Kenya’s central bank has cautioned the public against the growing trend of using banknotes to create decorative floral-style bouquets, warning that the practice is illegal and could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Central Bank of Kenya stated that manipulating currency notes for ornamental purposes amounts to defacing legal tender. Under Kenyan law, individuals found guilty of damaging or tampering with banknotes could face fines or a prison sentence of up to seven years.
The warning follows a surge in social media content showing elaborate cash bouquets presented at birthdays, weddings, graduations and romantic celebrations. Influencers and event stylists have popularised the concept, which involves rolling, folding, stapling or pinning banknotes into flower-like shapes arranged in decorative packaging.
While the displays have drawn admiration online, the central bank says the practice compromises the integrity and lifespan of the national currency. According to the regulator, many of the notes used in these arrangements are glued, stapled, pierced with pins or tightly folded, leaving them damaged and unsuitable for further circulation.
Officials explained that once banknotes are physically altered, they often cannot be processed by automated teller machines or commercial cash-counting systems. As a result, the damaged currency must be withdrawn and replaced, leading to unnecessary operational costs for financial institutions and additional expenses for the state.
The Central Bank of Kenya emphasised that it does not oppose gifting money. However, it urged members of the public to explore alternative ways of presenting cash that do not involve damaging or altering banknotes. The institution reiterated that currency is state property and must be treated with care.
Describing the trend as “expensive and wasteful,” the bank noted that replacing damaged notes involves printing new currency, transporting it nationwide and securely destroying the withdrawn notes. These processes require public funds and logistical resources that could otherwise support broader economic priorities.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions across Kenyan social media platforms. Some users expressed relief, suggesting that the warning provides a convenient reason to avoid costly or extravagant cash displays. Others reacted with humour, noting that the regulation may reduce social pressure to match increasingly elaborate gift presentations at celebrations.
Kenya’s position reflects a wider regional effort to discourage the misuse of currency for decorative purposes. In Nigeria, authorities have intensified enforcement against the long-standing practice known as “spraying,” in which guests throw or place banknotes on celebrants at weddings and parties. The Central Bank of Nigeria has repeatedly warned that mishandling the Naira, including stepping on or throwing it, constitutes tampering with legal tender.
Several individuals in Nigeria have faced arrest or investigation after videos surfaced showing them engaging in such practices at public events. Regulators there argue that protecting the dignity and durability of the national currency is essential to maintaining confidence in the financial system.
In Ghana, authorities have also cautioned against “money cakes,” decorative multi-tiered structures made from folded Cedi notes. Financial regulators have reminded citizens that damaging currency increases replacement costs and places additional strain on the economy.
Across the region, central banks are reinforcing the message that banknotes are not decorative materials but instruments of economic exchange. Beyond the legal implications, regulators warn that damaged notes disrupt daily transactions and complicate banking operations.
In Kenya, physical cash remains widely used, particularly in rural communities and informal markets where digital payment systems may be less accessible. Ensuring that banknotes remain durable and fit for circulation is therefore critical to financial inclusion and economic stability.
The timing of the warning has drawn additional attention as it comes ahead of Valentine’s Day on 14 February, a period typically associated with gift-giving. Kenya is one of the world’s leading exporters of fresh flowers, and some observers have noted that traditional floral arrangements remain a lawful and sustainable alternative for romantic celebrations.
Industry stakeholders in the horticulture sector have welcomed the reminder, pointing out that the country’s flower exports contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings and employment.
Financial analysts argue that while individual cases of decorative currency use may seem minor, the cumulative impact can be substantial. When large quantities of notes are withdrawn prematurely due to damage, central banks must accelerate production cycles, increasing printing and distribution costs.
Legal experts further explain that laws protecting currency are designed to preserve public trust and prevent both counterfeiting and misuse. Even when done for celebratory purposes, altering banknotes undermines the principle that currency should remain intact and universally acceptable.
The Central Bank of Kenya has called on influencers, event planners and businesses to promote responsible practices and to educate clients about the legal implications of damaging currency. It stressed that creativity in celebrations should not come at the expense of compliance with national laws.
As social media continues to shape consumer trends, regulators across Africa appear determined to set clear boundaries regarding the treatment of legal tender. Kenya’s latest warning underscores the importance of balancing cultural expression with economic responsibility.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor financial and regulatory developments across the continent and provide verified updates.
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