For as long as many residents of Nairobi can remember, the Kenyan capital has been awash with red every 14 February. On Valentine's Day, people are dressed in red, the colour of love and romance, or are carrying red roses. Traders are quick to cash in, selling fresh blooms from local farms, as Kenya is one of the world's top producers of cut flowers.
Recently though, instead of the soft red petals, some people have been opting for the brown, blue or purple of crisp banknotes, folded, rolled or fastened together into floral-like bouquets. The trend has spread to other African countries and has become so pervasive that it has drawn the concern of central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia. They have all issued public warnings against damaging or defacing banknotes when making these bouquets of cash.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) states that in many instances, banknotes are glued, taped, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed. Damaged notes can then be rejected by automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-sorting equipment, meaning they have to be withdrawn from circulation, costing taxpayers.
In its notice, the CBK said it was not opposed to the use of cash gifts - only to practices that damaged notes, which could lead to jail sentences of up to seven years for creators of money bouquets. Cash bouquets have been popularized by celebrities and online influencers, who often share videos presenting such gifts.
The discussions around this trend reflect deeper societal issues, with some arguing that it promotes materialism and a culture of buying love. Others appreciate the convenience and practicality of cash gifts, especially during occasions like Valentine's Day, birthdays, or weddings. Florists like Angela Muthoni in Nairobi report a surge in orders for money bouquets, despite the central bank's warnings, indicating that people continue to embrace this new gift-giving style.
The popularity of money bouquets aligns with a broader cultural shift in Kenya, where the notion of gifting money rather than flowers is becoming increasingly acceptable. This change invites further reflection on how society balances traditional customs with evolving views on love and relationships.
Recently though, instead of the soft red petals, some people have been opting for the brown, blue or purple of crisp banknotes, folded, rolled or fastened together into floral-like bouquets. The trend has spread to other African countries and has become so pervasive that it has drawn the concern of central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and Namibia. They have all issued public warnings against damaging or defacing banknotes when making these bouquets of cash.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) states that in many instances, banknotes are glued, taped, stapled, pinned or otherwise affixed. Damaged notes can then be rejected by automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-sorting equipment, meaning they have to be withdrawn from circulation, costing taxpayers.
In its notice, the CBK said it was not opposed to the use of cash gifts - only to practices that damaged notes, which could lead to jail sentences of up to seven years for creators of money bouquets. Cash bouquets have been popularized by celebrities and online influencers, who often share videos presenting such gifts.
The discussions around this trend reflect deeper societal issues, with some arguing that it promotes materialism and a culture of buying love. Others appreciate the convenience and practicality of cash gifts, especially during occasions like Valentine's Day, birthdays, or weddings. Florists like Angela Muthoni in Nairobi report a surge in orders for money bouquets, despite the central bank's warnings, indicating that people continue to embrace this new gift-giving style.
The popularity of money bouquets aligns with a broader cultural shift in Kenya, where the notion of gifting money rather than flowers is becoming increasingly acceptable. This change invites further reflection on how society balances traditional customs with evolving views on love and relationships.
