said, compromise the physical integrity of the notes and render them unsuitable for circulation.
According to the Bank, “the use of adhesives, pins and staples damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment.”
“This includes automated teller machines (ATMs), cash-counting machines and sorting equipment.”
The press release added that as a result, such damaged notes are more likely to be rejected during processing, leading to their premature withdrawal and replacement.
The CBK noted that this avoidable damage ultimately imposes an unnecessary cost on both the public and the Bank, as currency has to be replaced earlier than its intended lifespan.
“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 said.
While clarifying that it does not object to the use of cash as a gift, the Central Bank stressed that such use should not involve any action that alters, damages or defaces banknotes.
The Bank urged members of the public to ensure that money given as a gift remains intact and usable.
The CBK also reminded the public that the law explicitly prohibits the defacement or mutilation of currency.
Citing Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya), the Bank warned that any person who wilfully defaces, mutilates or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under Kenyan law.
The Bank urged the public to refrain from practices that compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts.
Such alternatives, it said, would allow people to celebrate generously without harming the national currency.
The Central Bank of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Kenya Shilling in circulation.
It said it will continue to undertake public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality, usability and public confidence in the country’s banknotes.