Gift and flower shop owners in Nakuru are grappling with losses and hurried innovation ahead of Valentine’s Day following a warning by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) against the use of currency notes in decorative items such as money bouquets, popularly known as manibuke.

In a public notice dated February 2, 2026, CBK raised concern over the growing trend of using Kenya Shilling banknotes for celebratory decorations, including cash flower bouquets and ornamental displays.

The Bank warned that practices such as folding, stapling, pinning, taping, or gluing notes damage currency, interfere with ATMs and cash-counting machines, and lead to premature withdrawal of banknotes.

The directive has had an immediate impact on Nakuru traders who had heavily invested in the Valentine’s season.

Bronze Owino, founder of Nakuru Giftshop, says he has completely stopped making money bouquets despite receiving close to 100 confirmed orders and targeting at least 200 before February 14.

“I won’t be doing money bouquets this Valentine’s. Once the report came out, I had to stop. If the government wants to frustrate your business, they will," Owino says.

Money bouquet made by Bronze Owino, founder of Nakuru Giftshop, in February 2024

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Owino explains that most of his orders involved amounts of Sh 10,000 and above, requiring him to withdraw specific denominations from the bank. Following the CBK notice, he was forced to refund some customers while others opted to switch to alternative gifts such as flower baskets and hampers.

He estimates significant losses, noting that the cost of making a single money bouquet ranged between Sh 1,500 and Sh 8,500, earning he has to forgore following CBK's announcement.

“For nearly 100 orders, you can already see the loss. Despite using new notes and avoiding glue or staples, the risk of sanctions was too high," he notes

At the Maasai Market Northway florist owner Paul Karanja notes some traders are choosing adaptation over total withdrawal.

He describes the CBK directive as disappointing but says it has pushed businesses to become more creative.

“We thought we had an opportunity for a bustling sale on valentines, but we might not hit our targets. Still, we are creative. We are coming up with different gift ideas for ladies and men.” he notes

Unlike Owino, Karanja says his shop has not cancelled existing orders but is redesigning how cash gifts are presented while complying with the law.

He explains that they are now using boxes, baskets, and floral foam to hold notes without folding or fastening them and adding message cards to convey sentiments.

“We are using boxes and baskets, placing the money without folding. Before the 14th, we will have ideas that will satisfy our clients.” he adds.

Karanja notes the changes, however, are likely to push prices slightly higher due to the cost of new packaging materials. Previously, the minimum charge for making a money bouquet was Sh 1,500, depending on the number of notes used. With the new designs, he notes the minimum prize will shoot to sh 2,500.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many Nakuru businesses are shifting focus back to flowers and gift hampers, prioritizing compliance with the law to avoid imprisonment and fine over profits while racing to retain customers through innovation.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Clients cancel orders, florists devise new strategies following Central Bank's directive on money bouquets

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia