By Edmond Kipngeno
Coca-Cola is bringing back its legendary “Share a Coke” campaign, reintroducing a beloved tradition while inviting a new generation to experience the joy of personalized connection. The campaign features bottles adorned with popular names, sparking excitement among consumers and reviving cherished memories.
Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola Kenya Monique Katana, emphasized the importance of genuine connection in today’s fast-paced digital world.
“While digital spaces help us stay connected, it’s those shared real-life moments that create lasting memories,” she said. “Unfortunately, the physical ‘third spaces’ places where people naturally gather are in decline. With ‘Share a Coke,’ we’re celebrating the friendships that define this generation and the spaces that make togetherness thrive.
Share a Coke campaign at Moi University
Students at Moi University in Kesses were among the first to experience the campaign’s return, enjoying Coca-Cola bottles printed with their names. The excitement was thrilling.
Caleb Odanga, a student at Moi University in Eldoret, described the campaign as a captivating idea that brings emotion and nostalgia to Coke lovers.
“Even though I didn’t get a bottle with my name on it, I’m grateful for the idea,” he said. “I hope Coca-Cola can include a wider variety of names so more fans can enjoy these moments of happiness.”
Odanga suggested customizing the names to reflect different counties and regions to enhance local connection and representation.
“It’s a nostalgic feeling seeing your name on a Coke bottle,” he added. “As comrades, we really appreciate this thoughtful gesture.”
The last time Coca-Cola printed names on its bottles was in 2011, making this revival a meaningful throwback for many fans.
Faith Chebet, another student at Moi University, expressed her joy about the campaign.
“This is a great initiative,” she said. “Having your name on a bottle makes you feel proud. It would be wonderful if Coca-Cola could also print names like Kelvin Kiptum to honor his legacy in athletics.”
Chebet added that names of other Kenyan icons such as Eliud Kipchoge and political leader Gladys Boss would also resonate strongly with the region.
Amos Juma, a student leader at the institution, praised the campaign and called for its continuation.
“It feels amazing to drink a Coke with your name on it,” he said. “I’m also hoping to find a bottle featuring the name of my favorite musician someday.”
With the return of “Share a Coke,” Coca-Cola is rekindling personal connections, sparking joy, and giving fans across Kenya a reason to smileone name at a time.
