CBK has placed a ban on money bouquets, putting some Kenyans in a romantic dilemma: break the law for a heart-tugging trend or fall back on classic romantic gestures such as traditional flower bouquets.
In a recent reminder, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) pointed out that under the Laws of Kenya, it is illegal to deface, cut, tear, or otherwise mutilate bank notes. Offenders risk up to three months in jail, a fine of up to KES 2000, or both.
This adds a whole new meaning to being imprisoned by love.
The notice may hurt businesses that had embraced money bouquets as a growing market for luxury or ornamental gifts. For customers, it marks the end of a particularly unique way to show loved ones just how much they matter.
Who needs a wallet when you can hand over a bouquet of rent money?
To be fair, the trend isn’t uniquely Kenyan. Money bouquets are popular in other countries and are widely sold on online platforms. In many cases, these designs include slots or holders that allow buyers to slide notes in without gluing, stapling, or pinning them.
Some folding or rolling may still be unavoidable, but CBK maintains that even this compromises the integrity of Kenyan bank notes, rendering them unsuitable for circulation.
And honestly, who can blame them? Most of us prefer clean, crisp notes and are quick to reject torn or heavily battered ones.
The reminder may be unpopular right now, but hey — it is the law. Fortunately, there are plenty of other legal ways to express affection without risking a fine or maybe jail time.
