Red was just a colour: How Kenyans celebrated Valentine's in the 90s

Once upon a time, love was a private affair—cherished, nurtured, but never paraded for the world to see. In the 1990s, Valentine’s Day came and went with barely a whisper, its arrival marked by quiet, heartfelt gestures rather than the extravagant fanfare that dominates today.

Back then, the concept of showcasing love in public was nearly unheard of. Couples did not flaunt their affection on the streets, nor did they flood social gatherings with grand declarations. Love was an intimate matter, reserved for two hearts alone. Holding hands in public was seen as distasteful, often inviting whispers and ridicule. Instead, sweethearts sought solace in secluded places—idle roads, village football fields, and scenic nature trails—where they could whisper words of devotion without prying eyes.

For those who preferred the warmth of a home setting, the “men’s small houses” provided a quiet haven. Here, couples would unwind with mellow sundowner tunes, share meaningful conversations, and sometimes, the woman would iron her lover’s clothes using a charcoal-powered iron box—a tender act of care and commitment. As the evening drew to a close, a soft drink would mark the perfect end to their time together before the gentleman escorted his beloved home.

Gifts, too, were a study in simplicity. A pack of chewing gum, a bottle of body lotion, or a jar of cream was enough to delight a woman’s heart, and she would receive it with unbridled joy. There were no fancy hotels in the village for elaborate dinner dates, nor were there florists selling roses—real or artificial. The colour red had no special association with love; it was just another shade in the spectrum. What truly mattered was a person’s attire—looking well-groomed and presentable was the ultimate romantic gesture.

Exotic wines and fine whiskeys were virtually non-existent, found only in high-end supermarkets that were beyond the reach of the average person. In any case, alcohol consumption was often frowned upon, seen as a habit of individuals who had lost their way in life.

Fast forward to today, and Valentine’s Day has been transformed into a spectacle—one that thrives on opulence, luxury, and public displays of affection. No longer a day of quiet romance, it has become a commercial juggernaut, with businesses cashing in on lovers eager to impress.

A stroll through Nairobi or any major city in Kenya reveals a landscape dominated by heart-shaped decorations, grand floral arrangements, and carefully curated date-night experiences. Restaurants and coffee houses brace for a surge of customers, while pubs and clubs prepare to rake in profits from special Valentine’s-themed events.

Florists make a fortune selling perfectly arranged bouquets, often accompanied by chocolates and pre-written love notes. Courier services, cyclists, and digital taxi drivers are kept busy, dashing across towns to deliver carefully packaged tokens of love to offices and homes. The day has become less about heartfelt moments and more about creating Instagram-worthy experiences.

Even workplaces have embraced the trend, with some offices gifting employees chocolates or single-stem roses. Public spaces become a sea of red, as couples dress in coordinated outfits to mark the occasion.

As the sun sets, the revelry continues. Pubs and lounges pull out all the stops, offering exotic wines and high-end whiskeys—wrapped in red and served by waitresses dressed to match the theme. Soft music drifts from overhead speakers, setting the mood for an evening of indulgence.

This year, Valentine’s Day fell on a weekend, extending the celebrations into a full-blown carnival of feasting, drinking, and revelry. The essence of love may still be present, but it is now dressed in extravagance and measured by the price tag attached to it.

From the nostalgic pages of the  Yesteryears, we extend warm wishes to all lovers—may your love grow tenfold, not in grandeur, but in depth, sincerity, and the simple joys that truly matter.