For a quick and convenient shopping experience near the airport you can be guided to the following places, each offering its unique shopping experience:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Duty-Free Shops: If your layover is short, the duty-free shops within the airport offer a variety of goods, including souvenirs, local crafts, clothing, and travel essentials. This is a good option for last-minute gift purchases.
For a taste of local crafts and souvenirs:
Maasai Market: This vibrant open-air market offers a wide array of traditional African crafts, including beaded jewelry, wood carvings, textiles (like Maasai shukas and kikois), leather goods, and paintings. The market moves to different locations on different days of the week:
Tuesday: Prestige Plaza along Ngong Road & Kijabe Street
Wednesday: Capital Centre along Mombasa Road
Thursday: The Junction Mall along Ngong Road & Galleria Mall along Lang'ata Road
Friday: Upper car park at the Village Market in Gigiri
Saturday: High Court parking lot in the CBD (downtown Nairobi) & Adam's Arcade
Sunday: High Court parking lot in the CBD (downtown Nairobi) & Yaya Centre
Monday: No Market in these main locations, but smaller markets might exist.
Tip: Bargaining is expected at the Maasai Market, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
City Market: Located in the Central Business District, this is a more permanent market offering a variety of souvenirs, crafts, clothing, shoes, fresh flowers, meat, fish, and local produce. The building itself is also known for its unique exterior paintings depicting Kenyan culture.
For a Modern Mall Experience you are welcome to shop at the following places:
Nairobi boasts several modern shopping malls with a mix of local and international brands, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment options. Depending on your location and time, consider visiting one of these:
Two Rivers Mall: One of the largest malls in East Africa, located in Runda. It offers a wide range of international fashion brands, tech stores, a large supermarket (Carrefour), and entertainment options like a Ferris wheel.
The Hub Karen: Located in the Karen suburb, this mall has a blend of shopping and nature with fashion stores, a Carrefour supermarket, a trampoline park, and outdoor spaces.
Westgate Shopping Mall: Situated in Westlands, known for its trendy shops, high security, IMAX cinema, and art exhibitions. It features international brands and a Carrefour supermarket.
Sarit Centre: An older, iconic mall in Westlands offering a diverse range of retail, including fashion, a Carrefour supermarket, bookstores, movie theaters, and a bowling alley.
Village Market: Located in Gigiri, this upscale mall has a mix of luxury stores, artisanal crafts (like Maasai beadwork), a Carrefour supermarket, a bowling alley, and mini-golf. The Friday Maasai Market is also held here.
Yaya Centre: A well-established mall in Kilimani, popular with locals, offering fashion boutiques, a Chandarana supermarket, wellness stores, and restaurants. The Sunday Maasai Market takes place here.
Garden City Mall: Located along Thika Superhighway, this family-friendly mall has a rooftop garden, a playground, and various shops and restaurants.
Thika Road Mall (TRM): Situated along Thika Road, offering a mix of local and international brands, entertainment options, and a Carrefour supermarket.
The Junction Mall: Located on Ngong Road, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cinemas, and a mix of local and international brands.
Galleria Mall: Found at the junction of Langata and Magadi roads, offering a variety of shops, dining options, and entertainment like an ice-skating rink.
The following considerations are crucial for the success of your Nairobi City layover shopping:
Time: Factor in travel time to and from the airport, especially with Nairobi's traffic.
Location: Choose a shopping destination that is reasonably accessible from the airport or your hotel if you have one.
Interests: Decide whether you're looking for local crafts, international brands, or a general mall experience.
Transportation: Consider how you will get to and from your chosen shopping location (taxi, ride-hailing app, or organized tour if you have a longer layover).
For a short layover, the airport duty-free shops or a quick trip to a nearby mall might be the most feasible options. If you have a longer layover (at least 4-5 hours), visiting one of the Maasai Market locations or a mall further into the city could be worthwhile. You might even consider an organized layover tour that includes shopping and other Nairobi highlights.