Nairobi Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Nairobi.
Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Maasai Beaded Jewellery
Handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings using traditional Maasai colour patterns; made by Maasai women artisans
Kazuri Beads and Pottery
Hand-painted ceramic beads and pots made by single mothers at the Kazuri workshop in Karen — unique, ethically made souvenirs
Ebony and Mukwa Wood Carvings
Traditional carved animals, masks and figurines in dark African hardwoods; giraffe carvings are a popular Kenyan keepsake
Maasai Shuka (Blanket)
The iconic red and blue checked blankets worn by Maasai warriors; now widely used as fashion accessories and home decor worldwide
Kenyan AA Coffee
Kenya's world-renowned single-origin coffee is one of the finest in the world; AA grade from the Central Highlands has exceptional flavour
Tingatinga Paintings
Vibrant East African folk art paintings originally from Tanzania now popular across the region; colourful wildlife scenes on canvas boards
Safari Khaki and Linen Clothing
Quality safari shirts, trousers and bush hats; excellent for actual safari use and as stylish holiday wear
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Maasai Market
Nairobi's most popular crafts market with hundreds of stalls selling Maasai jewellery, wood carvings, fabrics, paintings and souvenirs
City Market (Nairobi Market)
The historic covered market in the CBD with fresh produce stalls downstairs and a large crafts and curios floor upstairs. More authentic than tourist-focused markets.
Ngara Road Antiques & Curios
A street of specialist antique and curio shops selling tribal art, vintage furniture, Maasai weapons, colonial-era maps and unique artefacts from across East Africa
Westlands Saturday Artisan Market
A weekly artisan food and crafts market with local producers selling organic produce, homemade goods, specialty coffee and handmade crafts
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Westlands
Nairobi's prime shopping area with Westgate Mall, Sarit Centre and The Oval offering international fashion brands, electronics, bookshops and dining
Karen
Karen has charming boutique shops, art galleries, the famous Kazuri Beads workshop and a relaxed shopping atmosphere amid beautiful gardens
Gigiri / Village Market
The open-air Village Market complex has over 170 shops, restaurants and the Friday Maasai Market, popular with the diplomatic community
Ngong Road / Junction Mall
The Junction Mall and surrounding Ngong Road area has mainstream Kenyan and international retailers, a good food court and Saturday Maasai Market
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Two Rivers Mall
Sub-Saharan Africa's largest mall in Ruaka with 200+ stores, IMAX cinema, ice rink and water park
Village Market
Open-air lifestyle mall in Gigiri with international retailers, restaurants and the Friday Maasai Market
Sarit Centre
Westlands flagship mall with quality retailers, Nakumatt supermarket, bookshop and food court
Westgate Mall
Upscale Westlands mall home to Artcaffé, Brew Bistro and international fashion stores
The Junction
Ngong Road mall with mainstream Kenyan and international retailers and Saturday Maasai Market
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected and essential at open-air markets — start at 40-50% of asking price
Be polite, friendly and patient — aggressive bargaining is counterproductive
Know your maximum price before starting to bargain; if offered your price, buy
Walking away is a legitimate tactic — sellers will often call you back with a better price
Fixed price shops (malls, branded stores) do not bargain — only negotiate at markets and curio stalls
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Antiques and wildlife products (ivory, animal skins) cannot be exported without permits — buy from reputable sellers with documentation
Tax Refunds
VAT (16%) refund not available for tourists in Kenya
Duty-Free Limits
Duty-free allowances on arrival: 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine, 250ml perfume, 250 cigarettes
Shipping
International shipping available through DHL, FedEx and local courier services; available at most large hotels
Shop Smart in Nairobi
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
Download Shopping Guide