Next time you are planning to surprise your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend with cash flowers, know that you are committing an offence.
This is a warning by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to Kenyans who have been of late using cash flowers to surprise their lovers.
In a statement on February 2, 2026, Central Bank said this is not acceptable under Kenyan law.
“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials,” CBK stated
Adding that, “Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation. 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,”
This, CBK said, results in increased rejection of banknotes during processing and leads to the premature withdrawal and replacement of currency at an avoidable cost to the public and the bank.
CBK, however, said it does not object to the use of cash as a gift. Such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes.
It cautions that 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.
CBK warned that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes.
“Any person son who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code,” the statement reads in part
Adding, “CBK therefore urges 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,”
