'I ❤️ Namanga': Popular signage turns ugly after being poorly duplicated in almost all Kenyan towns

The outstanding displays read 'I Love (insert name of town)', with the word 'Love' substituted by the universal symbol of love - a red heart.

The idea, which has grown incredibly popular around the country, and appears to have permeated every town, began in Namanga, where, at the compound of popular night spot TLV Rooftop, stands the imposing sign 'I Love Namanga', displayed pomposly and with various East African flags fluttering above it.

Since it's inception, TLV Rooftop, located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania, quickly gained popularity amongst fun-loving Kenyans, becoming a popular hotspot for indulgent Kenyans - and especially on December 31, where their New Year's Eve nights are a must-attend.

As more and more Kenyans continued to take photos next to the 'I Love Namanga' signage, a gloriously beautiful display which sends a message of majesty and grandeur, the idea seemed to resonate with the entire country, hence the rapid birth of duplicate display signs allover Kenya.

Quickly, Sagana took note and unveiled their on signage grandly placed along the Nyeri-Nairobi Highway, just next to yet another entertainment spot Sagumo Getaway (or Leki by Sagumo).

Most Kenyans driving down to Nyeri and beyond, either to visit family, for business or pleasure purposes, now routinely stop at the 'I Love Sagana' sign to take photos and videos, their admiration of it appearing to spur yet more signages from more towns.

As of March 2025, the once-novel idea, which should have just stayed at Namanga, now became a badly replicated scheme, which quickly lost it's essence and beauty, becoming a rather tasteless imitation, found in sometimes very unappealing road junctures and locations.

Mwea also bought into the idea - they unfurled their own 'I Love Mwea' duplication, and instead of finding an ambient spot to plant it at, the folks at Mwea merely installed theirs along the dusty Mwea highway, routinely clouded by trotting donkeys, speeding boda bodas, dilapidated kiosks and the regular Mwea madman who basks under the signage on a random Tuesday.

Kiambu came calling too and, just like Mwea, they hapharzadly placed their sign along Kiambu Road, in no special spot in particular, just smack at the Thindigua roadside, surrounded by, again, a string of shops, speeding matatus, Quickmart supermarket and a chicken seller.

Other towns have continued to follow suit with similar signages dotted allover - we also have 'I Love Mutithi', 'I Love Kile(leshwa), 'I Love Karen', 'I Love Baringo', 'I Love Nanyuki', 'I Love Joska' and more.

Perhaps the award for the most helplessly ridiculous signage goes to the guys who installed the 'I Love Meru' sign - unlike the other signages, characterised by bold letters and an outstanding thick red heart, the 'Meru' signage is a weak collection of carton strips glued together, and with the heart sign appearing like the evening homework of a four-year old's CBC assignment.

At first, it was cute - even enthralling - when it was done by the guys at TLV Rooftop, Namanga. It may have became forgivable after a few imitations, provided they were done correctly and stayed true to the Namanga spirit.

The movement is now no longer attractive - it has not only lost its allure, but thoroughly eroded its luster and radiance, becoming more of an ugly roadside nuisance and a laughable attempt at being 'cool'.