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The Nairobian

From roses to cash bouquets: How Kenyans celebrated Valentine's Day

National

By Winfrey Owino | Feb 15, 2025

**Yvonne Munaw adds the finishing touches to a money bouquet for her client at her Nakuru gift shop on Valentine's Day.** [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kenyans have expressed shock at how Valentine’s Day celebrations have evolved from a fun affair to a transactional one.

This has been occasioned by the emerging trends in love and relationships where money plays a huge role in the sustenance of romance.

**National Chairman of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry Rev. William Uoya gives floweres to SKYZ9 hotel workers during valentine Day on Feb 14, 2025.** [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Andrew Karanja, a 45-year-old businessman in Nairobi, recalls that in 2003, gifting his girlfriend was inexpensive.

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“Back in our day, Valentine’s wasn’t a big deal,” Karanja recalled. “In 2003, I gifted someone for the first time—a Sh50 card with a sweet message and street flowers. She was thrilled because few celebrated it back then.”

**A lady arrives at Dallas Premier hotel in Kisii town with a bouquet of flowers. There were minimal celebrations witnessed in the region due to hard economic times.** [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

In the early 2000s, Valentine’s Day often meant exchanging cards and candy. For the elite, a bottle of wine or a bouquet was standard, while others marked the day with romantic dinners, movies, or special outings.

Fast forward to 2025, the culture of celebrating this day for loved ones has changed with more emphasis now shifting to monetary value.

**A mombasa resident buys a rose flower at Mombasa fresh flowers a long Nyerere road in Mombasa. Flower business is booming as men buy flowers for their loved ones on Feb 14,2024.** [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

For instance, while the annual tradition of gifting red roses, chocolates, wine and couple’s dates have long been the hallmark of the day, a new trend appears to be gaining traction—money bouquets.

Chris Hart, a relationship coach says the hype on Valentine's Day has died down over the years. “Valentine’s Day has always been fun, but after a peak in popularity in the late 1990’s, people have become a little jaded about it! All the advertising, the pressure, the high prices and restricted menus have taken their toll! So the crowds at the best restaurants are smaller now...” Hart said.

**Standard Group staff at the headquarters share a cake on valentines day to celebrate and embrace the spirit of innovation to drive digital transformation forward on Feb 14, 2025.** [Collins Oduor, Standard]

In the modern day, Valentine's is no longer celebrated in a day but it is a whole season.

Businesses are capitalizing on the season to sell everything from clothes and gifts to trip packages and unique experiences in major cities.

**Standard Group staff at the headquarters share a cake on Valentine’s day as they celebrate the spirit of innovation to drive digital transformation forward on Feb 14, 2025.** [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Money bouquets have replaced traditional flower arrangements, reflecting shifting preferences.

Peris Bogwa, a florist at Nairobi’s City Market, notes a drop in sales due to tough economic times. “We’ve sold far less than last year, even after adjusting prices,” says Bogwa, a 30-year industry veteran.

However, demand for money bouquets is rising, with prices ranging from Sh1,500 to Sh20,000. “Orders were higher last year, but cash bouquets are now more popular,” she adds.