Shopping

Shopping in Kenya is dominated by souvenir sellers. Handmade items may be purchased at market stalls, roadside stands, and from street peddlers.

Tourists are easily identified, and a walk down the street can bring the attention of groups of salesmen. Be prepared for a strong sales pitch, offering bargain prices on handcrafts. Prices are initially determined based on what these sellers believe you will pay, but can generally be bargained down to a low price. Chances are you will get a fair price, and the vendor will still walk away with a good profit. Don’t be intimidated by the number of peddlers offering similar goods, or you may end up with more souvenirs than you can easily carry home. If quality is an issue you may want to make your purchases at some of the more established shops in the larger cities, but be prepared to pay higher prices.

Nairobi has an endless variety of places to shop. The City Market, on Muindi Mbingu Street is a good source of inexpensive souvenirs.

Bargains may be found at street stalls on many of the major thoroughfares, with local traders offering an assortment of goods. Major streets in Mombasa have numerous souvenir shops and galleries, and trader stalls are abundant on Moi Avenue and Nyerere Street.

A good selection of native products are available for purchase. Baskets made from sisal are durable and generally well made. Batiks and wax paintings may be found in the larger shops and stalls. With some searching it is possible to find some of very high quality. Tribal beads and bracelets are predominant, and will be presented to you for purchase almost anywhere you go. Check the quality closely and be prepared to bargain before you make a sale. Soapstone from Western Kenya has been carved into an infinite variety of souvenirs, and can be acquired at very affordable prices. Wood carvings are economical and are widely found in every animal shape as well as salad servers and napkin rings. Makonde statues are wood carvings traditionally made from ebony. Watch for fakes made from lighter woods and shoe polish, which can be identified by the lighter weight and scratches showing the true color of the wood.

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