The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned Kenyans against using banknotes to make decorative cash bouquets stating that the practice damages money and could land people in trouble with the Kenyan law.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 2, the bank said it has observed the rise in cases where people fold, roll, glue or pin Kenyan shilling notes to make flower bouquets and other displays, often for celebrations and romantic gestures.
CBK said although giving cash as a gift is allowed, treating banknotes as decoration causes damage and shortens their lifespan.
“When notes are folded, stapled or glued, they get damaged and may not work properly in ATMs and cash-counting machines,” the bank said. This, it added, leads to more notes being rejected and withdrawn from circulation earlier than expected.
According to CBK, replacing damaged currency costs money and affects the smooth circulation of cash in the country.
The bank made it clear that it has no problem with people giving cash as gifts, as long as the notes are not altered or spoiled. CBK said money should remain clean and usable so that it can continue to serve everyone.
CBK also reminded Kenyans that damaging currency is against the law. Under the Penal Code, defacing or mutilating banknotes is an offence and can attract punishment.
The bank advised the public to find other creative ways of presenting cash gifts without damaging the notes and urged Kenyans to help protect the quality of the shilling in circulation.