Flower vendors decry low business on Valentines day 

NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 14-The City centre is today bursting with the classic red color as traders set up on the streets of Nairobi, eager to profit from Valentine’s Day sales.

Even so, various traders have noted that business is slow as most Kenyans still struggle with the high cost of living.

A spot check by Capital business at the City market revealed that the traders were set to cash in on the day, with many small kiosks set up with all kinds of bouquets and gift packages displayed for sale.

They range from as low as Sh50 for a stem to Sh4000 for a large bouquet.

“Compared to last year, this year business is low but we are hoping orders will pick by the end of the day as people head back home from work,” said Lawrence Mwangi.

“Everything is very slow, I don’t know if its cause it’s a Monday and people are at work, also I guess people don’t have money as people are admiring the flowers when they pass the stall but they are not purchasing,” said another trader who requested anonymity.

According to another trader, Kevin Muli, he think lovers no longer exist and that’s why the business is low.

“Both men and women are not buying gifts for their partners, business is really low,” said Muli.

A bodaboda rider who spoke to Capital Business said he was not going to buy his partner flowers due to the high cost of living but noted that this wasn’t because he didn’t love her.

“Today I’m broke but I normally treat my partner, just because I won’t buy her flowers doesn’t mean I don’t love he,” he said.

Even so, it’s not gloomy for all traders, Lucy Wanjiku said that business was really good for her as she has gotten a lot of deliveries since 4.00am out of referrals and her usual clients.

“I have made three times more than I made last year, it’s been a good day for me,” said Wanjiku.