Kenyan Instagram model and lifestyle influencer Kabinga has stirred conversation online after publicly criticizing what she described as “copy-paste” flower arrangements dominating the Kenyan market ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Through a series of Instagram Stories posted on her handle @kabinga_jr, the content creator shared blunt opinions about the quality and creativity of bouquets being advertised locally.
“Ok, unpopular, uncalled for opinion, I should probably be minding my business, but no,” she began.
She then listed her concerns in numbered points.
- I think flower arrangements in KE are wrecked
- Roses are not the only flowers
- Most Flower arrangements in KE, not all, please note that, are lazy, no original ideas, just copy & paste. There, I said it 🤷🏽♀️
- Petition to make it artsy.”
Kabinga clarified that she was not attacking all florists, noting “not all” in her statement, but insisted that a majority of arrangements being marketed online lack originality.
She shared examples of the typical Valentine’s bouquets flooding timelines — large bundles of red roses wrapped in dark paper, often paired with chocolates
“Nobody should come for me, so this is what I’ve been seeing online being advertised as valentines bouquet, whatever, whatever, I’m not criticizing by the way,” she wrote alongside one example.
She added in another slide:
“Or this, not bad but nothing out of the ordinary, everybody gets this.”
Her main argument? That red roses have become overused and predictable.
In subsequent slides, she shared examples of flower bouquets she thought are artistically arranged.
Kabinga didn’t stop at criticism. After pointing out what she sees as repetitive designs, she went ahead and shared examples of alternative arrangements and creative packaging styles she believes elevate floral gifting.
The influencer advocated for more artistic expression — from unique flower combinations to distinctive wrapping techniques and presentation concepts.
She encouraged florists who take pride in originality to showcase their best work.
According to her posts, florists confident in their creativity should share their designs with her — and she promised to amplify their businesses by giving them a free shoutout on her platform.
The offer quickly caught attention, especially considering her significant Instagram following and influence among young, urban consumers.
Kabinga’s remarks sparked mixed reactions.
Some users agreed with her, saying Kenyan Valentine’s bouquets often follow the same formula: red roses, black wrapping, baby’s breath fillers and chocolate add-ons.
“Every shop posts the same bouquet,” one follower commented under reposted clips of her Story.
Others defended florists, arguing that consumer demand largely drives trends.
“People request what they see online. Vendors are just giving customers what they want,” another user wrote.
Her comments come just days before February 14, one of the busiest commercial periods for florists in Kenya.
Valentine’s Day sales typically spike with high demand for romantic red-themed arrangements.
Over the years, bouquet trends have evolved to include money bouquets, preserved roses, luxury flower boxes, and oversized arrangements tailored for social media aesthetics.