For as long as many residents of Nairobi can remember, the Kenyan capital has been filled with vibrant red colors every 14 February.

Traditionally, people would don red attire or carry red roses, while traders took the opportunity to sell fresh cut flowers from local farms, positioning Kenya as a leading producer of flowers globally.

However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift as many now prefer bouquets made of folded, rolled, or taped banknotes, transforming cash into gifts for loved ones.

This trend, which has spread to various African nations, has drawn the ire of central banks across the region. Warnings have been issued against damaging banknotes, with the Central Bank of Kenya voicing concerns about the implications of such practices.

In its public notice, the central bank cautioned that affixing notes to form bouquets can result in damaged currency that would be rejected by ATMs, a potential economic burden on the taxpayer.

Despite warnings, the demand for cash bouquets remains high, especially leading up to Valentine's Day, driven largely by social media influence and celebrity trends.

While some argue this shift indicates increasing materialism, others defend it as a practical gift choice. Universe student Benjamin Nambwaya expresses concern about the pressure to conform to gift-giving standards focused on monetary value, suggesting that it jeopardizes relationship dynamics.

Economic analyst Odhiambo Ramogi highlights that the cultural acceptance of money bouquets reflects a broader capitalistic trend, where special occasions like Valentine's are marketed as opportunities for consumptive behaviors.

Despite potential regulatory hurdles, florists are innovating to cater to the trend while minimizing damage to banknotes. With mixed reactions about the implications of cash gifts on romantic expressions, it seems the tradition of gifting money bouquets is here to stay.