CBK warns against damaging Kenya shilling notes for decorative purposes

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has cautioned the public against using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative or celebratory displays, warning that the growing trend of creating cash flower bouquets and similar arrangements damages currency and disrupts cash processing.

In a public notice issued on Monday, the CBK said it has observed increasing use of banknotes for ornamental purposes, including folding, rolling, gluing, taping, stapling, pinning, or attaching notes with adhesives practices that render them unfit for circulation.

It stated that the alteration or defacement of currency notes affects the efficient operation of cash-handling equipment, including ATMs, cash-counting machines, and sorting devices. This leads to higher rejection rates and forces premature withdrawal and replacement of notes, resulting in unnecessary costs to both the public and the bank.

While the CBK acknowledged that giving cash as gifts is acceptable, it urged that such gifts should not involve damaging or altering banknotes.

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The bank emphasized that currency should remain in a condition that allows it to circulate freely and perform its intended functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.

The central bank also reminded Kenyans that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes, noting that anyone who willfully damages currency issued by lawful authority commits an offence.

The CBK called on the public to adopt alternative, non-damaging ways of presenting monetary gifts and said it will continue public sensitization and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality and usability of currency in circulation.

By Obegi Malack

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