'You're just my type': Manchester United fans in Kenya choose to celebrate Valentine's Day in unique way

February is the month of love, and as Valentine’s Day approaches, people around the world are celebrating in various ways.

Whether through sweet messages, heartfelt love letters, or grand gestures, friends, siblings, and partners are finding unique ways to express their affection.

While the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts remain popular, the demand for flowers, gift items, and even new trends like money bouquets has skyrocketed as people prepare for February 14th, the globally recognized day of love.

As preparations intensify, businesses are thriving, with some running out of stock due to high demand. Everyone wants to gift something special to their loved ones.

But this raises the question: Do gifts truly count as a love language, or is this driven by societal pressure? Is gift-giving the ultimate expression of love?

Supermarkets are stocked with gift bags are taking up significant shelf space. The colour red dominates, and florists are among the biggest beneficiaries of this season. The sentiment is clear: if you cannot buy a car or build a house for your loved one, at least buy them flowers.

The Rise of Money Bouquets

A new trend is also reshaping Valentine’s Day gifting—money bouquets. More people are now opting to gift their loved ones cash elegantly arranged like a bouquet instead of flowers.

Aquinite Kibaso, a third-year university student and florist, spoke to Wananchi Reporting about her increased workload during this period.

“I operate online, and most of my clients come from Instagram, though not very frequently. However, since last week, I have been receiving numerous direct messages (DMs) as people place orders. I have barely had enough sleep trying to meet deadlines, and most of my orders are for money bouquets,” she shared.

A Different Way to Celebrate Love: Blood Donation

While thousands eagerly anticipate celebrating Valentine’s Day with their loved ones, a group of young Manchester United Fans in Kenya has chosen to mark the occasion differently. Instead of indulging in traditional celebrations, they have dedicated this period to donating blood to those in need.

According to Rodgers Ambei Kwalera, the chairperson of Manchester United Fans Kenya, the shortage of blood in hospitals motivated them to initiate this drive. While they have been involved in charity work across Kenya, this is the first time they are focusing on blood donation.

“For an ordinary Kenyan to receive blood, they are usually required to bring donors. We lost one of our members during the Gen Z protests due to a lack of blood. By the time people were mobilized to donate for him, it was too late. As a club, we have decided to donate blood from February 12th to 15th across our twenty branches in Kenya, to celebrate love,” he said.

The Best Gift: Giving Life

According to Kwalera, the most meaningful gift anyone can give is the gift of life. This belief has led them to collaborate with county governments and other organisations for the drive.

“The best gift you can give someone is life. We are encouraging every willing and able Kenyan to donate blood,” he added.

Irene Nyawira, who has been a member of the club for over ten years, expressed her excitement about being part of this life-saving initiative.

“I am happy that we are celebrating love through blood donation this time. This is the purest form of love—helping someone you do not even know. Everyone who is willing should take part,” she said.

Bonventure Machuka, a medical student with firsthand experience witnessing patients suffer due to blood shortages, has made it his tradition to donate blood every Valentine’s Day.

“February 15th, just a day after Valentine’s Day, is International Childhood Cancer Day. Children suffering from cancer need blood, mothers are dying during childbirth due to shortages, and I have seen families devastated by the lack of blood. As a Manchester United fan, I am proud to be part of this initiative. I will mobilize as many people as possible to donate,” he said.

Machuka further emphasized the significance of blood donation, quoting Uhai Life’s theme: ‘You are just my type.’ Through blood donation, love is truly given in its purest form.