The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public warning against the growing practice of misusing Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, cautioning that the trend is illegal and costly to the economy.

In a press release dated February 2, 2026, the Bank noted an increase in the use of currency notes to make cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and other celebratory arrangements, a practice that often leads to permanent damage to banknotes.

“The Central Bank of Kenya has 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 said.

According to the Bank, such practices involve folding, rolling, gluing, taping, stapling, or pinning currency notes, actions that compromise the integrity of banknotes and render them unfit for circulation.

“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials,” the statement read.

“Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.”

CBK warned that damaged notes interfere with the smooth operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash-counting machines, and sorting systems.

“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment,” CBK noted, adding that this leads to increased rejection of banknotes and premature withdrawal from circulation at a cost borne by both the public and the Bank.

While acknowledging that cash gifts are a common cultural practice, CBK emphasized that money should not be altered, damaged, or defaced in the process.

“While 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 Bank said.

“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.”

The Bank further reminded the public that defacing currency is a criminal offence under Kenyan law. Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes issued by lawful authority.

“Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code,” CBK warned.

CBK urged Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts and to refrain from practices that compromise the integrity of the national currency.

“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,” the statement concluded.