Poll: Kenya trails Uganda and Tanzania in romance

By Margaret Kanini

Kenya: Kenyans are least romantic in East Africa, a survey by research firm Ipsos-Synovate ahead of Valentine’s Day showed.

The study revealed that Kenyans do not match Ugandans and Tanzanians when it comes to romance.

The survey conducted between February 7 and 10 this month indicated that only 60 per cent of Kenyans would celebrate Valentine’s Day. On the other hand, Tanzanians led East Africa region with 68 per cent.

Uganda, which came second in 2013, maintained the same position this year, beating Kenya. Kenyans, also, ranked the day as very important, but with 65 per cent.

However, 71 per cent of Ugandans thought the day should be celebrated while Tanzanians came second with 69 per cent. Surprisingly, more Kenyan men intend to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day compared to women.

Some 61 per cent of men said they would spare time for Valentine’s, compared to 59 per cent of women.

Sorry for themselves

The poll that was conducted in urban areas in East African countries further showed that Kenyans would be keen on how much they spend during Valentine’s Day, with 23 per cent saying they intend to spend just about Sh1,000.

This is due to the harsh economic conditions in Kenya, they claimed. The survey indicated that 34 per cent of those who stated they are single intend to celebrate the day.

“For the singles, Valentine’s Day could be a reminder of how single and lonely they are and they have a choice of feeling sorry for themselves or embracing the day,” said Margaret Ireri, the firm’s managing director. The firm sampled 1,050 respondents in Kenya, 1,006 in Uganda and 528 in Tanzania.