Nairobi offers a wealth of shopping options, and is definitely one of the best places in East Africa to buy African souvenirs, which are locally known as curios. From shopping centres and city stores to large markets and roadside stalls, you will almost be spoiled for choice with the number of options available.
Nairobi Shopping Guide
Markets
Nairobi is the best place in Kenya, and perhaps even East Africa, for shopping. Both the city centre and various suburbs contain a whole variety of shopping options, from shopping centres and supermarkets to large city markets and little craft shops.
Markets are a great place to visit in Nairobi, as they normally have a great atmosphere and can give an insight into authentic Nairobi life, as well as the people which make up the city. The huge, covered, City Market, located on Muindi Mbingu Street, started life as an aircraft hanger. These days there is a vast selection of local produce, which includes fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and flowers. Local handicrafts are also on sale, and with a bit of bargaining you can get some great deals on curios.
Kariakor Market is another great market to visit for handicrafts. Sisal basketwork is especially common, and the end result is good quality and very reasonably priced. The market is located off Racecourse Road, just outside of town. It is also reknowned as a place to come in order to sample some traditional and delicious Kenyan food. The small shops and eateries surrounding the market offer a dizzying array of local goodies to tempt you.
Biashara Street is the best place to head if you are looking for some traditional fabrics, garments and clothes. Many of the shops located along this street deal in handicrafts, as well as the gorgeous cloth from the coast of Kenya. High quality tailoring services are also available along this street.
Other markets you may wish to visit include the Embakasi Village Crafts Market, on Mombasa Road, or the interesting and colourful Maasai Markets (Tuesdays and Fridays at the corner of Moi Avenue and Monrovia Street; Thursdays at the National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road; Friday at the village marke in Gigirit, Limuru Road; and Sunday at Safri Park Hotel, Thika Road).
Shopping Centres
Major shopping centres in Nairobi include the Sarit Centre, a modern mall located in Westlands, the Village Market in Gigiri and the Yaya Centre, which can be found in Hurlingham. These offer cinemas, food courts and a range of shops.
Craft Shops
If the heat, activity and bargaining of the markets is draining you, and you'd prefer shops and fixed prices, the best place to visit is the massive African Heritage, in Libra House, just out of town (Mombasa Road, +25420530054, www.africanheritage.net).
For a really interesting selection of crafts, look out for the various charitable community craft centres such as Kamili Designs (Langata Road, Karen, +25420883640) (textiles); Kazuri Beads & Pottery Centre (Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, +25420884058); Spinner's Web, Viking House (Waiyaki Way, +254204441485) (rugs, weaving and wool); and the Utamaduni Crafts Centre Bogoni East Rd, between the Ostrich Park and Giraffe Sanctuary (Langata, +25420890464).
