Kenya’s central bank has issued a warning to the public against using banknotes for decorative purposes, including cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and other artistic arrangements.
In a public notice, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) cautioned that practices such as folding, gluing, stapling, pinning, or otherwise altering Kenya shilling notes cause damage to the currency and disrupt the operation of ATMs and cash-processing machines.
According to the CBK, damaged banknotes are frequently rejected during automated processing, leading to their early withdrawal from circulation and resulting in higher replacement costs for the financial system.
While the central bank acknowledged that cash gifts are permitted, it stressed that banknotes must not be defaced, mutilated, or altered in any form.
The CBK further reminded the public that Kenyan law prohibits the mutilation of currency, urging individuals and businesses to handle banknotes responsibly to preserve their integrity and usability.
The warning comes amid growing trends of using cash as part of celebratory decorations at weddings, parties, and social events.
