In Kenya, one of the world’s top exporters of cut flowers, florists business booming on Wednesday as lovers thronged flower stalls to buy fresh roses for their loved ones.
Across the capital Nairobi, it was not difficult to spot men (mainly) carrying bouquets of red roses.
Medical workers took advantage of Valentine’s Day to hold a one day blood donation campaign hoping to bridge the country’s blood deficit which country stands at 250,000 units.
An exciting day for lovers in one of the world’s top exporters of cut flowers, the lull in the country’s political storm worked to their advantage.
Deliverymen rode in and out.
“A lot of people are buying, delivery requests are coming in and it’s very nice,” said a happy florist.
Away from city market a different group of people were showing a different kind of love. Medical workers with the help of volunteers set up a blood donation drive dubbed #ShowYourLove.
One of the organisers, Dr Thuranira Kaguiria remembers losing a colleague due to lack of blood, that he says spurred him to act.
@sarahkimani I managed….. pic.twitter.com/BBginOb76u
— Mike Okinyi (@MikeOkinyi) February 14, 2018
The country’s blood bank faces a shortage. Statistics from the centre indicate that less than 1% of the country’s population donates blood.
“As per last year, we collected 149,000 units of blood, but according WHO we are supposed to have 400,000,” says Dr Josephine Githaiga, CEO of Kenya National Transfusion Services.
Wednesday’s drive is expected to fight apathy towards donation and boost the country’s stock. Whichever corner of Nairobi one chose love was in the air.
