The Central Bank of Kenya issued a public notice warning against the growing use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, such as cash flower bouquets and ornamental displays, where notes are altered or damaged. CBK cited practices including folding, rolling, gluing, taping, stapling, and pinning banknotes, which compromise note integrity, disrupt cash-handling and processing equipment such as ATMs and counting and sorting machines, and increase banknote rejection and premature withdrawal and replacement costs. The Bank reminded the public that Section 367 of Kenya’s Penal Code prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes, while noting that gifting cash is acceptable provided it does not involve actions that damage or deface banknotes; it urged the use of non-damaging alternatives and said it will continue public sensitization and stakeholder engagement.
Central Bank of Kenya 2026-02-02
Central Bank of Kenya warns public to stop defacing Kenya Shilling banknotes used for decorative cash gifts
The Central Bank of Kenya issued a notice warning against using Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative purposes, which damages the notes and disrupts cash-handling equipment. The Bank emphasized that defacing currency is prohibited under Section 367 of Kenya’s Penal Code and encouraged non-damaging alternatives for gifting cash.