Headquarters Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in Nairobi. Photo/ Courtesy.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned Kenyans against the growing misuse of currency notes for decorative and celebratory purposes, saying the trend undermines the integrity of the Kenya Shilling and violates the law.
In a public notice issued on February 2, 2026, the Bank said it noted a growing trend in the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements.
CBK expressed concern that such practices often involve damaging handling methods. “In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials,” the Bank said, warning that these actions compromise the integrity of currency and render notes unfit for circulation.
According to the regulator, damaged notes disrupt the smooth functioning of cash-handling systems.
“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,” CBK noted.
This, it added, results in increased rejection of banknotes and leads to premature withdrawal and replacement of currency at an avoidable cost to the public and the Bank.
While acknowledging that cash gifts are culturally accepted, CBK emphasized that they should not involve damaging currency.
“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,” the statement read, adding that currency must 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 also reminded the public that defacing currency is a criminal offence.
“Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes,” CBK said, warning that anyone who willfully damages currency issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code.
CBK urged Kenyans to avoid practices that compromise banknotes and instead adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts.
