NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 – The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned against the growing practice of using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including cash flower bouquets and ornamental displays.
In a public notice, the CBK said it has observed cases where banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled or pinned to create decorative arrangements, a practice that damages currency and renders it unfit for circulation.
The Bank noted that the use of adhesives, pins and staples compromises the integrity of banknotes and interferes with the operation of cash-handling equipment such as ATMs, cash counting machines and sorting systems. This leads to higher rejection rates and forces the premature withdrawal and replacement of damaged notes, increasing costs to both the public and the Bank.
While CBK said it does not object to the use of cash as a gift, it emphasized that such gifts should not involve actions that alter, deface or damage banknotes.
“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 said.
CBK also reminded the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code prohibits the defacement, mutilation or impairment of currency notes. Any person found to have willfully damaged currency issued by lawful authority commits an offence under Kenyan law.
The Bank urged Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts and to avoid practices that compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes.
CBK said it will continue with public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to safeguard the quality, usability and public confidence in the national currency.
