The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned the public against using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative or celebratory purposes, saying such practices damage currency and disrupt normal cash circulation.
The warning follows an increase in cases where people use cash in flower bouquets, gift displays, and other ornamental arrangements.
In a public notice, the Bank said many notes used in these displays end up folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, or pinned.
According to CBK, these actions weaken the physical quality of banknotes and make them unsuitable for circulation.
The Bank explained that attaching materials such as glue, staples, and pins to notes interferes with cash-handling systems.
These include automated teller machines, counting machines, and sorting equipment used by banks and businesses. Damaged notes are often rejected by machines, which slows processing and increases operational costs.
CBK said damaged currency must be removed from circulation earlier than expected and replaced with new notes.
That replacement process creates avoidable expenses for both the Bank and the public. For that reason, the regulator wants people to stop turning banknotes into decorative items.
The notice makes it clear that giving cash as a gift is allowed, but altering or damaging the notes is not. The Bank stressed that currency should stay clean and intact so it can continue to serve its main roles in the economy.
These roles include acting as a medium of exchange, a unit for pricing goods and services, and a store of value.
CBK also pointed to the legal risks involved. Under Section 367 of the Penal Code, it is an offence to mutilate, deface, or impair any currency note issued by lawful authority.
Anyone who deliberately damages banknotes can face legal consequences.
To avoid these risks, the Bank urged the public to use alternative ways of presenting monetary gifts that do not harm the notes.
Simple envelopes or gift cards achieve the purpose without interfering with the quality of the currency.
The regulator said it will continue running public awareness campaigns and working with stakeholders to protect the condition and reliability of Kenya Shilling banknotes.
Maintaining trust in the currency depends on keeping notes usable and fit for daily transactions.
The advisory, issued on February 2, 2026, serves as a direct reminder that celebrations and creativity should not involve damaging money.
CBK wants citizens to handle banknotes with care and avoid any practice that reduces their usability or circulation life.
