On Valentine's Day, Nairobi typically transforms with vibrant displays of red flowers and attire, symbolizing love and romance. However, an emerging trend has seen some residents opting for bouquets of rolled and folded banknotes instead of traditional flowers.
This innovative twist on gifting has rapidly spread beyond Kenya, prompting central banks across Africa, including those in Uganda and Botswana, to issue cautionary statements against the practice.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) highlighted concerns over damaged banknotes, warning that affixing or altering the currency could lead to rejection by ATMs and cash-sorting machines, resulting in financial losses for taxpayers.
Despite the potential risks, cash bouquets have gained traction, particularly as influencers and celebrities flaunt them on social media. Florist Angela Muthoni notes that customer demand spikes around Valentine's Day, with customers ordering up to 20 bouquets per day.
Nevertheless, skepticism surrounds the implications of this trend, with many arguing it promotes materialism and diminishes the sentimental value traditionally associated with romantic gestures. Critics assert that such practices can foster unhealthy expectations in relationships.
Experts attribute the rise of money bouquets to a larger cultural shift influenced by market-driven values and social media pressures, sparking a divisive conversation about love and materialism in modern society.
