Red roses, dresses and shoes dotted the streets of Nakuru as Kenyans joined the rest of the world to mark Valentine’s Day.
Pubs, restaurants and recreation parks were overflowing with ‘lovers’ out to celebrate the ‘day of love’ which is marked globally every February 14.
Some couples held hands while carrying bouquets of red roses as well as gifts, chocolates and cakes.
At Kenyatta Avenue the sight of lovers carrying flowers in the streets, or messengers hurrying to deliver bouquets, was a common sight, while others could only marvel at ‘exorbitant’ Valentine Day Couples’ packages prepared by some prestigious hotels in Nakuru.
A Sh300,000 Valentine package prepared by a five-star hotel for lovers with money to splash attracted huge interest but apparently none had the courage to pick up the bill.
The deal involved limo rides before enjoying a royal treatment with a spectacular tour of Lake Nakuru Bird Sanctuary and National Park for two days to seal the bond of love between the couple.
Flower vendors made brisk business, with Kenyans bitten by the love bug spending as much as Sh3,000 on flowers for their loved ones. The cheapest flowers on offer cost Sh50 a piece, while deliveries cost Sh300 more.
Other Kenyans defiantly refused to be sucked into the spirit of the day, saying spending money on flowers, chocolate and other love goodies would leave them in financial crisis.
“How can I spend Sh3,000 on flowers? That is too much for me. I would rather show my wife that I love her by providing enough food and nice clothing. Anyway, flowers wither after only a few hours,” said Paul Okuku, a graphic designer at Egerton University.
Other Kenyan hotels lured couples to part with their money with offers of romantic dinners, wine and music.
To mark Valentine’s Day a section of Nakuru residents showed their love by donating blood.
The blood donation campaign was spearheaded by religious organizations, Community based organizations and members of the press.
According to Reverend Shadrack Kimuge of Faith Evangelical Church, while there are many different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, saving a life through blood donation is one of the best ways to show love.
Despite the sweltering heat in Nakuru this did not dampen the mood. As they say ‘love is in the air.’
A number of ladies were graciously dressed for the ‘red’ day in red matching dresses, shoes, jewelry and handbags. Curiously most men were dressed in black.
Enterprising Kenyans made a killing selling flowers in various corners of the town. The flowers were sometimes packaged alongside, wine, chocolate or fragrance in flower baskets depending on one’s financial muscle.
Creative vendors could be spotted selling heart-shaped balloons and red fluffy teddy bear dummies while supermarkets were packed with shoppers in a last-minute rush, ice cream parlors were overflowing with couples whereas street photographers were cashing in on love-struck customers.
On Oginga Odinga Street children could be seen in red outfits and balloons clearly having fun, albeit unaware of the day’s significance.
At the Maasai Market, there was a full-scale Valentine’s gold rush. Flower vendors worked non-stop selling the now ‘precious red’ commodity.
“Business has been doing well since yesterday but today it is a windfall for us. Everyone wants fresh roses and the prices have skyrocketed. One small stem of a rose flower goes for Sh 100, a small bouquet is Sh 700 and a medium sized one costs Sh 2,000. With fancy wrapping a client has to add an extra Sh 100,” stated Ms Gladys Wamuyo.
But it was at Nyayo Garden – where as expected the day of love was sharply illuminated. Couples cozied to each other for hours sharing soft drinks and snacks.
Along Mburu Gichua Highway, boda boda riders waited impatiently, clutching on their helmets to get either flower or wine delivery orders by love-smitten clients to their couples. Some declared that they had temporarily switched careers for the day ditching regular passengers for valentine gifts deliveries.
At the Central Business District eateries were teeming with pairs of couples. Most establishments were fully booked, with couples streaming in for special Valentine’s meals. Gift shops were also cashing in, with customers purchasing luxurious perfumes, jewelry and customized hampers. Boutiques also reported a boom in sales, as people bought new outfits specifically for the occasion.
“Red dresses, elegant suits and matching outfits have been selling fast this week,” said Mary Maina, a boutique owner along Kenyatta Avenue. She added, “For those who can afford it, Valentine’s is not just about love, it’s about making a statement.”
For Peter Oyundi and his wife who have been together for five years, Valentine’s celebrations have evolved.
“We used to go to fancy restaurants but now we have children in school and many mouths to feed, we prefer places like this. We buy snacks, enjoy the day and save money for a good dinner at home,” Peter said.
This is a conspiracy by women and marketers to keep men in romantic shackles,” complained Roy Okonji, a 31-year-old Nakuru city resident, when asked his views about Valentine’s Day.
“It’s never easy for men. Even those who try to be nice and romantic, the flowers they buy and send to their lovers have to be better than all those sent to their colleagues in their office,” he added.
Mr Okonji confessed that some of his friends had prior to the event planned to stage-manage illnesses, lie about being out of town for business trips or too busy with work to treat their women.
He said the day is overrated and he always looks for an excuse to avoid it.
“The majority of gift buyers are men and the pressure to impress is real. Men often feel the pressure to plan dates and buy gifts, while women are the main recipients. If a man doesn’t show up before his lover with a gift on this day, he’s in trouble!” Okonji joked.
However, spending trends suggest a broader participation. According to a study by Mastercard, Kenyans’ spending around Valentine’s Day has increased by 32 percent since 2017, with overall transactions up by 51 percent. This growth is significantly higher than the global average of a 17 percent increase in spending and a 31 percent increase in total transactions.
But not everyone agrees that it is only men who spend on this lover’s day. Some women are stepping up, buying gifts for their partners, while others are embracing “Galentine’s”, a trend where women celebrate friendships instead of romantic love.
“I’m single, but that does not mean I’m left out. I took myself out for lunch and bought myself a gift. Love is not just about romance,” said Beatrice, a university student.
While couples pose for photos and businesses rake in profits, others are working through the love rush. Shadrack Otieno, a street photographer, has no time for romance today. His job outside Nakuru’s immigration offices is business as usual.
“I appreciate the day but I cannot stop hustling. If I do not make enough today to take my wife somewhere special or buy her a gift, I’ll just prepare her a good dinner tonight, to make her feel special,” he said.
As the sun set, Nakuru’s streets only got busier. Last-minute flower purchases and candlelit dinners assumed centre lending the day’s final boom for the city’s love economy.
By Jane Ngugi and Patience Moraa