Central Bank of Kenya Warns Against Gifting Bouquets Made of Folded Banknotes as Valentine’s Approaches

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Central Bank of Kenya has issued a stern warning against the growing trend of gifting bouquets made from folded currency notes, saying the practice amounts to illegal mutilation of money.

In a public advisory released ahead of the holiday, the Central Bank of Kenya reminded citizens that defacing, stapling, pinning or altering banknotes in any way is a criminal offense under Kenyan law. The warning comes as decorative “money bouquets” have become popular gifts during celebrations such as Valentine’s Day, weddings and graduations.

The bank cited provisions of the Central Bank of Kenya Act, which prohibit the willful defacement or destruction of currency. According to the Act, any person who “mutilates, tears, defaces, or in any manner renders unfit for circulation” a banknote or coin is liable to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Photos circulating on social media in recent years show Kenyan banknotes folded into floral shapes and pinned onto wrapping paper to resemble roses. Some designs involve stapling or taping notes together, while others pierce the notes with wires or pins to hold the bouquet in place.

The Central Bank said such handling damages the structural integrity of the currency and shortens its lifespan, increasing replacement costs borne by taxpayers. It urged the public to treat banknotes with care and to use alternative gift presentation methods that do not alter or damage legal tender.

Kenyan law under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Kenya Act outlines penalties for currency mutilation, including fines and possible jail terms for offenders. The bank did not specify recent arrests linked to the trend but emphasized that enforcement measures remain in place.

Authorities also warned businesses and event planners against promoting or commercializing money bouquet services that involve damaging notes, stating that ignorance of the law is not a defense.

The advisory was issued as retailers and florists prepare for increased Valentine’s Day demand across major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.