Kenyans Embrace Cash Bouquets for Valentine's Day Amid Controversy

Sun Feb 15 2026 01:17:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Valentine's Day approaches, a rising trend of gifting cash bouquets in Kenya has taken the spotlight, stirring debates over materialism and its implications on traditional gifting customs.

In Nairobi, Valentine's Day celebrations have adopted a new twist with the emergence of cash bouquets, where rolled banknotes are arranged like flowers. The trend has sparked discussions about consumerism and the warnings from central banks regarding the potential damage to cash notes. While some embrace the idea for its practicality, others express concerns over increasing materialism in expressions of love.

Kenyans Embrace Cash Bouquets for Valentine's Day Amid Controversy

For many Nairobi residents, Valentine's Day has long been a day filled with romantic gestures, characterized by the bright red of roses and heartfelt gifts. However, a new trend is emerging in the Kenyan capital, where instead of delicate flowers, some are choosing "cash bouquets" crafted from folded banknotes.

These cash bouquets have grown in popularity, with reports of customers placing orders for floral arrangements made not from petals but from banknotes of various denominations. Each bouquet can range from a modest 1,000 shillings (about $8) to extravagant amounts reaching 1 million shillings.

While the trend has gained traction not just in Kenya but across neighboring African countries, it has not been without warning. Central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, and Namibia have issued advisories warning against the practice, citing potential damage to banknotes. The Central Bank of Kenya recently cautioned that such acts could lead to damaged notes being deemed unfit for circulation, ultimately costing taxpayers.

While many celebrate the practicality of gifting money—removing the stress of selecting a gift altogether—critics argue this trend highlights a shift towards materialism in expressions of love, questioning the depth of romance in giving cash as opposed to thoughtful gifts.

Florists like Angela Muthoni report an influx of orders leading up to Valentine's Day, even amidst the central bank's warnings. She notes that some customers have innovatively requested money be included in bouquets without damaging the notes, indicating a desire for both aesthetic appeal and financial practicality.

The discussion has sparked a social media frenzy as society grapples with the implications of merging cash gifting with traditional sentiments, suggesting a cultural shift influenced by capitalist ideals. Economic experts point to the inherent pressures of materialistic expectations on relationships, with some calling for a return to more wholesome traditions of gifting flowers or heartfelt messages.

Despite the reservations, many express excitement over the idea of cash gifts, pondering whether society's notions of romance are evolving with the changing economy and preferences. The lasting impact of this trend remains to be seen, but it's clear that cash bouquets have captured the imagination—and wallets—of many in Nairobi.