How Valentines Day traditions in Kenya have changed

Valentine’s Day celebrations is always about showing someone you care.

A spot-check in the city on this day shows it is not as it used to be about 5 years ago. 

Then, valentines day was met with excitement as Kenyans would paint the city red, and couples wore red to signify their undying love for each other. 

The traditions that accompany the day have gradually changed and this year the lovers' day is muddled with mixed reactions. 

While others celebrate the day, a section of Kenyans will use the day to raise awareness and recognise the rising cases of femicide in the country.

The End Femicide Movement Kenya will hold a vigil themed Dark Valentine for victims of gender-based violence and femicide 

“The intention is to keep the pressure on duty bearers in National assembly  to act and curb gender based violence and act on the femicide surge in the country,” read the statement released by Femicide Kenya.

According to the statement , in recent years, Kenya has witnessed a disturbing surge in femicide, a heinous crime that has claimed the lives of countless women.

The rising wave of gender-based violence sparked the EndFemicideKE Movement, which consists of over 1,000 organisations and individuals nationally demanding swift and effective action from the Kenyan government.

Activists, impassioned by the urgency of the situation, are calling for comprehensive reforms and the implementation of concrete measures to end the scourge of femicide. And on January 27, 2024, thousands of people hit the streets, demanding an end to this scourge.

Celebrities have come out to support the dark valentine, Janet Mbugua, a renowned journalist hopes the vigil will exert pressure on Parliament and County Assemblies to meet a set of demands on a petition to tame femicide.

“It might be Valentine’s Day week but there is a darkness that still hovers. This is because many who we should be celebrating love with, are instead being grieved,” said Mbugua. 

On the sides, a Men's Conference organised by self-proclaimed Chairman Stephen Letoo recently guided men on how to spend Valentine's Day. This affirms how perception towards this day has changed.

Letoo told his fellow men that their organisation was now legally recognised. 

The men’s conference organisers strategically plan their event to coincide with the valentines and encourage men to get busy and avoid the pressure of gifting their lovers. 

"On Valentine's Day we intend to launch a year-long men's conference road safety campaign targeting boda boda riders in all 47 counties with the support of our regional officials," Letoo said. 

Letoo noted men will be busy with the campaign and the earliest they will return home will be Sunday.

This points to a change in tradition, where Valentines Day is not only one to be celebrated by romantic partners but others who have given a new meaning to it.