I love being Kenyan. Everything from our food, to our culture, is something we should be proud of.
There is nothing that says “Made in Kenya” like the homegrown craft products, such as Maasai beadwork, wooden and soapstone carved products, as well as lesos (African wraps), kikoys (sarongs) and Maasai shukas that are sold in the local flea markets.
Maasai markets are the best places to go hunting for these precious things, and they are held in the parking lots of various shopping malls. Here is their schedule.
Monday
The only Maasai market on Monday at the Galleria Shopping Mall. Although there is a prominent curio shop within the mall, it is generous enough to open its doors to other similar vendors they do every day, not just on Mondays.
The mall is located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, at the junction of Lang’ata road and Magadi road.
Tuesday
Every Tuesday on the first-floor rooftop parking, the vibrant Maasai market beguiles shoppers at the Prestige Plaza shopping mall, located along Ngong road in the posh Kilimani residential area.
The newly renovated Westgate Shopping Mall, located in the upscale residential area of Westlands, is back to business as usual following the 2013 terrorist attack. The Maasai market is held in the upper parking space.
Wednesday
The Capital Centre is located along the busy Mombasa Road. Every Wednesday, the mall attracts visitors from all over the city to shop at the crowded but well established Maasai market.
Thursday
The Junction along Ngong road, in the upscale area of Riara. Every Thursday, the residents gather at the third-floor parking to shop for ornaments and other products at the Maasai Market.
One of the newest additions, the Garden City Mall opened its doors in 2015. It is located along Thika superhighway. The Maasai market is held every Thursday in the open-air parking area.
Friday
The Village Market is a shopping mall located in the luxurious suburbia of Gigiri. It has a lovely open-air setting, and the market runs every Friday from 8 a.m to 6.30 p.m. This is the longest running Maasai market in Nairobi.
Saturday
The Nairobi Court of Appeal parking lot is the busiest Maasai market in Nairobi. It is held at the vast law courts parking lot. It is centrally located in the city centre, right next to KICC and just behind Hilton hotel. Vendors come from as far as the remotest areas of Maasailand. This is a shopper’s paradise.
Adam’s Arcade is the oldest shopping centre in Nairobi, dating back to the pre-independence era. It was eponymously named after its founder, Abdul Habib Adam.
Shoppers flock to the small parking lot every Saturday ready to haggle with the vendors.
Sunday
Yaya Centre is among the pioneers of high-end shopping centres erected all over Nairobi. This one from in the posh Kilimani residential area, along Argwings Kodhek road. The Maasai market, open every Sunday, attracts shoppers from the surrounding upscale residential areas.
Adam’s Arcade and the Appellate court parking are open on Sundays as well.