February 19, 2026
While Valentine’s Day is traditionally one of the busiest commercial periods for Kenya’s flower industry, the Kenya Flower Council chose to mark the occasion differently this year, by investing in young minds rather than markets.
In a meaningful engagement at Ngara Girls High School, the Council joined senior government officials and school alumni to celebrate education, aspiration, and the wider social value of floriculture. The visit coincided with the conclusion of the Council’s 14-day digital campaign, ‘Beyond the Bouquet‘, which sought to reframe flowers not merely as symbols of romance and trade, but as expressions of appreciation, encouragement, and opportunity.
To bring that message to life, students received locally grown roses supplied by Sian Flowers, Everflora Ltd and Roses SEZ Plc, with alstroemerias provided by Batian Flowers. Industry stakeholders noted that such initiatives reflect a growing commitment to linking the sector’s global success with tangible community impact at home.
For the Ngara Girls students, many are approaching critical career decisions, the interaction offered fresh insight into an industry that remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy and a source of diverse professional opportunities. Addressing the gathering, the visiting leaders underscored the central role of education in personal advancement, public service, and national development.
Leading the delegation was Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary for Trade at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and an alumna of the school. She was joined by Jane Kere Imbunya, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, and Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Basic Education, alongside other alumni and government representatives.
Their presence carried a powerful message. Standing before hundreds of students, the officials embodied a journey from classroom desks to national leadership, making the path to influence and service feel tangible and attainable. For the girls in attendance, the symbolism was clear: leadership can and does emerge from their own corridors.
For the Kenya Flower Council, the event was both symbolic and strategic. By anchoring its Valentine’s Day campaign in a public school setting, the Council reinforced the idea that flowers are more than export commodities; they are cultural connectors and tools for social engagement.
As the ceremony drew to a close and bouquets were shared among the students, the atmosphere was one of pride and possibility. Valentine’s Day, for a moment, shifted away from global demand curves to focus on recognising young potential, shared achievement, and a homegrown industry taking time to give back.