Kenya Bans Cash Bouquets Ahead of Valentine’s Day

Authorities in Kenya have outlawed the use of bank notes to create decorative gift bouquets, ending a popular romantic trend that had gained traction among couples, especially in Nairobi.

The directive was issued by the Central Bank of Kenya ahead of Valentine’s Day, making it illegal to fold or arrange currency into floral-style displays. The practice, widely known as “money bouquets,” involved shaping colourful notes into petal-like forms and assembling them into decorative bunches, often presented as gifts of affection.

In recent years, the trend had spread rapidly, fueled by social media tutorials showing step-by-step methods for folding, taping, or gluing bank notes into elaborate designs. Supporters described the bouquets as combining romance with practicality, since recipients could later dismantle them and spend the cash.

The central bank’s decision effectively halts the craze, which had become increasingly visible not only in Kenya but also across parts of East Africa and some areas of Asia.

While officials did not immediately detail penalties, the move signals growing concern among regulators about the handling and alteration of legal tender, which monetary authorities generally prohibit to protect currency integrity and circulation.

The ban comes just as florists and gift vendors typically experience peak demand for romantic presents, potentially reshaping Valentine’s Day gift trends across the country.