Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations for souvenir shopping. Handmade crafts are deeply rooted in daily life, with artisans producing beadwork, carvings, jewellery, textiles, and decorative items using skills passed down through generations. Many souvenirs are locally made rather than mass-produced, giving visitors the chance to take home something genuinely meaningful.

Nairobi is an excellent base for buying souvenirs. The city brings together lively open-air markets, fair-trade workshops, artisan centres, and modern gift boutiques. Whether you enjoy bargaining at busy markets or prefer calm, fixed-price shopping environments, Nairobi offers a wide range of memorable places to buy gifts.

Below are five of the best-reviewed souvenir and gift shopping spots in Nairobi, based on consistent positive feedback from visitors.

1. Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is Nairobi’s most famous craft market and is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere and enormous variety of authentic Kenyan souvenirs. Visitors describe rows of colourful stalls selling beadwork, wood carvings, paintings, textiles, baskets, jewellery, and small keepsakes. Browsing the market is often described as a cultural highlight and a memorable part of visiting Nairobi.

The market rotates locations depending on the day of the week. It is most commonly found in Westlands on Tuesdays, in the Nairobi CBD near the Supreme Court area on Thursdays, at Village Market on Saturdays, and at Yaya Centre on Sundays. Locations can occasionally change, so checking locally is recommended.

Opening days vary by location and day of the week. Opening times are generally around 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with weekends typically busiest from late morning to early afternoon.

Rating: ~4.3 (5,200+ reviews)

Location: Rotating locations across Nairobi

Contact: Organised by local vendors

2. Utamaduni Craft Centre

Utamaduni Craft Centre is frequently recommended as a calmer, more curated alternative to street markets. Reviewers praise the wide selection of crafts sourced from artisans across Kenya, including jewellery, sculptures, carvings, beadwork, textiles, and home décor. Many visitors appreciate the fixed pricing and relaxed layout, which allows for browsing without pressure.

The centre is often described as an ideal place to find quality gifts and larger statement pieces. An onsite café adds to the experience and makes it easy to spend time browsing comfortably.

Utamaduni Craft Centre is open daily, typically from around 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Rating: ~4.4 (300+ reviews)

Location: Langata South Road, Nairobi

Contact: +254 722 205028

3. Kazuri Beads

Kazuri Beads is highly regarded for its handmade ceramic jewellery and ethical production. Reviewers consistently highlight the vibrant colours, unique designs, and craftsmanship of the beads. Many visitors enjoy the factory tour, which offers insight into how the jewellery is made and how the brand supports local women artisans.

The shop is described as well organised and gift-friendly, making it a popular stop for souvenirs that are easy to pack and meaningful to give.

Kazuri Beads is generally open from Monday to Saturday, usually between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Rating: ~4.5 (900+ reviews)

Location: Langata Road, Nairobi

Contact: +254 115 214 750

4. Nairobi Gallery Gift Shop

The gift shop at the Nairobi Gallery is appreciated for its curated, art-focused souvenirs. Visitors mention prints, books, and culturally inspired items that feel more refined than standard tourist gifts. Shopping here is often combined with a visit to the gallery itself, adding cultural context to the souvenirs.

Many reviewers see it as a good complement to craft markets, especially for travellers looking for thoughtful, Kenya-inspired gifts in a historic setting.

The Nairobi Gallery is typically open daily from around 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Rating: ~4.3 (600+ reviews)

Location: Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi

5. Village Market Curated Gift Shops

Village Market is consistently praised as a clean, lively, and enjoyable shopping complex. Reviewers highlight the variety of boutiques selling African jewellery, homeware, accessories, fashion, and gift items. The relaxed atmosphere, wide dining options, and easy navigation make it a popular place to shop without pressure.

Visitors also note that a Maasai Market is usually held here on Saturdays, adding a traditional craft experience to the modern setting.

Village Market is open daily, generally from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with some restaurants and entertainment venues staying open later.

Rating: ~4.6 (8,800+ reviews)

Location: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi

Contact: +254 20 7122488

Bargaining and Practical Shopping Tips

Bargaining is expected at open-air markets such as the Maasai Market and is often described by visitors as part of the fun. A friendly approach, patience, and polite negotiation are key. Fixed-price venues such as Utamaduni Craft Centre, Kazuri Beads, the Nairobi Gallery gift shop, and most Village Market stores typically do not bargain, which many visitors find more relaxed.

Cash is widely used at markets, while cards are commonly accepted at shopping centres and larger shops. Lightweight items such as jewellery, beads, textiles, and small carvings are popular choices for travellers due to ease of packing. Many visitors recommend taking time to browse before buying, as similar items often appear in multiple stalls with different designs and prices.

Souvenir shopping in Nairobi is widely described as colourful, welcoming, and memorable, offering a genuine connection to Kenyan culture and craftsmanship.

Checkout my article on What to Buy in Kenya!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!