Shopping malls are essential for life in Nairobi. They offer not only a shopping experience but also cafes, restaurants, hospitals, and beauty salons, making them a true oasis for expatriates and business travelers. This time, we'll introduce six representative malls and the Maasai Market, which is held on different days of the week.
- Sarit Centre 📍Westlands／🛒 Carrefour
Known as the first shopping mall in East Africa, this long-established mall has undergone several renovations and expansions, resulting in a somewhat confusing layout. Inside, "Dr. Mattress Furniture," owned by a Turkish proprietor, offers furniture manufactured in Kenya, providing quality at a lower price compared to imported furniture. Carrefour supermarket is well-stocked with imported foods, daily necessities, and Japanese ingredients. Its prime location in the heart of Westlands makes it a popular choice among business travelers and expatriates.
- Westgate Mall 📍Westlands／🛒 Carrefour
With a luxurious and calm atmosphere, Westgate Mall offers a variety of interior shops and cafes. Although it was attacked by Al-Shabaab in 2013, it now has stringent security measures, including metal detectors, scanners, and detection dogs, ensuring safety. Recently, the French sports brand DECATHLON opened a store here, offering sports goods. (DECATHLON is also available at The Hub Karen and Two Rivers Mall.)
- Yaya Centre 📍Kilimani／🛒 Chandarana Foodplus
Located in Kilimani, where many Japanese expatriates reside, Yaya Centre offers a variety of Asian foods at Chandarana Foodplus, possibly influenced by the nearby China Town. The supermarket is convenient for everyday use, offering wine, cheese, and gluten-free products. "The Corner Shop" within the mall provides fresh vegetables, handmade tofu (silken and firm), natto, and miso, delighting Japanese residents. The Korean-owned hair salon "Touch of Glass" is a trusted spot for expatriates looking for a reliable place to get a haircut in Nairobi.
- The Hub Karen 📍Karen／🛒 Carrefour
Situated in the upscale residential area of Karen, The Hub Karen is a mall surrounded by greenery and water, offering a sense of openness. Its modern and stylish architecture gives it the feel of a suburban outlet mall in the West, with events and farmers markets held on the lawn on weekends, making it a popular family spot. Multiple sports stores, including DECATHLON, are available.
- Village Market Area: Gigiri／🛒 Carrefour & 🥩 Prime Cut (butcher and fish shop)
Situated in the upscale residential area of Karen, The Hub Karen is a mall surrounded by greenery and water, offering a sense of openness. Its modern and stylish architecture gives it the feel of a suburban outlet mall in the West, with events and farmers markets held on the lawn on weekends, making it a popular family spot. Multiple sports stores, including DECATHLON, are available.
- Two Rivers Mall 📍Runda / Ruaka／🛒 Carrefour
As Nairobi's largest shopping mall, Two Rivers Mall features a Ferris wheel, cinema, and amusement facilities. Carrefour is expansive, offering everything from food, electronics, clothing, to daily necessities. The mall also houses "China Square," which gathers Chinese goods, potentially serving as a substitute for Daiso or Don Quijote (though this might be an exaggeration). It's bustling with families on weekends and has become a leisure spot in Nairobi. Located further north than Village Market, it's a bit distant from the city center, but it's worth visiting for a change of pace.
◆ Maasai Market: Another Side of Kenya at the Malls Several of the malls introduced here host the Maasai Market on different days of the week. The market features bead accessories, fabric products, wooden animal carvings, and paintings, offering a direct encounter with Kenyan culture and craftsmanship.
🗓️ Schedule (as of 2025) Day Location
Wednesday: Capital Centre (Mombasa Road)
Thursday: Junction Mall (Ngong Road)
Friday: Village Market (upper parking lot)
Saturday: High Court parking lot (behind Hilton)
Sunday: Yaya Centre (Hurlingham)
*Note: Temporary closures may occur if coinciding with other events. Please check the websites of each shopping mall before visiting.
🪙 Tips (Check before you go!)
- Start negotiations at less than half the asking price.
- Payment is mainly cash or M-PESA (cards are often not accepted).
- Discounts may be offered for multiple purchases or if you say, "I'll come again, I'll bring friends."
Summary: Nairobi Life Begins at the Malls Shopping malls in Nairobi offer more than just shopping. They provide convenience, security, and cultural encounters as bases for daily life. Each mall has its own personality, and finding your favorite will surely make life in Nairobi more enjoyable.
