The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) issued a strict warning on February 2, 2026, against the misuse of banknotes for decorative purposes, specifically targeting practices like creating “cash flower bouquets.” The CBK emphasized that such actions deface legal tender and have significant legal and economic ramifications.

• The advisory highlights that folding, rolling, gluing, taping, stapling, or pinning banknotes interferes with automated currency processing machines, rendering notes unfit for circulation prematurely.
• The CBK explicitly cited Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya), which criminalizes the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes, reminding the public that this is a punishable offense.
• The premature withdrawal of damaged banknotes creates an “avoidable cost” for both the Bank and the public, as funds are diverted to replace currency that was unnecessarily damaged.