The town of Nakuru was a beehive of activity as residents celebrated Valentine's Day in various ways.

From the hopelessly romantic to those who cared less about the day, the town was painted black and red.

For example, CECM Gender and Social Services, Josphine Achieng' and City Manager Gitau Thabanja decided to mark the day with peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness about femicide.

Watch: Nakuru Black Valentine March Against Femicide

Dubbed Black Valentine, Ms Achieng' says they decided to raise awareness on femicide during Valentine's Day because it is celebrated as the day of love.

"The Directorate of Youth is involved in the game to end femicide because we have noticed that most of the femicide and androcide cases target the youth between the ages of 18 and 35. We encourage the youth to stay focused and work hard. My advice to the girls is not to be lured by money and to choose their relationships wisely and above all not to follow money or wealth," said Ms Achieng'.

Video: Watch: This is how we plan to celebrate Valentines Day

The crowd was entertained during the match by Nakuru creatives including guitarist Conni Muziki with poets Chotara and Timelines who had a special message for Valentine's Day as they also sang praises of women and urged the audience to show love to both women and men.

Meanwhile, other Nakuru residents decided to donate blood as their way of celebrating Valentine's Day.

Read: Street Music Performance and Special Menus Characterize Valentine's Day

Mary Naseria donating blood at Maasai market Nakuru during Valentine's day.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

Mary Naseria, says it's her first time donating blood and she thought it fitting to celebrate her Valentine's Day by showing love to those in need of blood at the hospital.

"My girlfriend convinced me to come and donate blood with her, unfortunately she cannot because she is underweight, but I am glad I made it here. I would like to encourage people to donate more and save lives," said Ms Naseria.

Read: Changing the rules of the game: Why men have stopped buying Valentine's Day gifts for their partners

Miss Red Cross second runner-up, Jackline Katulo, who was also present, spent the day at the donation tent by handing out roses and drinks to people who came to donate blood.

Miss Red Cross Second runners up, Jackline Katulo ,at Maasai market ground Nakuru where people came to donate blood to mark Valentine's day.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

"I would have loved to celebrate Valentine's Day by donating blood today, but unfortunately I could not. But I am happy to have served in the donation tent today," she said.

Nakuru residents in church for Ash Wednesday.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

For Catholics, the day was marked in church as they attended Ash Wednesday Mass, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Valentine's Day on two wheels: A Nakuru boda boda rider's tale

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia