CBK hits a sour note for lovers' day

For a while, money bouquets have become a popular Valentine’s Day gift, especially among young lovers, often replacing traditional flowers and chocolates. However, as Valentine’s Day approaches, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public warning against the growing trend, citing concerns over currency misuse and damage to banknotes.

In a public notice dated February 2, 2026, CBK cautioned Kenyans against damaging Kenya Shilling banknotes in the name of decorative and celebratory displays. The regulator said it has observed an increase in the use of banknotes for decorative purposes, including cash flower bouquets and ornamental arrangements, practices that compromise the integrity of currency and interfere with cash processing.

The bank noted that in many instances, notes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or affixed using adhesives and fastening materials actions that damage banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.

“Kenyan currency must be handled with care. Any action that defaces or mutilates a banknote is an offence punishable by law,” the regulator warned, urging couples to explore alternative gift ideas that do not involve cash decorations.

Before the CBK notice was released, bouquet vendors especially those dealing in money bouquets, had already begun early preparations for Valentine’s Day in anticipation of high demand. The warning has dealt a major blow to vendors who had invested heavily in the seasonal business, with many reporting widespread order cancellations just a fortnight to the day.

Many vendors had started planning designs and sourcing materials weeks in advance. They purchased wrapping papers, ribbons, artificial flowers, baskets, LED lights, and accessories in bulk to avoid shortages and rising prices closer to Valentine’s Day.

“I had already bought materials and hired two extra people in preparation for Valentine’s. This was supposed to be my biggest sales period of the year. I normally avoid last-minute rushes, so everything was set before the CBK press release came out,” said Shiksmsanii, a small-scale vendor operating in Nairobi’s CBD.

Another vendor, Maria Kandles, who mainly operates through social media, said the losses go beyond materials. “I had prepared sample designs and took promotional photos early to use for marketing,” she said.

While some Kenyans have welcomed the move, arguing that money bouquets promote waste and unnecessary pressure to display wealth, others say the directive came too late. Supporters of the ban also cite security concerns, noting that delivery riders are increasingly exposed to danger when transporting large amounts of cash.

However, critics argue that the warning should have been issued earlier to give vendors time to adjust, especially in the current tough economic climate where many have already incurred losses.

CBK urged Kenyans to refrain from practices that compromise banknotes and to adopt alternative, non-damaging ways of presenting monetary gifts. The regulator added that it will continue public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality and usability of currency in circulation. It also reminded the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, vendors are now scrambling to rebrand their offerings, while couples rethink how to express love without folding shillings into roses.

“Those who came into this business without experience are the ones who caused the problem,” said Shiksmsanii. “Some used staples and glue, but many of us use sellotape, skewers, ribbons, oasis foam, or LED lights depending on the client’s order.”

According to the monetary authority, damaged notes interfere with cash-handling equipment such as ATMs, cash-counting machines, and sorting devices. This results in higher rejection rates during processing and premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, causing avoidable costs to both the public and the bank.

Some vendors have urged CBK to  issue clearer guidelines on safer alternatives. One vendor who specializes in cake bouquet designs said she had already baked cakes ready for decoration, with some orders nearly ready for delivery before the press statement was released. She maintains that her method does not damage the notes and says she is now stranded.

Overall, money bouquet vendors thrive on seasonal demand, personalization, and emotional appeal, making Valentine’s Day one of their most profitable periods. This year, however, love may have to be expressed a little differently.