After several days of hype on various platforms, the much-anticipated Valentine’s Day did not live up to expectations on Nairobi’s streets.
Unlike previous years, when red tents dotted the city streets with flowers and goodies for sale, the situation was different on Tuesday. Similarly, the majority of city workers avoided the traditional red attire associated with Valentine’s Day.
Many of those polled blamed the low mood of the day on tough economic times and the rising cost of living, opting to ignore it entirely.
Read:‘Brace For Tough Times’- Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u Says
The ever-rising taxes on food prices and fuel have impacted the overall cost of all commodities including roses and chocolates, which are used to mark Valentine’s day.
Most people, therefore, preferred to buy a packet of cooking flour and other basic commodities rather than spending money on expensive flowers.
Read:2023 Valentine’s Top Most Online Searches
Others stated that the burden of school fees was too great for them to consider celebrating Valentine’s day. People used to observe the day years ago, but the tradition is slowly fading with increasing responsibilities and surging inflation.
With the withdrawal of subsidies on fuel and food, the citizens have been forced to brace for hard economic times. Despite the high cost of living, Valentine’s is a very important day as it gives people across the world the chance to celebrate the relationships they value in their life.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com