Can’t Buy Love? Kenya Bans Bouquets Made of Cash.

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Matthew Mpoke Bigg, Brian O. Otieno and Ed RamFebruary 13, 2026 at 08:00 PM

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Ahead of Valentine's Day, the Central Bank of Kenya has banned the creation and sale of bouquets made from cash. These money bouquets, popular in Kenya and other parts of East Africa and Asia, involve folding banknotes into floral arrangements. The bouquets had become a popular gift, offering both a symbol of love and a practical monetary value. The ban is due to the practice being considered a defacement of currency. The cash bouquets had also become a profitable revenue stream for Kenyan flower sellers, who often operate online and deliver via motorcycle. Sellers report that cash bouquets can be twice as profitable as traditional flower arrangements.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Asia 30% Westgate Mall 30% Annette Miya 40% East Africa ×240% Stephen Mbugua 40% Mary Kanini 50% Nairobi City Market ×250% Nairobi ×370% Kenya ×480% Central Bank of Kenya 90%

Keywords

cash bouquets 100% kenya 80% currency defacement 70% valentine's day 60% flower industry 60% floral arrangements 50% central bank of kenya 50% social media 40%