Kenyans get creative with Valentine’s cash gifts after CBK warning

The new ways Kenyans are making money bouquets/SCREENSHOT

Kenyans have once again displayed their famed creativity, coming up with new ways to present money bouquets ahead of Valentine’s Day following a Central Bank of Kenya warning against decorating or altering banknotes.

Traditionally, Valentine’s gifting has revolved around red roses, chocolates and, in recent years, elaborate money bouquets.

However, CBK recently warned that folding, stapling, pinning or decorating banknotes compromises the integrity of the currency and renders it unfit for circulation.

The notice prompted mixed reactions online, particularly from Kenyans who had embraced money bouquets as a popular expression of affection.

Rather than abandoning the trend altogether, Kenyans appear to have adapted it.

Several TikTok videos circulating online show alternative gifting styles designed to comply with the CBK directive while retaining the sentimental appeal of cash gifts.

In one widely shared video, a Sh200 note is carefully placed inside a neat, transparent foldable pocket meant to protect the currency from damage.

The package is accompanied by a poster reading, “39 reasons why I love you.”

According to the narrator, the pockets are intended to preserve the banknotes while still allowing them to be part of a creative presentation.

Each pocket is sealed and pinned with a small white tag highlighting a reason for love, such as “Reason 1: You are generous,” with the process repeated using different notes to list various traits admired in the recipient.

Another TikTok video that caught the attention of netizens features a more elaborate design being sold commercially.

In the clip, a red gift box wrapped with string and decorated with heart symbols opens into multiple sections, each containing pockets holding Sh1,000 notes.

At the centre is another box, which opens to reveal yet another similar design, creating a “box within a box within a box” effect.

The videos sparked lively reactions across social media, with users praising the creativity while others poked fun at the situation.

“Woow! Kenyans are so talented, keep up and good job,” commented Queen Kush.

Masoai, a social media user, jokingly took a jab at the regulator, writing, “CBK hawaamini,” accompanied by laughing emojis.

Another user, Min K&S, joked, “No weapon formed against money bouquet shall ever prosper, hallelujah!” also punctuated with laughter.

Some netizens were curious about the commercial aspect of the new designs.

One user asked, “How much for Sh30k?” and was told the packaging would cost Sh3,950. Another inquired about buying the box alone, only to be informed that it had to include money.

Others offered humorous commentary on the evolving trend.

“Hii mapenzi imekuwa biashara, single forever (These days, love has become a business—single forever),” joked Mkuruu K.E, while Koihkago said he had already seen someone tag CBK under the video.

Pamishon, another user, summed up the sentiment by remarking, “Akili ya Wakenya,” loosely translated as “the minds of Kenyans.”

As Valentine’s Day on February 14 approaches, the latest reactions highlight how Kenyans continue to balance romance, regulation and innovation—turning even official warnings into an opportunity for creativity and conversation.