No lilies this Valentine’s: Flower shortage sends lovers searching for alternatives

Fresh lily flowers on display at the Flower Zone shop in Nairobi’s Central Business District on February 7, 2026. 

Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group

Suppliers focusing on international markets to capitalise on high demand have again denied Kenyans an opportunity to gift their loved ones with lilies this Valentine’s season.

For the second year in a row, flower sellers are reporting a shortage of lilies, leaving buyers to choose from alternatives such as alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, and roses.

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