Banknote bouquets could land you in jail, Kenya's central bank warns

Kenya's central bank has warned people to stop using banknotes to make floral bouquets and decorations, a trend that has become popular in the East African nation.

They are often ordered in the run-up to Valentine's Day - and have been popularised by celebrities and online influencers, who share videos of themselves presenting such bouquets during celebrations.

To make the cash bouquets, notes of different colours and values are rolled and then fastened together to resemble a bunch of flowers.

But the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) says the creators are defacing the Kenyan currency and could face up to 7 years in jail if arrested.

According to the CBK, the banknotes tend to be "folded, rolled, glued, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed using adhesives or fastening materials... compromising their integrity".

This was affecting equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-counting machines, the CBK said in its statement issued on Monday.

The cash bouquets had also led to more notes being rejected and unnecessary costs for both the public and the bank to replace the currency, it added.

However, the bank said it was not opposed to cash being used as gifts and asked people to find alternative ways to do so that did not damage the banknotes.

Kenya is a top global grower of flowers, so the announcement has been welcomed by some who say fresh blooms would be a more appropriate gift for Valentine's Day on 14 February.

It has also drawn some amused reactions on social media.

"The public notice from the Central Bank of Kenya has saved men ahead of this year's Valentine's Day. Back to basics, bouquet of flowers it is," Alinur Mohamed says on X.

Another Kenyan says the "public has hailed this decision" as it provides "a much-needed relief for those who found such cash bouquets overly expensive and wasteful".