Kenyans less upbeat about Valentine's: Poll

Ugandans are more enthusiastic about Valentine's Day than Kenyans and would prefer to take their loved ones for a special dinner rather than buy them flowers.

A survey by Ipsos Synovate shows many Ugandan couples (18 per cent) have planned to have a meal together at a special place while majority of Kenyans (41 per cent) will just ensure their loved ones have a bunch of flowers.

The survey conducted last week among 1,001 Kenyans and 1,045 Ugandans reveals that 65 per cent of Ugandans regard the day as very important while 4 per cent less Kenyans want to give it a second thought.

An apathy generally exists among Kenyans about Valentines Day with many going on with their business as usual.

According to the survey, half of the Kenyans interviewed said they will let the day pass like any other.

Releasing the results on Monday, Ipsos Synovate managing director Maggie Ireri said, “The day is generally marked as festival of romantic love but it has become a celebration for families and friends.”

Many Kenyans cited financial constraints as the main reason they would skip the day while 30 per cent of them said they do not believe in the day.

Meanwhile, telecommunications service provider YuMobile is taking advantage of the Valentines season to draw in subscribers.

The firm has announced a dual-subscriber offer under which any two YuMobile subscribers can sign up for free calls until March 31.

Subscribers have until midnight February 14 to dial *142# to activate the service.

“YuMobile is proud to provide our subscribers a platform that will give them the joy of unlimited access to loved ones in an affordable way,” YuMobile Country Manager, Mr Madhur Taneja, said.