In Kenya, making a bouquet out of money as a “declaration of love” may turn not into “romance” but into a violation of the law. Ahead of February 14 — Valentine’s Day — the country’s Central Bank warned the public, stating that cases of using banknotes as bouquets and decoration have increased.
According to officials, recently Kenyan shilling banknotes have been glued, stapled, and even pinned with needles. What may seem at first glance like a “beautiful gift” in fact damages the integrity of money: banknotes are harmed, become unfit for circulation, and in some cases reprocessing rejections also increase. As a result, banknotes have to be withdrawn from circulation ahead of time and replaced.
The Central Bank emphasizes that it is not against giving cash as a gift. However, such a gift must be in a form that does not alter, damage, or spoil banknotes. In other words, “for love” gluing and piercing money is not a good idea.
According to Article 367 of Kenya’s Criminal Code, damaging the integrity of currency banknotes, harming them, or rendering them unfit is prohibited. Under the law, a person found guilty may be punished by up to 3 months of imprisonment, a fine of 2,000 shillings (about 15.50 US dollars), or both together.
Interestingly, Kenya is not alone in this matter. In March 2023, the Bank of Ghana also called on people to refrain from making baskets and bouquets out of cash.
The conclusion is simple: you can be romantic, but not by tearing money “for decor.” Where there is love, let there also be reason — then both the wallet and the law will say thank you.
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