The days are gone when Nairobi shopping was limited to crowded curio stalls, where endless bartering made patrons ask themselves just how much they wanted that little wooden statue anyway. Now, a smattering of independent, eclectic stores provide a platform for the country’s talented designers and artisans to sell items that truly represent and reflect the country’s creative energy.
Upepo Photography Gallery
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the bustling Hurlingham neighbourhood is Upepo Photography Gallery. The gallery showcases accomplished photographers and only features images of Kenya. The founder, French photojournalist Cyril Villemain, aimed to give visitors a chance to buy exclusive photographs that will remind them of their fabulous trip to Kenya. All the images are sold in limited editions of 50 prints, many signed by the photographer. Everything from the printing to the framing is done locally. Customers can choose from an array of sizes and finishes and can have their print carefully rolled inside a tube for the journey home. The gallery is set in the grounds of the Kuona Trust Centre for the Visual Arts, which is definitely worth exploring as well.
Wasp and Sprout
The popular Wasp and Sprout shop began selling goods produced by a single seamstress who was struggling to make ends meet. Today, it has grown to a team of local seamstresses, carpenters, and artists. The shop stocks fair trade and environmentally-friendly crafts and furniture to empower local creatives through training and mentoring. Customers will find modern prints, fabrics, and other afro-chic items to brighten up their homes. The Wasp and Sprout cafe below serves great coffee, fresh juices, and delicious pastries too.
Amani Ya Juu
A little oasis of calm in the middle of bustling Nairobi, Amani Ya Juu in Swahili means ‘Peace from Above’. This small social enterprise focuses on peace and reconciliation for African women. The shop opened in 1996 with just four female refugees sewing place mats together. Today, it features a workshop, cozy store, and shady garden cafe. Shoppers are greeted with a loud ‘Jambo!’ from the friendly sales assistants and can explore an impressive selection of fair trade, locally-made textiles, handbags, jewelry, clothing, and homeware. Notably, Amani Ya Juu offers an adorable selection of children’s clothes and toys, like safari animal mobiles and lion puppets.
Maasai Markets
These markets are perfect for the hagglers. The ever-bustling Maasai markets are a must-visit for anyone eager to pick up some traditional-style souvenirs, including bright beaded jewelry, hand-woven baskets, soapstone statues, and wooden masks. The markets were initiated by Maasai women wanting to sell directly to tourists. Though no longer exclusively run by the Maasai, these vibrant shopping experiences rotate between several locations throughout the week. It’s hard to beat the impressive range of goods on sale, and customers can often interact with the artisans themselves while ladies thread beads and chat in the background.
Made in Kenya
This trendy store is situated at The Alchemist, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant creative hubs. Made in Kenya’s collection is curated by One Hundred Years, which seeks to sell modern, original designer items from across the country. Consequently, Made In Kenya features unique products from some of the country’s best handpicked brands, all local and crafted with love. Shoppers can pick from a range of sleek clothing, sparkly sandals, statement jewelry pieces, or buy colourful notebooks and condiments like pineapple jam and chili chutney, along with neatly packaged toiletries.
Marula Studios
A firm favorite in the Karen neighbourhood, Marula Studios caters to environmentally-conscious shoppers. This vibrant studio combines its boutique with a unique flip-flop recycling project, which produces signature ‘Ocean Sole’ flip flops made from discarded sandals collected from Kenya’s beaches. Visitors can tour the workshop where these creations are made. Marula Studios prides itself on sourcing organic, ethical, and eco-friendly products. Shoppers can find pottery, beaded bags and belts, as well as wholesome knits. Additionally, it boasts a selection of handmade greeting cards and artwork produced by local artisans from nearby Kibera, the city’s largest slum. The stylish Marula Mercantile cafe is an excellent spot for a snack afterwards.
Spinners Web
This sprawling arts and crafts hub is located in the leafy Kitisuru neighbourhood. Spinners Web was originally created to showcase Kenya’s talented spinners and weavers. Today, it is a ‘one-stop-shop’ where visitors can choose from nearly 400 vendors under one roof. This spot is renowned for hand-woven, woollen goods, bold patterned fabrics, carpets, and curtains. The quality of the items for sale makes Spinners Web popular among tourists and locals alike. If the diverse choices become overwhelming, shoppers can also enjoy a relaxing tea break at the cafe downstairs.
