The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public statement cautioning the public against the misuse of banknotes which, if they become prevalent, may compromise currency integrity and operational efficiency as well as the law compliance.
In a public statement, CBK has disclosed that it has become aware of people making cash flower bouquets, cash chandeliers and other such cash decorative arrangements out of currency notes.
The Bank has also observed that in order to achieve their works of art, the currency notes are to a large extent folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled or pinned with the help of adhesives and fastening materials, the consequences of which the notes are seriously damaged and withdrawn from circulation.
Furthermore, CBK explains that such actions disrupt the functioning of cash, handling and processing equipment including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash, counting machines and currency sorting systems. The machines reject the damaged notes and consequently, the notes have to be withdrawn and replaced sooner than expected thus resulting in unnecessary costs to the public as well as to the Central Bank.
The Bank also recognizes that giving cash is a common practice on celebrations and special occasions but at the same time, CBK warns that cash gifts should not be accompanied by any act of changing, defacing or damaging banknotes in any way.
The Bank issued a notice to the public informing that to damage the appearance of money is a criminal offence under Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya). The law states that it is illegal to intentionally deface, mutilate or impair any currency note issued by lawful authority, and the offenders risk prosecution.
CBK has appealed to the citizens of Kenya to desist from any activity that undermines the integrity of the Kenya Shilling banknotes and instead use other alternative, non, destructive methods when presenting monetary gifts.
The Central Bank of Kenya remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency in circulation and will continue to undertake public sensitization and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality, usability, and public confidence in Kenya Shilling banknotes.