The best souvenirs from Nairobi are made by hand, and the city’s markets are where to find them.
The Maasai Market
Despite the name, the Maasai Market is a travelling craft market that sets up in a different part of the city on different days of the week. Two of its regular stops are easy to reach:
- Fridays on the rooftop at the Village Market in Gigiri.
- Sundays at Yaya Centre in Kilimani, a few minutes from Little Urban Nook.
The days and venues do change, so check the current schedule before you go.
What to look for
- Beaded necklaces, bracelets and belts
- Shuka blankets in bold Maasai checks, and kikoy cloth
- Carved wooden bowls, spoons, masks and animals
- Soapstone dishes and sculptures
- Baskets and leather sandals
Bargaining is expected and part of the fun: start at around half the first price and settle somewhere in between, with a smile. Bring cash or M-Pesa.
Kazuri beads
In Karen, Kazuri makes hand-shaped ceramic beads and pottery, painted and fired in its own workshop by local women artisans. Visitors can usually watch the beads being made before browsing the shop. It pairs well with a morning at the Giraffe Centre.
Malls for everything else
For everyday shopping, Yaya Centre, The Junction and Prestige Plaza are all close to Kilimani, with supermarkets, pharmacies and cafés under one roof.
Photo credits
- Maasai beaded necklaces at an open-air market in Nairobi: Queen Asali on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Maasai Market on the rooftop at the Village Market: Aliceinthealice on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
- Shuka blankets and printed cloth on a Maasai Market stall: Wawerumacha on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Carved wooden masks for sale in Nairobi: Ninaras on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
- Carved wooden bowls and spoons at a Nairobi market: Ninara on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0