As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples across East Africa are rethinking popular cash gift trends after Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania launched a joint crackdown on “money bouquets.”
Money bouquets — where banknotes are folded, pinned, glued, or shaped into flowers — have become popular in recent years for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and Valentine’s Day. Often shared on social media, the trend is seen as a symbol of luxury and affection.
However, central banks in the three countries now say the practice is illegal and damages national currencies.
Kenya: Heavy fines and possible jail time
In Kenya, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently issued a strong warning, citing Section 367 of the Penal Code, which prohibits the mutilation or defacement of currency.
CBK explained that folding, stapling, pinning, and gluing banknotes destroys their quality and security features. According to the bank, damaged notes:
Cannot circulate properly
Cause errors in ATMs and counting machines
Increase the cost of replacing currency
The bank warned that anyone making, selling, or gifting money bouquets risks facing fines or imprisonment.
Uganda calls it a “war on the Shilling”
In Uganda, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has taken an even tougher position, calling the trend a “war on the Shilling.”
Ugandan authorities say banknotes are public property and must not be treated as craft materials. Pinning and gluing notes, they argue, destroys key security features and amounts to economic sabotage.
The BoU has warned florists and “money stylists” that they are being monitored and that offenders will be prosecuted for rendering legal tender unusable.
Tanzania steps up monitoring
In Tanzania, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has reinforced its Clean Money Policy to align with its regional neighbours.
The BoT says frequent replacement of damaged notes is expensive and places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Authorities have begun monitoring social media platforms where money bouquets are advertised, especially in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Any deliberate damage to currency, the bank says, violates national financial laws.
Impact on businesses and gift-givers
The crackdown has affected small businesses, especially florists who charge premium fees for money bouquet designs. Many have been forced to cancel Valentine’s Day orders to avoid legal trouble.
However, the central banks say they are not discouraging generosity, only unsafe methods. They are encouraging alternatives such as:
Placing flat notes in decorative boxes
Using envelopes or glass displays
Avoiding glue, pins, staples, or tight folding
Clear message this Valentine’s season
As East Africa moves toward stricter financial discipline, authorities say the message is simple: celebrate love without destroying money.
“Be generous,” the regulators warn, “but keep the Shilling safe.”
