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You Can’t Gift Money on Valentine’s Day (The Way You Used To) CBK Warns

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, Kenyans are known for their flamboyant displays of affection. From sprawling bouquets of roses to the now-viral money bouquets and cash-laden gift boxes, the stakes for romantic gestures have never been higher. However, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) just threw a wet blanket over the most popular trend in the Kenyan dating scene.

In a public notice issued on February 2, 2026, the CBK flagged the decorative use of the Kenya Shilling, specifically targeting the trend of using banknotes in flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and celebrations.

Is the CBK anti-romance?

It’s not the act of giving money that the CBK opposes, but rather how the money is being handled. According to the regulator, the process of creating these elaborate displays often involves:

  • Glues that leave permanent residue.

  • Metal fasteners that tear through the security features of the notes.

  • Excessive manipulation that makes notes unfit for circulation.

“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment,” the CBK stated. This damage forces the bank to withdraw and replace currency prematurely, a cost that ultimately falls on the Kenyan taxpayer.

What are the consequences?

The warning isn’t just a polite suggestion. The CBK reminded the public that defacing national currency is a criminal offence under Section 367 of the Penal Code.

If you are caught willfully defacing, mutilating, or impairing a banknote, which includes stapling it to a flower or glueing it into a frame, you could be liable for a fine, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. For those planning a viral money rain video or a cash-pinned outfit, the legal risks are not worth the clout.

Can you still give cash?

Yes, but you have to be boring about it. The CBK clarified that it does not object to monetary gifts, provided the notes remain in a condition that allows them to circulate freely.

If you want to keep your Valentine’s Day both romantic and legal, here are some suggestions:

  1. The classic Khaki or decorative envelope is still safe.

  2. M-Pesa remains the king of convenience.

  3. A secure way to gift large sums without damaging physical notes.

This February 14th, a money bouquet may look good on Instagram, but it could look even worse in a police report. If you really want to show your partner the money, keep the notes crisp, clean, and cut with love.

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Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh

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Police in Nairobi are investigating a tragic incident in which a 17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a confrontation with his peers in the Eastleigh area.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026, has led to the arrest of three suspects. According to authorities, the suspects, who were described as friends of the victim, are currently in custody awaiting arraignment.

Witness accounts and video footage recorded at the scene depict a chaotic scene involving approximately ten young boys clashing. The footage shows the victim falling to the ground as he was repeatedly stabbed by members of the group.

Nairobi police boss Isaa Mohamud confirmed that the assailants initially fled the scene following the attack. However, a quick response by law enforcement led to the tracing and subsequent arrest of three primary suspects.

“The body of the deceased was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest and back,” police stated. The remains have since been moved to a local mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

While the exact motive behind the fatal fight remains unclear, authorities noted that the victim was a student at a nearby school.

Law enforcement officials expressed concern over the rising trend of violent attacks among youth in the Eastleigh neighbourhood. Mr Mohamud emphasised that police have intensified efforts to curb the violence, noting that several youths linked to similar incidents in the area have recently been arrested and prosecuted.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh

Published

on

Police in Nairobi are investigating a tragic incident in which a 17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a confrontation with his peers in the Eastleigh area.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026, has led to the arrest of three suspects. According to authorities, the suspects, who were described as friends of the victim, are currently in custody awaiting arraignment.

Witness accounts and video footage recorded at the scene depict a chaotic scene involving approximately ten young boys clashing. The footage shows the victim falling to the ground as he was repeatedly stabbed by members of the group.

Nairobi police boss Isaa Mohamud confirmed that the assailants initially fled the scene following the attack. However, a quick response by law enforcement led to the tracing and subsequent arrest of three primary suspects.

“The body of the deceased was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest and back,” police stated. The remains have since been moved to a local mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

While the exact motive behind the fatal fight remains unclear, authorities noted that the victim was a student at a nearby school.

Law enforcement officials expressed concern over the rising trend of violent attacks among youth in the Eastleigh neighbourhood. Mr Mohamud emphasised that police have intensified efforts to curb the violence, noting that several youths linked to similar incidents in the area have recently been arrested and prosecuted.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Heartbreak as Body of 12-Year-Old Blessed Claire Muthoni Arrives Home from India

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Kenyans are mourning the loss of Blessed Claire Muthoni, a brave 12-year-old girl from Kihuri in Othaya, Nyeri County, who passed away while undergoing specialised cancer treatment in New Delhi. Claire had been fighting stage 4 cancer for over three years.

The aggressive disease took a heavy toll on her young body, eventually leading to the amputation of one of her legs. Despite the pain and the many challenges she faced, Claire remained hopeful and courageous throughout her journey, inspiring many who followed her story.

On January 19, 2026, she travelled to India with her mother in search of advanced treatment aimed at saving her remaining leg and managing the cancer that had spread to her lungs. The journey was filled with hope, supported by Kenyans from all walks of life who contributed towards her treatment and kept her in their prayers.

A brave fight

While in India, Claire underwent several chemotherapy sessions. Unfortunately, her condition worsened after developing complications, leading to her admission to the Intensive Care Unit. She passed away in hospital last week, leaving behind a grieving family and a nation that had stood with her.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, her remains arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The atmosphere at the airport was filled with grief as family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to receive her. Her mother returned home alone, carrying a loss no parent should have to endure.

Claire will be laid to rest in her home area of Othaya in the coming days, as her family begins the difficult process of saying their final goodbyes.

Her story touched thousands across the country, many of whom followed her journey through updates and fundraising efforts. She became a symbol of strength and resilience, and her passing has deeply affected those who had hoped to see her recover.

Beyond the grief, her story has once again brought attention to the challenges families face when dealing with childhood cancer in Kenya. The high cost of specialised treatment, limited access to advanced care locally, and the emotional and financial strain on families often force many to seek treatment abroad.

Read our March issue here 

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