From beads to beachwear – the top places to shop in Nairobi

While it might be the wildlife and landscapes that draw you to East Africa, when you’re here you might just discover that the big city has a special allure too. Among the attractions of the Kenyan capital Nairobi is a series of fantastic one-off shops parading products that you won’t find elsewhere.

From chic clothing and jewellery to arts and crafts, Nairobi’s profusion of temptingly hip stores have a wealth of wares to keep even the most avid high-end retail hound happy for hours. We’ve compiled a few of our own favourites to look out for if you make a shopping stop in Nairobi. These are all in easy reach for anyone staying in the Karen district of the city.

Anna Trzebinksi
If you’re on the lookout for unique, hand-made designer fashion and accessories, Anna Trzebinksi’s range is the perfect place to start. Discover original, authentic, chic pieces inspired by Anna’s connection for her Kenyan homeland, with beaded and painted detail exquisitely created by local Maasai women. Anna’s studio is found near the Giraffe Manor on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Visit annatrzebinski.com

Sandstorm
The place to go for seriously stylish travel bags. Crafted using local leather or tent canvas, and upcycled brass hardware, Sandstorm’s range takes luggage to a new level. It’s perfect for your bush trip but also serves as a stylish way to carry your essentials around back at home. Sandstorm now has multiple outlets in Nairobi, including at The Hub in Karen, offering plenty of opportunity to check them out on your trip to East Africa.
Visit sandstormkenya.com

The Souk
Set in a leafy haven in the Karen district of Nairobi, this is a delightful place to escape the bustle of the city and browse wares from a medley of independent shops. Enjoy a healthy, wholesome lunch at the Tin Roof Café. And discover a treasure trove of books, original artworks, beaded jewellery, Kenyan clothing and more.
Visit thesoukkenya.com

Banana Box
With Nairobi stores at the new Hub shopping mall in Karen, The Souk Junction shopping centre and the Sarit Centre in Westlands, Banana Box is a great place to discover one-off items and brilliant gifts. From children’s toys to quirky takes on kitchen utensils, there’s loads to discover. And the ethical motives of this business mean you’re helping support local craftspeople and the environment through buying goods that are fairly priced and made using natural or recycled materials.
Visit bananabox.co.ke

Matbronze
The wildlife you see on safari is undoubtedly one of the most sensational aspects of an East Africa adventure. Matbronze, situated between Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre and the Elephant Orphanage, create beautifully detailed bronze animal sculptures – allowing you to take home a stylish memento of these wild encounters. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a light lunch and see the gallery’s stunning life-sized wildlife bronzes.
Visit matbronze.com

Karuzi
Think of classic Kenyan crafts and it’s probably beadwork that first springs to mind. And one of our favourite places to find authentic local examples of this craft is Karuzi. With four outlets, this brand produces a wonderful selection of ceramic beads, beautiful jewellery and statement pottery pieces. Karuzi also provides a stable livelihood for hundreds of Kenyan women, so shopping here is a positive for the local community.
Visit kazuri.com

Utamaduni
This collection of artisan craft shops in Nairobi’s Karen district is well worth making time for. Explore a wide selection of interiors pieces, clothing and fabrics, beaded crafts, jewellery, antiques and more. There’s a strong thread of quality craftsmanship and Kenyan style throughout the products in these stores – so it’s a top recommendation for finding a keepsake or sourcing gifts for the folks back home.
Visit utamadunishops.com

Kikoy
With a range of clothing and homewares in Kenyan tribe-inspired colours, Kikoy, based at The Hub Karen, is a great place to buy pieces that capture the bold, vibrant spirit of East Africa. You can find beachwear for ladies, men and kids, as well as items that include cushion covers, bunting and napkins – all in Kikoy’s beautifully bright shades.
Visit kikoy.com

Masai Market
Another retail experience to check out in Nairobi is the Maasai Market at the Karen Shopping Centre. Here, you’ll discover a huge assortment of handiwork from local Maasai women, including beaded items, carvings and woven baskets. You can also put your bargaining skills to the test!
Visit facebook.com/MaasaiMarketNairobi

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