By Wasike Elvis
Coca-Cola is once again bringing joy to millions with the return of its iconic “Share a Coke” campaign — a celebration of names, identity, connection, and the simple yet powerful act of sharing. First launched in Australia in 2011 and later adopted globally, including across Africa, the campaign replaced the brand’s famous logo with the most popular first names in each market. This bold, never-before-seen personalization strategy instantly connected with fans and turned every Coca-Cola bottle into a personal experience — one that told a story, sparked a memory, or deepened a relationship.
Now, over a decade later, the campaign is back and reimagined for a new generation — especially Gen Z, who value authenticity and genuine connection more than ever. A recent study shows that 72% of Gen Z seek real, meaningful engagement and prefer experiences that allow them to express themselves and connect with others. In a world where digital communication often replaces face-to-face interaction, the simple act of handing someone a Coke with their name on it becomes deeply meaningful — a reminder of friendship, appreciation, and real human touch.
This year's Share a Coke campaign is going beyond just putting names on bottles — it’s about bringing people together, physically and virtually, to celebrate the magic of human connection. In a major regional activation, Coca-Cola is hosting a groundbreaking cross-border event linking two leading East African universities: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya and Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Uganda. Through a real-time virtual portal, students from both campuses will connect, talk, laugh, and share Coke moments live — creating a shared space for culture, stories, and lasting friendships across borders.
“In today's digital world, it is important to celebrate the unique bonds of friendships and this important human connection,” said Monique Katana, Director of Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Kenya. “Share a Coke reminds us that memories happen when we come together. The spontaneous moments of laughter, storytelling, and genuine connection shared over a Coca-Cola make life more special. That’s the real magic.”
Across Kenya, the campaign has stirred warm and nostalgic emotions, with many remembering the joy of finding their names on bottles during the original rollout. Others are looking ahead with excitement, hoping to see even more local names — from athletes to musicians to everyday heroes — represented in this year’s edition.
John Kipchumba, a proud resident of Uasin Gishu, a region famous for producing some of the world’s greatest distance runners, hopes that this year’s campaign will highlight Kenya’s sports heroes. “We want Coca-Cola to consider putting athletes’ names on bottles,” he said. “Uasin Gishu is full of champions — Faith Kipyegon, Kelvin Kiptum, Peres Jepchirchir, Eliud Kipchoge — these are names that make us proud. Seeing them on a Coke bottle would be an incredible tribute to their legacy.”
Kelvin Odanga shared how the campaign takes him back to childhood. “The last time this happened in 2011, I was still in primary school,” he recalled. “Today I drank a Coke that had someone else’s name — ‘Shawty’ — and it made me smile. But I’d love to see my own name next time. That would make it feel really personal.”
Caleb Omondi echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Coca-Cola could go even further by incorporating the names of counties across the country. “It would be great to have bottles that represent places like Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisumu, Mombasa — to show pride in where we come from. But of course,” he added with a laugh, “I’d love to see my name, ‘Caleb,’ too. It would make people happy and feel included.”
The emotional impact of this campaign also touches matters of the heart. Kevin, another enthusiastic Coca-Cola fan, shared how these personalized bottles can become tokens of affection. “Even if it’s not my name, if I see a Coke with my girlfriend’s name on it, I’ll buy it and take it to her. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot. It strengthens our love and makes the moment more special.”
Faith Chebet expressed pure joy at the thought of discovering her name on a Coca-Cola bottle. “When I see my name, I’ll be very happy,” she said. “I’ll buy the Coca-Cola brand always. And I think it would be amazing if they could add names of our favorite musicians too — they represent who we are and what we love.”
Inclusivity also emerged as a powerful theme. Amos Juma Ouma emphasized the importance of showcasing indigenous Kenyan names. “We want them to write names like Ouma, Wafula, Otieno, and Achieng’,” he said. “These names reflect our identity. When we see them, it motivates us and reminds us that we belong.”
Over the next three months, Coca-Cola fans are invited to take part in this journey of connection. Across the country, pop-up events and activations will take place in malls, universities, eateries, supermarkets, and popular hangout spots. Fans will be able to find their personalized Coke, share their moments online using the hashtag #ShareaCoke, and even surprise friends and loved ones with a bottle bearing their name.
In the digital age where connections can feel fleeting, Share a Coke is bringing back the realness. A bottle isn’t just a drink — it’s a message. It says, “I’m thinking of you.” It says, “I know you.” It says, “You matter.”
From Nairobi to Eldoret, from Kisumu to Kampala, Coca-Cola is not just refreshing people — it’s refreshing relationships.
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