The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Kenyans are celebrating Valentine’s Day despite facing challenging economic conditions.
The 2025 Valentine’s Day is the first since the implementation of the Finance Bill 2024.
Recent reports show that the cost of flowers, chocolates, and dining out has increased compared to last year. As a result, many Kenyans are buying fewer flowers than in previous years.
Flower vendors at Nairobi’s City Market have set up stands along major roads to promote their special Valentine’s Day offers.
However, many florists and gift shops have reported slow sales, which they attribute to the economic pressure caused by the Finance Bill 2024 and the ongoing effects of the 2023 Finance Act.
“I’ve only sold two bouquets today, which is unusual. Typically, I sell around 20 bouquets on Valentine’s Day, but it’s still early—hopefully, I can sell more by evening,” said Wanjiku, a florist at City Market.
Expensive roses
At the same time, consumers are finding it difficult to afford expensive flowers, chocolates, and dining experiences, making it harder to indulge in extravagant gestures.
The price of a single red rose stem has risen from Sh100 to Sh250, and a bouquet of red roses that once cost Sh500 now goes for Sh1,500.
“I came to buy flowers for my fiancée, but the prices are too high. I had a Sh500 budget for a bouquet, but now I’m being told they range from Sh1,000 to Sh1,500,” said a frustrated buyer, who had to stretch his budget.
Rising taxes and inflation have increased business costs, prompting companies to raise prices, which has further reduced customer demand.
The Finance Bill 2024 was introduced in May and approved by Parliament in June. It proposed changes to tax laws to generate revenue for debt repayment and development projects.
The bill had a significant impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, sparking anti-government protests led by Gen Z activists.
Many business owners in the flower and gift industry have described the 2025 Valentine’s Day as their worst year for sales.
