How ‘Share a Coke’ is turning Kenya’s chill spots into memory-making zones

How ‘Share a Coke’ is turning Kenya’s chill spots into memory-making zones

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Across Kenya’s cities and campuses, something special is happening. In places where people gather to relax, reconnect, and unwind, a personalised Coca-Cola bottle is adding an unexpected spark. Whether it’s your name, family member’s name, your friend group’s nickname or a word that defines your vibe, the “Share a Coke” campaign is turning ordinary hangouts into unforgettable experiences.

From the heart of Nairobi’s CBD to the calm shores of Kisumu. From Eldoret’s buzzing campus corners to the leafy parks of Kakamega. All the way to the breezy stretch of Mombasa’s Mama Ngina Waterfront. The “Share a Coke” campaign is stirring something special. It’s bringing people together. Sparking memories. Inspiring self-expression. A name on a bottle. A nickname like “Bestie.” A vibe like “Squad,” “Sherehe,” or “Vibes.” Each one turns a simple drink into something personal—something that speaks to who you are.

In Nairobi, near the iconic Kencom bus station outside the former Hilton Hotel, Coca-Cola has installed a striking “Share a Coke” innovation board. Positioned amid Nairobi’s busiest foot traffic, the board has become a magnet for selfies, group photos, and impromptu meetups.

Much like other iconic Nairobi chill spots—Archives, Jevanjee Gardens, and Uhuru Park—this location has, for years, served as a trusted meeting point. It’s where strangers first cross paths, friends reunite, lovers share their first moments, and passersby pause to rest, reflect, or simply wait out the city’s infamous traffic jams.

“This place has changed since the board came up,” says Dennis Ochieng’, a street photographer who has worked in the area for five years.

“People stop to take photos holding their personalised Coke bottles, some with their names, others with fun labels like ‘Bestie’ or ‘Squad’. It’s boosted my photography business because everyone wants to capture the moment.”

The vibrancy stretches well beyond Nairobi. In Kisumu, the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, also known as “Od Mikayi”, is offering a similarly heartwarming scene.

Named after the symbolic first wife’s house in Luo tradition, the park features a central hut-like building designed to reflect the heart of a traditional homestead. Beneath the canopy of mature trees, groups of students, families and friends stretch out on the grass, sipping their favourite sodas and laughing the afternoon away.

“We were excited to find our actual names on bottles at United Mall,” says Collins Dudi, a Maseno University student. “We even found a 2-litre bottle labelled ‘Squad’, and we knew immediately it belonged to us.”

For many consumers especially the young generation, it’s about more than just the drink. These bottles become symbols of camaraderie, shared experiences, and group identity. Whether at home, school or out with friends, personalised Coke bottles are adding a new layer of meaning to everyday moments.

In Eldoret, the scene is no different. At Moi University, a legendary student corner known as “Hot Spot” is a hive of activity. With free Wi-Fi, shady benches and an elegant campus clock, it’s the perfect place to hang out after lectures. Located just a few metres from the Student Centre, it’s where comradery is brewed over laughter, music, and now, Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke moments.

Recently, Coca-Cola Kenya partnered with the university to host the “Old Skool” event—a vibrant celebration of retro fashion, music, and culture. The event transformed “Hot Spot” into a carnival of colour and nostalgia, as students arrived in vintage outfits, proudly holding Coke bottles labelled with their own names, those of family members and even iconic figures like top athletes.

“We danced, took photos, and created memories that will stay with us long after graduation. A Coke bottle may seem simple, but when it says something that represents your group, it becomes part of your story,” says Diana Kibet, a third-year student.

A few kilometres away, in Kakamega, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) offers another example of how the campaign is connecting people. One popular hangout just outside Bukhungu Stadium—known as “Specs”—has become an unmissable memory-making corner for students.

“Specs is where we go to catch up, get street food, or just chill,” says Kevin Wanyonyi, a final-year student. “These Coke bottles make it even more fun. You feel special when your identity is reflected in what you’re drinking.”

Nearby, the beautifully landscaped Masinde Muliro Gardens offer a tranquil escape for town residents. Indigenous trees, tall bamboo groves, flowering shrubs, and decorative benches offer a scenic background for couples, friends, and families. The garden lights and cabro-paved paths make it a go-to spot during the day.

“On weekends, it fills up so fast you can’t find a seat,” says Brenda Achieng’, a frequent visitor.
“You’ll find Coke, Fanta or Sprite bottles on most benches—each with names or phrases that match the group sitting there. It adds something beautiful to the moment.”

Since its global launch in 2011, the campaign has redefined how people interact with the Coca-Cola brand. By replacing its iconic logo with first names, nicknames, and culturally resonant phrases, it’s made the product more intimate and inclusive.

In Kenya, the effect has been particularly strong among Gen Z. Research indicates that this generation craves authenticity and shared experiences—something Coca-Cola taps into effortlessly.
The current campaign by Coca-Cola Kenya goes beyond simple personalisation. It celebrates human connection in its many forms—through laughter, storytelling, or the simple act of sharing a Coke. The message highlights the power of these everyday moments and aims to make them truly unforgettable.

From the bustling streets of Nairobi to serene university greens and community parks across Kenya, “Share a Coke” has become more than a marketing slogan. It’s a cultural moment—one that brings people together, one bottle at a time.