NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 13 – Mercy Kirira, a florist at the City Market, is hopeful for a busy day ahead of Valentine’s Day, as she is experiencing a surge in the number of buyers in the downtown section of Nairobi.
Counting nine-years in the flower business, Kirira has termed Valentine’s Day as one of the best periods for the business because it is a period when flowers, especially roses, are in high demand because they are a symbol of affection.
She, however, said that the prices of flowers have gone up, and she has had a hard time convincing buyers, who are mostly familiar with a particular price.
She said that flowers are being sold at a very high price, and the producers are blaming it on the rising dollar.
“Nowadays things have changed and everyone including those in the middle class and lower class know the value of gifting their loved ones so we expect people to buy despite the hard times,” she said.
She noted a 65 percent increase in the price of flowers but remained hopeful that February 14 will bring potential customers who were already passing by her stall to survey the red roses on display, promising to return for a bouquet during Valentine’s Day.
Florence Ochanda, a flower business woman who has been in it for six-years, said that she is experiencing a shortage of flowers because the demand is high and most flowers are exported.
“Imagine last year a bunch of flowers was sh.350 but now it’s going for sh.700,” she said.
Florence noted that most people buying flowers during Valentine’s Day are people in relationships, especially recently married couples, because they are the ones most excited about Valentine’s Day.
On the other hand, John, a florist at Mrs. Muthoni and Kamau shop, asked those looking forward to buying flowers for their loved ones to be ready for abnormal prices.
Valentine’s Day is highly revered in Kenya, where lovers, old and young, spoil themselves with lavish gifts including flowers, dinners, attire, and exotic holidays.
Flowers sold at the city market include roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums.
Most traders source their flowers from different farms in Naivasha, Nakuru, Limuru, and Isinya.
