Buying souvenirs is not just about memories, it’s also about buying the best from your vacation spot and something which is unique and special to that place only. When it comes to shopping, you would want to know where all can these exclusive things be bought from but more importantly, at what prices? So, while you’re in Kenya you don’t have to worry anymore! Be it a crazy shopping spree in the air-conditioned and flashy malls or the bargain hubs of local street markets, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of best places for shopping in Kenya for exploring more than just Safaris in the country.
5 Places For Street Shopping In Kenya
While you’re wondering about Kenya’s speciality to gift to your friends and family back home and even buy some for yourself, take a look at these market places where you can shop for everything from trinkets and souvenirs to clothes and footwear.
1. City Market
Located at the intersection of Muindi Mbingu Street and Market road, the City market is a blend of busy street stalls and wet markets. If you’re thinking, ‘What to buy in Nairobi, Kenya?, this is the place to be. From fresh vegetables, flowers and meat to wooden carved structures, paintings, and soap-stone artwork, you can buy everything right here at a very reasonable price.
Location: Muindi Mbingu St, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Tip: You can keep up with your bargain skills here but the prices are already too low, so it’s a win-win either way!
Must Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild
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2. Maasai Market
You’ll find a Maasai market in almost all the nooks and corners of the country. So, there’s abundant space to go crazy with your Kenya shopping as all these places offer products at reasonably cheap prices. Ranging from unique african jewellery to decor items to curios, find what you need and experience the best of street shopping in Kenya.
Location: Slip Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Tues-Fri)
Tip: The Maasai market located outside the Nairobi Court of Appeal is the one you need to check out!
3. Gikomba Market
One of the most famous flea markets when it comes to shopping in nairobi for clothes is Gikomba market. While you’re hopping in your ride to tour the city, stop by at this place to have a look at the clothes and shoes that this market offers. Nothing too fancy, but this is where you can buy everyday regular clothes for low prices.
Location: Kamukunji Road, Nairobi City, Kenya
Timings: 04:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Tip: Since this market starts early, try to avoid the crowd by reaching around morning hours.
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4. Old Town Market
Buy the best of traditional Kenyan gifts in the old town of Mombasa. Being the second largest city and the oldest one, you can have an amazing shopping experience here. Why so? Well, here, you’ll find every local speciality including fabrics, shoes, jewellery, decor pieces, locally produced spices and fragrances to gift your friends.
Location: Old Town, Mombasa, Kenya
Timings: NA
Tip: The market also offers several food stalls occasionally hiding behind the front ones, where you can savour the local cuisines.
5. Biashara Market
Another favorite market of the locals is Biashara market situated in the downtown region of Mombasa. You can take home more than just memories from Kenya by shopping at this place. Don’t believe us? Well, this market offers the exclusive Kenya speciality, that is, the khangas, and kikoys which are the fabrics of this region.
Location: Biashara Street, Mombasa, Kenya
Timings: NA
Tip: You can use the khangas as a wrap-around skirt, or for your curtain fabric or even for your blanket covers as these are made of cotton.
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5 Best Shopping Malls In Kenya
1. Westgate Shopping Mall
Known to be one of the high-end shopping malls in Kenya, the Westgate shopping mall offers a luxury shopping experience with space for kids activities, a food court and multiple stores for all kinds of products including art and crafts of the locals. It is also known for hosting engaging events for all age groups. If you’re not in mood to visit the local streets, this is definitely the place to be.
Location: 15 Mwanzi Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Tip: Look out for some of the finest eateries here to try the seafood delicacies prepared in Kenya.
2. The Village Market
Indulge in a unique shopping experience at the Village Market which is a blend of open markets and mall. You’ll find stalls of african jewellery, fabrics, shoes and accessories in this place. While strolling from one stall to another, one can observe these hut-like structures and walk around the arena which offers a few other entertainment services to explore.
Location: Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 08:30 AM to 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat); 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Sun)
Tip: Take a look at the souvenir stalls in the outer area to buy some unique Kenyan gift for your friends.
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3. Yaya Centre
Choose from a range of leather bags, alcohol, electronics and more at Yaya Centre, one of the major shopping malls in Kenya. Savour some of the finest pastries at their Alexandre bakery and stop by for a quick break at Java House for relishing some Kenyan coffee. With some topnotch brands on board like Salvatore Ferragamo, and Emporio Armani, you’ll have a delightful shopping spree at this mall for sure!
Location: Yaya Shopping Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Tip: Be sure to stop at their electronics store and check out the prices of various products which may be cheaper in Kenya than your hometown.
4. Cedar Mall
Buy a pair of sunglasses or choose from a range of books and stationery, you can purchase a variety of products at this mall and rejuvenate your senses at the Salon and Spa inside. Step in for a quick makeover before you head back home. Shop at the Men’s and Kid’s fashion stores here and you won’t be disappointed as there’s something for everyone here.
Location: Nanyuki, Off Road, Kenya
Timings: 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Tip: Check out the Super Soko store displaying a huge collection of Masai arts.
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5. The Hub Karen Mall
Take a moment to just stand and gaze at this spectacularly designed mall that really has it all. From entertainment and fun activities to medical facilities to branded stores and eateries, this is the mall for all your needs. If you’re in a hurry to board your flight the next day and haven’t really shopped anything to take back home from Kenya, you can definitely make this as your stop to have experience best shopping in Kenya!
Location: Nairobi City, Kenya
Timings: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Tip: You can witness the spectacular lake from the upper floors and the scenic view is hard to miss as you move higher!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Kenya
What is the Maasai market in Kenya?
Maasai is a popular market place in Kenya. Massai is the tribal people of Kenya who are known to make handicrafts. One can buy authentic African traditional wear from this open market in Kenya.
Which is the best place for the shopaholics in Kenya?
Shopping in Kenya means Nairobi; it has all sorts of shopping markets. You name it; you can buy those products in Nairobi only.
Where to buy the authentic Masaiare dress in Kenya?
You can buy the original Masaiare dress from Massai Market. They are handmade fabric. You must not shop in the old market, where you can get used clothes for sale.
What is an authentic product to buy by a woman tourist in Kenya?
They must buy the authentic Maasai beaded jewels once in Kenya tour. You cannot find similar jewels in any part of this world.
Is it possible to buy original leather products in Kenya?
Yes, the leather products are made from Rift Valley leathers. They are original and you can buy different varieties of leather products like shoes, valets, belts, handbags and small accessories.
Which are the best places to buy Kenyan souvenirs?
The shopping malls in Kenya, local markets and flea markets are the best places to buy Kenyan souvenirs. The shopping malls have a price tag. The rest of the market, you can bargain and buy those souvenirs.
Is fashion clothing available in Kenya?
Yes, the shopping centers in Kenya have many clothes shops. They are selling branded and multi-branded fabrics. You can buy the latest fashion clothing for kids, men, and women too.
Do shops in Kenya accept credit cards?
Yes, the shopping malls and other market places accept credit cards.
At what time the shopping malls are open in Kenya?
Most of the shopping malls are open in Kenya from 09:00 Am to 09:00 PM.
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A lawyer from outside and a writer within, Arushi is someone you’ll find eating right after she had her meal. She prefers the company of animals over humans and with a dream of traveling the world someday, she strongly recommends Bali for a chill-out vacay!
