byGrace Wachira @yaa_grace

Even though we’ve all heard Jennifer Lopez passionately sing the words, ‘Even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing’, it comes as no surprise that displays of affection, particularly on Valentine’s Day, do in fact cost an arm and a leg.

Well, it might have been easy for someone like Lopez whose net worth is Sh40.2 billion ($400 million), to proclaim that her love don’t cost a thing. But for the average Kenyan, however, spoiling someone on Valentine’s Day can be quite a costly affair.

We have tracked this year’s prices for typical things people spend money on for Valentine’s Day, from chocolates, jewellery, roses, dinner dresses, suits, various His and Hers gifts, Champaign, a fancy dinner out and a night out and clearly cupid is determined to poke a big hole in their bank account.

The cost of love

For example, Weston Hotel have a night dubbed Affairs of the Heart. Wining and dining to an elaborate, love infused and sumptuous five-course buffet affair comes with a price tag of Sh7,000 inclusive of drinks, chocolates and roses and a live music band. The singles will part with Sh3,500  to attend the affairs of the heart gig.

Lovers who are not down for formal dining have the options of attending the Valentine Jamboree concert of love with gate charges of between Sh2,000 and Sh100,000 for the gold table. 

Hoteliers have not been left behind. Sarova Saltlick Lodge in Tsavo will see lovers enjoy the presence of love coach Getrude Mungai from Sh24,500 per person. 

Hotel Emayian Luxury Camp, Mara offers three days guided tour from Sh32,500. The hotel packages are inclusive of transport, accommodation, meals and unlimited game drives.

To attend these dinners and events needs one to dress the part and ladies and gentlemen alike are putting their best foot forward.

Dresses for the occasion average between Sh5,000 and Sh20,000 in various shops. Anne’s Fashion Line, an Instagram shop for example, has on sale a flowing and sequin dress costing up to Sh7,000.

To have their nails done, the ladies are coughing up to Sh4,000 for pedicures and manicures. A 20-inch, three bundles wig cost up to Sh20,000 and may go up depending with the country of origin.

Sir Jay of Sir Jay’s Suits says that suit prices for a black tie event depend on the quality. “We have readymade Italian suits that start from Sh18,000 and if you want a tailored one, pure Meriono fine wool from Sh20,000,” he explained.

High demand, especially the long-stemmed roses for this day have affected the cost of flowers. Purpink; an online gift shop has a Sh15,000 harmonious combination of beautiful red roses and a gift box.

They also have a patiently matured 21-year-old Glenfiddich whisky that costs Sh29,000.

For those wanting to arrive for dinner in style, there is the option of hiring a set of wheels. Ngatia Executive Cars and Limousines are offering their classic sedan limo and three door station wagon.

The rate is Sh25,000 per hour complete with a driver, fuel, red carpet, bodyguards and a bottle of Champagne.