Why a 'money bouquet' could get you arrested on Valentine's Day
National
By
Denis Omondi
| Feb 02, 2026
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned against a now popular, but unconventional, gifting method involving the use of banknotes to make cash flower bouquets or ornamental displays especially during celebrations.
‘Money bouquets’ have, in recent years, become common gifts during the Valentine's season, falling on the fourteenth day of February.
According to CBK, Kenyans risk being charged under the Penal Code for willfully defacing, mutilating, or impairing the notes through such acts as folding, rolling, stapling, pinning, or applying glue to them.
These, the agency says, destroy the notes, making them difficult to process, thus unsuitable for circulation.
“Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation,” said CBK in a statement on Monday, February 2.
READ MORE
Isuzu launches locally assembled mu-X SUV, cuts price by 27pc
How Kenya has lost Sh6.1 trillion to tax fraud
Why used car imports are facing curbs
Pension trustees jittery after collapse of Nakumatt, Chase Bank
KQ eyes fleet recovery after planes grounding turbulence
Payslips shrink as new NSSF rates take effect
Sustainability and insurance: Leadership in a time of global uncertainty
Kingdom Bank opens new Embu branch to power farmers and traders
Artificial organ keeps patient alive for 48 hours after removal of bilateral lungs
Fuel stations emerge as new retail hubs for fast food chains
It added: “The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines. and sorting equipment.”
The banking sector regulator warned that should the trend continue, more banknotes would be rejected and withdrawn from circulation, forcing the taxpayers to foot a hefty expenditure incurred during their replacement.
Instead, CBK wants Kenyans to offer cash gifts in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the currency notes.
“While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces 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 bank stated.
During Valentine's Day last year, florists reported a rise in demand for money bouquets, signaling a shift in gift preferences as people ditched traditional roses, chocolates, wine, or even dates.