Nairobians rush to 'shop' for Valentine’s Day as clock ticks

It’s February, Tuesday 13th afternoon – yet the ‘smell’ of Valentine’s Day is already taking over the streets of Nairobi.

It’s just past 3pm. Yet, men and women are already out of their offices; sifting through red flowers, perfumes, teddy bears, red scarfs, tonnes of chocolate, sweets, and a wide range of other gifts for their loved ones.

It’s like anything red sells.

The well-tarmacked walkways have been taken over by sweaty hawkers; many selling Valentine’s Day themed products.

Simon Njoroge, a hawker in Nairobi, says sales tend to peak on Valentine’s Day, especially in the evening when many people are returning home from work.

“Others just want to start their Valentine’s Day in the morning, that is why they buy their gifts on the eve of the lover’s day,” he says. Adding that: “Others want to avoid the commotion.”

The mantra seems to be that; if it’s not red, it’s not for sale.

The gifts, many believe, are supposed to melt hearts tomorrow, and give love a chance to flourish amidst the tempest of high cost of living; everybody is busy looking for money.

Lindah Samgul, who hails from Nairobi, says she will be expressing a lot of love tomorrow, February 14.

“Tomorrow will be all about appreciating one another, loving one another,” she said – adding that she will be celebrating with her partner.

As the evening wears off, many can be seen clutching well-wrapped gifts – and hurrying home.

On his part, Felix Obel, a resident of Nairobi, feels people should learn to constantly love one another, not just on Valentine’s Day. 

“I don’t understand why people are making Valentine’s Day a big deal. Let’s just love one another, all the time, whether it's Valentine’s Day or not,” he told Wananchi Reporting – adding that his girlfriend has asked for a teddy bear.

Others, however, are finding other ways of expressing love – like donating blood to help those in need of it.

Like Bonnventure Machuka, who told Wananchi Reporting that he will be donating blood at the Eldoret Blood Bank together with his friends and colleagues.

“That’s our little way of showing love this Valentine’s Day,” he said.

“You can become someone’s type by just donating blood this Valentine’s Day. Share love, donate blood, save life.

Adding that: “One can visit any public hospital or any blood bank in Kenya to donate blood this Valentine’s Day.”

Valentine’s Day is marked the world over on February 14th of every year. The tradition originated from Rome.