Florists ‘proudly Kenyan’ during this year’s Valentine’s Day

The Flower Vendors Associations in collaboration with the Kenya Flower Council joined forces to send a message of being ‘proudly Kenyan’ as the during this year’s Valentine’s Day.  With the ‘proudly Kenyan ‘stickers the florist carried on with what they do best during the special day for lovers.

Though not very rosy for them after the County Government of Nairobi denied them waiver for the high fees they pay daily, the florists decorated Nairobi streets with red roses. According to Mr. Simon Mwaura, Chairman FVA, most of the florists were not able to mount tents and tables since they could not afford the fees which were too high for them.

The KFC CEO Mrs.  Jane Ngige said the decision was made without considering that the vendors have been instrumental in branding Nairobi as the capital of the world’s best flowers on a day considered the best trade day for one of Kenya’s most valued exports.

The County government raised fees for Valentine’s Day tents and display tables from Kshs 500 (4 euros) to Kshs 2340 (20 euros) and Kshs 2925 (25 euros) respectively totaling to Kshs 5265 (45 euros) per day. This means Nairobians who have become accustomed to buying fresh flowers for the day will pay more.