Nairobi Life Hack: How To Save Money While Shopping In Nairobi

When it comes to Nairobi, how much you spend on household items each month depends on where and when you shop. To save on money and time, some savvy shoppers opt to go to the store only once per month, while others have it down to shopping after every yearly quarter.

Saving is the order of the day as emergencies are always popping up. A bunch of notes on a rainy day can offer relief from shylocks, mobile loans and borrowing from friends. 

A lady shopping in Kenya

How often do you go to the supermarket? When you go, do you always stick to your list or do you buy whatever looks good? You can greatly reduce your shopping bill if you make a list (and stick to it) and shop wholesale especially from big supermarkets and food markets. Get things when they are on sale or promotion.

One of the easiest ways to save is to cut on costs, especially if one has the tendency to work with a fixed budget and those who focus on the nitty-gritty financial aspects.  Note that you have to consider the convenience and transport costs to cheaper markets and see if the savings still hold – read on for alternatives that may be nearer to you. 

  1. Wholesale Stores

Most Nairobians are leaning towards purchasing items from wholesale stores as opposed to supermarkets where most goods have been divided to suit customers who purchase items on a small scale. 

A kilogram of sugar at the wholesale store is Ksh 90 whereas the same goes for Ksh 105 to Ksh 110 at the cheapest supermarkets around town.

Twenty litres of cooking oil go for up to Ksh 4,200 at wholesale stores, and Ksh 4,500 to Ksh 4,700 at the local supermarkets, depending on the brand.

When it comes to Blue Band, 1kg at the local supermarkets as well as online vendors such as 159onlineshop and Jumia,  goes for an average of Ksh 380-400. In Eastleigh, the same quantity of Blue Band goes for Ksh330 in wholesale stores. Jumia are cheaper in electronics, phones, and even fashion in some cases. Exploit them. Of course, make sure you undertake some due diligence to avoid being scammed.

2. Carrefour

Carrefour, has made a name for itself as one of the top supermarkets when it comes to ‘crazy offers‘. All you’d need to do is be on the constant look out for such deals as they are usually blasted across social media as well as local dailies. 

At times, items go for half the price you’d find at wholesale stores. This is especially the case during end-of-month or clearance sales.

3. Kenya Meat Commission and Meat Vendors

An alternative could be the Kenya Meat Commission depot located along Landhies Road. A kilogramme of beef retails at Ksh440, with those going for assorted meat guaranteed to get such at prices that are lower than estate butcheries.

If you are in the CBD and looking to make a bulk meat purchase (5Kg plus), consider City Market which can give you a slightly lower price than your local butcher. 

4. Food Markets

Vegetable and Fruits. Nairobi, Kenya.

Also, when on a trip outside Nairobi (be it for business or leisure) take advantage of whatever item is sold at a throwaway price in whichever county.Food Markets in Nairobi include:

Marikiti Market – The market is located along Haile Selassie Avenue right next to Muthurwa Market and is known for fresh farm products at pocket friendly prices.

Kangemi Market along Waiyaki Way – It offers unbeatable offers as far as fruits, traditional vegetables and cereals are concerned for residents in Kangemi, Mountain View, Uthiru, Kinoo and Muthiga estates among other regular users of Waiyaki Way. 

cereals

Githurai is still the go to place for residents along the Thika Superhighway route when it comes to fresh vegetables.

Wangige Market – Renowned for it’s robust egg market where on Mondays and Thursdays, the price for a tray of eggs ranges from Ksh260 to Ksh300. During these specific days, those buying less than a crate of eggs often land killer deals such as 3 eggs at Ksh20.

Kirigiti market– Residents plying the Kiambu Road route where fresh vegetables are sold at pocket friendly prices.

Kariokor and Kamukunji markets are favorites when it comes to household items such as basin, dish racks – known for plastic items in general.

5. Bulk Purchases

Bulk purchases offer the best relief, especially when a group of five join hands. Most people refer to such teams as chamas or youth groups.

Instead of buying five litres between Ksh 550 and Ksh 700 in a supermarket, a group can purchase 20 litres from wholesale at around Ksh 2000 to Ksh 2300. This means one person can save around Ksh 100 to Ksh 200 when you divide the total cost per the contributors after wholesale purchase.

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