Cash bouquets no more? CBK ban divides Kenyans

Yvonne Munaw adds the finishing touches to a money bouquet for her client at her Nakuru gift shop on Valentine's Day. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Neatly folded notes shaped into petals and tied with ribbons, money bouquets had become a popular way for Kenyans to gift cash with flair. From birthdays and graduations to weddings and proposals, the trend transformed ordinary banknotes into centrepieces, blending celebration with creativity. The practice gained traction in 2024, driven largely by social media and a growing appetite for personalised, aesthetic gifts. As demand grew, the business evolved: customers provided the cash, florists charged a service fee for arranging it, often depending on the amount involved and the complexity of the design. For some small traders, money bouquets became a steady source of income, especially during peak seasons such as graduations, weddings, and holidays. Florists typically charge between Sh3,500 and Sh10,000 per bouquet. One online store, Nairobi Gifters, for instance, charged Sh10,000 to arrange a Sh100,000 bouquet, Sh5,000 for a Sh30,000 bouquet, and Sh3,500 for a Sh15,000. But that creative flourish has now hit a regulatory wall. The Central Bank of Kenya's (CBK) decision to ban money bouquets has sparked mixed reactions. While some welcomed the move, others questioned why such a trend drew the attention of the financial regulator, just days before Valentine's Day. What is your opinion on CBK's warning against using banknotes to create cash flower bouquets and decorative money displays during celebrations?#SDEngagements pic.twitter.com/FKPJ9NfoSP - The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 3, 2026 On social media, opinions varied. X user @tekinsaeko dismissed the trend: "If I want to send money, I'll use conventional means. Kenya has plenty of flowers for that." Others on the ground shared similar sentiments. Florist, speaking to a local publication, said: "I had a bouquet worth Sh30,000, which I had charged Sh7,500, and now that money, I have to refund it. It is unfortunate, but there is nothing we can do." Another Kenyan, Killiad Msafiri, said, "If I want to give you money, I'll give you money, not in a bouquet. I'm happy this trend is stopping because people were mostly doing it for show." Charles Otieno echoed this, adding, "I am very happy because the field has now been levelled." However, women, who were largely seen as the main beneficiaries, expressed a different view. Betty Njeru questioned the reasoning behind the ban, arguing it was misplaced. "CBK should go to public service vehicles and see the condition of notes used as fare, then compare them to money bouquets, which are neatly folded. They should clearly explain why they are banning money bouquets; it cannot simply be about defacing currency." She also questioned the timing. "During the month of love? Really? Women can't just enjoy nice things?" Journalist Okumu Modachi shared a similar view, noting that the practice did not damage the currency. "The way the money is folded does not tamper with it. It still retains its shape. Unless the issue is about people flaunting cash, defacing is neither here nor there," he said. A 100 thousand Money Bouquet ready for sale. [Nairobi Gifters] Others urged restraint. Denis Omondi insisted the ban should not be taken personally. "If the intention to gift is there, people will still gift their loved ones this Valentine's Day," he said. "The concerns raised by CBK are valid, and there are other ways to show appreciation." Still, some Kenyans remained conflicted. Robert described money bouquets as thoughtful, while acknowledging the regulator's concerns. "People express love differently. Even if CBK has valid reasons, they should have involved the public through participation instead of making the decision unilaterally." Their remarks come a day after CBK raised concerns over the defacing and mishandling of currency, noting that folding, stapling, or taping banknotes makes them difficult to process, hence unsuitable for circulation. According to the regulator, anyone found creating cash bouquets with the Kenyan currency risks a fine of up to Sh2,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both. While the practice had gained popularity in Kenya, money bouquets are not unique to the country. Similar cash arrangements have appeared in parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States, though many countries enforce strict rules on handling and displaying currency.

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