Moi University has joined Kenya’s growing “I ❤️” signage craze, putting up a new landmark at the main entrance of its Kesses campus.
The new structure carries the message “I ❤️ Moi University”, with the institution’s name and its familiar “Foundation of Knowledge” motto.
It gives students, alumni and visitors a new spot to stop for a photo while also adding a fresh look to one of the university’s most visible entrances.
But Moi University is hardly the first institution or place to embrace the giant heart signs.
Across Kenya, similar installations have popped up in towns, neighbourhoods and other popular spots, turning the simple heart symbol into a form of local branding and a favourite photo opportunity.
One of the signs that helped popularise the trend was “I ❤️ Namanga”, which became a popular backdrop for photographs before similar signs began appearing in other parts of the country.
Signs have since been spotted in places including Sagana, Mwea, Kiambu, Mutithi, Baringo, Nanyuki and Joska, among others. Citizen Digital reported in 2025 that the trend had spread rapidly across the country.
Nairobi has its own version, with the “I ❤️ NBO” signage at the Global Trade Centre along Waiyaki Way becoming a recognisable feature of the city.
The trend has also found its way into politics and personal spaces.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua installed an “I Love Wamunyoro” sign at his Mathira home, saying visitors wanted a place to take photographs and a physical marker identifying the location.
Now, Moi University has given the trend an academic twist.
Instead of a town or neighbourhood, the heart is being used to celebrate an institution that has been part of the lives of thousands of students and alumni over the years.
The timing also gives the landmark a chance to become part of the university experience, particularly for new students arriving on campus and alumni returning for visits.
The signs have, however, not escaped criticism.
As more towns copied the idea, questions emerged over whether the rapid spread was making the installations less unique and turning what was once a novel idea into a common sight.
For Moi University, though, the new sign offers something slightly different.
It combines the popular photo-friendly “I ❤️” concept with the university’s own identity and motto, giving students a new landmark that says exactly what the installation is meant to say: I love Moi University.
