Varieties of markets in Nairobi include open-air markets, meat and fish markets and vegetable markets as well as clothes or flea markets—known as “mitumba’’—where people go thrift shopping. It is always a delight when you visit a market and manage to get the things you’re looking for. Markets offer plenty of alternatives and a variety of designs for the sake of picky customers. There is also interaction in the market places. You also get to see the different marketing skills of the vendors, which contributes a lot to the overall competition.
Here are some of the many notable markets located throughout Nairobi City. This tour is not for the light-hearted and is full of adrenaline. If you would like to experience the hard-core urban life in Nairobi, you are at the right place.
- Gikomba
Gikomba is the largest and most-famous clothes-flea market in Kenya. Kenyans love searching for vintage treasures in the market, and Gikomba is the place to start this hunt. If you are an early riser, go on Saturday morning and get yourself a new wardrobe. When it’s rainy, it can be so muddy! Its a labyrinth of narrow pathways, shouting vendors, and an amazing amount of clothes. A insider tip is to visit this market on a Saturday morning after 7 am because that is when the vendors bring their new bails of clothes.
2. Muthurwa
Muthurwa Market is very busy and noisy market where they sell all kinds of things including clothes and food. This market is very congested and noisy.
3. Mtindwa
Mutindwa market is situated between Buruburu and Umoja One Estate. One can find shoes and dresses ranging from Sh20 to Sh1, 500 here. You can get swimming costumes, shoes, bags, dresses, shoes and undies. If you want to look fabulous in the latest fashions without spending a fortune, this is the place to go. The market has a section of groceries as well.
There was a time when this was the best place to get all second-hand things but due to structural development in Buruburu not much is sold. It is a great place to get secondhand bags and shoes.
4. Maasai Market
The Nairobi Appeal parking lot is the busiest Maasai market in Nairobi. It is held at the vast law courts parking lot. With variety to choose from: curios, décor items, unique-African jewellery, and fabric. In Kenya, there are many Maasai markets. It happens every Saturday.
5. Kariakor Market
With over 200 stalls, people can buy wholesale jewellery, footwear, leather goods, baskets, décor items, and curios. Shoppers can get things for affordable prices and while Kariokor is mainly for people who want to buy and resell, patrons can also go there to buy one item. Companies and vendors in Kariokor produce goods for both local and international consumption.
6. City Market
City Market is under the management of the Nairobi City Council and is located on the junction of Market Road and Muindi Mbingu Street. The market has many stalls selling woodcarvings, art, sculptures, soap-stone pieces, drums, and paintings among other items. Vendors also sell flowers, fruits, and vegetables as well as meat ranging from fish, mutton, beef, pork, and chicken.
7. Ngara Market
The huge market in Ngara offers people fresh vegetables, grains, and fruit, and second-hand clothes. The stalls are found in the heart of the station. This market has an assortment of ingredients not found in other markets, but the market’s goods are more expensive than those found in other open-air vegetable markets.
8. Kamkunji Market
Kamukunji Market is an open-air market known for the wholesale of utensils. It has many vendors selling quality household goods from kitchen wear, toiletries, and many more.