Money damage banned in Kenya ahead of Valentine's Day

In Kenya, a strict warning has been issued regarding the practice of making bouquets from cash ahead of Valentine's Day. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

The country's Central Bank, in a statement issued on February 14, reminded that using banknotes as bouquets or gift decorations is against the law. This was reported by CNN.

It has been noted that recently in Kenya, the use of shilling banknotes as decorative bouquets has increased. This can negatively affect the integrity of the national currency.

Because attaching banknotes with glue, staples, or pins damages them and renders them unfit for circulation. As a result, such banknotes must be rejected during the processing stage or withdrawn and replaced before their due time.

Therefore, while the Central Bank does not oppose presenting cash as a gift, it recommends refraining from altering, damaging, or defacing banknotes. According to Article 367 of the Kenya Penal Code, damaging currency banknotes, compromising their integrity, or rendering them unfit is prohibited.

Persons who violate this rule may face up to 3 months imprisonment, a fine of 2000 shillings (approximately 15.5 US dollars), or both penalties.