Origin and Purpose of the ‘I Love (Town Name)’ Signage as Gachagua Unveils His

Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has joined the bandwagon of people praising their places of origin by putting up a banner reading 'I Love Wamunyoro' at his official residence in Nyeri County.

This trend of businessmen in various cities in Kenya emerging with these banners at the entrances of their businesses has become unique and attractive to many people.

The banners, often written in white colors read ‘I Love (insert town name)’, with the word ‘Love’ substituted by the red emoji for love.

But how did this trend come up and what is its purpose?

In Kenya, the trend which has gained massive traction in major towns in the country is said to have begun in Namanga according to revelations online.

One business person in the bustling border town came up with this signage at his nightclub business, not knowing that he was setting up the trend for other towns and now politicians’ residences.

Today, this trend seems to be a way for local communities to express their pride in their town and invite travelers in.

The phrase is likely inspired by similar tourism slogans used in other parts of the world, such as "I Love New York".

The "I Love New York" campaign, including the iconic logo and slogan, began in 1977. Milton Glaser, the designer of the logo, created it in 1976, but the campaign officially launched in 1977 according to Creative Review publication.

Since its inception in Kenya’s Namanga town, many business people across the country have copied the logo and slogan while replacing the town name with the name of their locality.

Today, if you drive through major towns in the country, you are likely to see one introducing the town to you as well as welcoming you to the locality.

Major towns that have incorporated the concept include Kisii, Machakos, Meru, Nyeri, Diani, Mwea, Sagana as well as residences in Nairobi like Kileleshwa, and Karen.

Gachagua is the first politician to put up the banner at his Wamunyoro residence where he has been holding a series of meetings with politicians from various parts of Kenya since his removal from office.

Wamunyoro, a previously little-known area, is now on the minds and lips of at least every Kenyan who follows national politics, thanks to the former Mathira MP.

He has turned his vast compound into a political base where on a daily basis, he welcomes political defectors and other like-minded leaders to plan their way forward ahead of the 2027 general elections.