In a public notice dated February 2, 2026, the regulator expressed concern over a rising trend where Kenya Shilling notes are being folded, glued, stapled, and pinned together to create cash flower bouquets, money arrangements, and ornamental displays, particularly during celebrations such as Valentine’s Day.

The Bank said such practices render banknotes unfit for circulation and interfere with automated banking systems.

“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash counting machines, and sorting equipment,” CBK stated in the notice.

The regulator added that damaged currency leads to increased rejection rates during processing and forces premature withdrawal and replacement of notes, creating unnecessary costs for both the public and the Bank.

While acknowledging that giving cash as a gift is acceptable, CBK emphasized that the presentation method must not compromise the currency’s condition.

“CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes,” the notice read.

The Bank stressed that currency must remain capable of performing its essential functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.

CBK also reminded Kenyans that defacing currency is a criminal offense under Section 367 of the Penal Code.

“Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code,” the notice warned.

The regulator has called on the public to adopt alternative methods of presenting monetary gifts that do not damage banknotes.

“CBK therefore urges the public to refrain from practices that compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts,” the statement said.

The Central Bank said it will continue public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality and public confidence in Kenya Shilling banknotes.

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In a public notice, NCBA said Mr Kenyatta’s appointment to the NCBA Group PLC board takes effect from 1st December 2025.

“The Board of Directors of NCBA Group PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1st December, 2025,” said the lender in the notice signed by Group Managing Director John Gachora and dated November 26 2025.

The Kenyatta family, through Enke Investments Limited, holds a 13.2 per cent stake in NCBA, making them one of the bank’s largest shareholders.

His return to the board is likely to be read in the market as a strategic move by the influential family to consolidate its position and guide the bank’s next phase of growth.

NCBA described Mr Kenyatta as an accomplished business executive with over 35 years of experience in East Africa’s corporate scene, spanning multiple sectors from industry to finance.

“Mr. Kenyatta is an accomplished business executive with over 35 years of experience in leading and developing businesses across East Africa, spanning diverse sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and banking,”says Gachora

He is not a stranger to the lender.

Mr Kenyatta previously served as Deputy Chairman of one of NCBA’s predecessor institutions between 2000 and 2019, giving him nearly two decades of boardroom experience within the group’s history.

He has also served as a director of NCBA Bank Uganda, offering him regional exposure in the group’s operations.

Beyond the bank, he has held influential positions across key private sector and regulatory bodies, underscoring his stature within corporate Kenya.

“He has previously served on the boards of several national and industry development organisations, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Dairy Board, Kenya Dairy Processors’ Association, Kenya Shippers Council, and Kenya Sisal Board, among others,”the notice states.

According to NCBA, Mr Kenyatta brings to the NCBA Group Board a strong track record in business leadership, governance, and strategic growth, qualities expected to be critical as the lender navigates a competitive banking landscape, rising digital adoption, and regional expansion.

Even before his latest appointment, Mr Kenyatta has remained involved in NCBA’s strategic direction, particularly in the fast-growing digital financial services space.

“He continues to support the Group’s growth in its digital strategy as a member of the Board of LOOP DFS Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCBA Group PLC,”
the bank said.

LOOP DFS is the group’s digital financial services arm, and his continued presence there signals that his new board role will likely intersect with NCBA’s push to scale up tech-driven products, mobile lending, and digital banking platforms targeting younger and more tech-savvy customers.

NCBA also highlighted Mr Kenyatta’s academic and governance credentials as part of the rationale for his appointment.

“Mr. Kenyatta holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Economics and Political Science from Williams College, Massachusetts, USA, and a Pan-African Advanced Management Program Certification jointly offered by IESE Business School, University of Navarra (Spain) and Strathmore University Business School,”reads the public notice.

“He also holds several executive leadership and corporate governance certifications,” the lender added, underscoring the board’s focus on strengthening governance and strategic oversight at a time when banks are under closer regulatory and public scrutiny.

In closing the announcement, NCBA’s board formally welcomed him back into the fold.

“The Board congratulates Mr. Kenyatta on his appointment and welcomes him to the NCBA Group PLC Board,”the notice concludes, under the signature, “By order of the Board, John Gachora, Group Managing Director.”

NCBA Group PLC, which is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority, has in recent years pursued an aggressive regional and digital growth strategy.

Mr Kenyatta’s appointment as a non-executive director is expected to reinforce continuity in ownership influence while tapping into his long-standing experience in corporate leadership, sectoral policy, and regional business expansion.

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