Kenya’s central bank has declared the use of banknotes to create decorative “cash bouquets” illegal, warning that offenders risk lengthy prison terms as authorities move to rein in the growing trend ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In a statement, the Central Bank of Kenya said folding, rolling or fastening currency into floral arrangements amounts to defacing the national currency and compromises the integrity of banknotes. Kenyan law provides for penalties of up to seven years in jail for anyone found guilty of damaging currency.
Cash bouquets, which have gained popularity on social media, involve arranging money into flower-like displays for weddings, birthdays and romantic occasions. The bank noted that notes used in such displays are often glued, stapled or pierced, leaving them unfit for use in ATMs and cash-processing machines and increasing the cost of replacing damaged currency.
While stressing that it does not object to cash being given as a gift, the central bank urged the public to present money in ways that do not physically alter or destroy banknotes.
The warning sparked mixed reactions online, with some users supporting the move while others joked that the ban offers a timely excuse to avoid what they view as excessive and expensive Valentine’s displays.
Kenya’s stance mirrors similar crackdowns elsewhere on the continent. In Nigeria, authorities have recently arrested prominent individuals over the practice of “spraying” money at social events, citing laws that prohibit tampering with the naira. Ghanaian officials have also warned against “money cakes,” noting that the cedi is state property and costly to replace when damaged.
As one of the world’s leading exporters of cut flowers, Kenya has also seen some commentators welcome the decision, arguing that traditional flower bouquets remain the most appropriate gift ahead of Valentine’s Day on February 14.
