The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has urged citizens to refrain from using the Kenya shilling banknotes in a manner that compromises the integrity of the notes.
Occasions in Kenya, such as Valentine’s Day and birthday celebrations, have seen people gift their loved ones bouquets with banknotes, a growing trend that CBK has noticed.
Individuals use banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets and ornamental displays.
In a statement, CBK elaborated that utilizing banknotes for such uses compromises their integrity, rendering them unsuitable for circulation.
“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials. Such practices compromise the integrity of the Kenya shilling banknote and render them unsuitable for circulation,” it explained.
An avoidable cost
CBK added that the damage caused to banknotes during the preparation of the cash bouquets comes at an avoidable cost to the Bank and members of the public.
“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages bank notes.This results in increased rejection of banknotes during processing and leads to the premature withdrawal and replacement of currency, at an avoidable cost to the public and the Bank,” it added.
Furthermore, the Bank elaborated that the damage caused by adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines, and sorting equipment.
CBK implored members of the public to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts.
“While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes. 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.”
Following the law
CBK went further to remind members of the public that the laws of Kenya prohibit the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes.
“CBK wishes to remind the public that Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes. Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code.”
Additionally, the Bank expressed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency in circulation adding that it will continue to undertake public sensitization and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality, usability, and public confidence in the country’s banknotes.
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