Nairobi’s Best Souvenir and Antique Shops

Tags: Visit Nairobi, Gift shops, Memories we never lost, The Best of Nairobi, Discover Authentic Nairobi,
taste of Kenya, cultural passions, device

1. KAZURI BEAD FACTORY.

Kazuri bead factory is located in Mbagathi Ridge in Karen in Nairobi. “Kazuri” Is

a Swahili word meaning “small and beautiful” this is the popular stop for the

Nairobi tourists interested in ceramics, beads-making and jewelry designs . The

tranquil serenity that is most welcoming to the customers. The factory supplies the

products to the several neutrally located shopping centers to cater for the clients in

a wide Geographical location, these includes: Westgate and Sarit shopping centers

in Nairobi. the visitors have the opportunity to tour and learn every single step of
bead-making. The factory was set up to provide employment, raise the living

standards of the single mothers. This is the home known for quality and vibrancy

of designs.

The market is flooded by the bracelets made of bead which have a special

significance to the Maasai community. According to the jewelers the different

beads color symbolizes a phenomenon, for example the red beads would symbolize

power and blood therefore, they are specifically used by the warriors, the green

symbolizes fertility and prosperity in women. The beads exist in the following

forms; necklaces (the most common), earrings and chockers. The most appropriate

way of purchasing the beads is either direct purchase from the Maasai community.(

https://www.gpsmycity.com)

2. KITENGELA GLASS.

This refers to the artists community within the serenity of Nairobi. The classy

industry deals in glass products, the main aim was to boost the leaving of the

disabled artisans of whom the majority of them are employed there. The tourists
spend hours of the day exploring this area following the fancy glass products like;

decorative animals, jugs , vases and stained-glass windows. According to the sales

reports, the magical sculptures, for example giant oxen and glass murals.

3. TRIANGLE CURIOS MARKET.

The market is located in Westland’s area In Nairobi , opposite the roundabout from

Sarit Centre. The market is fully stocked by the Kenyan handicrafts and souvenirs

which are pocket-friendly. All the tribal jewelry are available here at an affordable

price. This market covers the art lovers. The lovebirds are covered here whereby

the most expensive gold necklaces, bridal rings and every classy form of the

jewelry are sold. ( https://www.likealocaguide.com)

4. GOODIE’S AFRICAN INTERIOR AND GIFT SHOP.

Besides being used for necklaces and other jewelry, the Maasai also use beads

to make bowls, plates and other products used to carry everyday items. Some

places will make items to order, so you can get anything - from coasters to wine

baskets. Because each piece is hand-beaded to form the item, it can take weeks

to finish a large bowl or decorative piece. The Goodies’ African Interiors &

Gifts shop is a great place to start your shopping. If you have time, you can

custom-order your beaded bowl, specifying the size, color and type of beads

(ceramic, glass, wood) you want. Otherwise, pick one of the bowls already on

sale at the store. They go from U$5 for a small ashtray-size bowl to over a

hundred for a fruit bowl. Bowls are unlined so they’re not meant to hold liquids

or anything wet or sticky that could damage the bead work.

5. HILTON NAIROBI HOTEL.

Traditional sculptures, such as the ones depicting “The Great Five” (lion, buffalo,

elephant, rhino, and leopard) are a good choice, no matter the size. Giraffes are an

especially-popular choice, but they tend to be very large (some up to 10 feet high),

so you would have to plan the shipping well in advance. There are three types of

woods traditionally used for wood carvings: mango trees, Neem trees and ebony.

Ebony is rarer and more expensive, so if you’re on a budget, look for the other two

options, which are lighter in both color and weight. Makonke carvings are

considered the best and are made using mpingo or African blackwood. They are

usually in the form of animals or busts (human figures). Because of their price and

quality, Makonke carvings are only sold at fine galleries and shops in the city.

Start your search at the Collectors Den Store, located inside the shopping arcade at

the Hilton Nairobi. The store specializes in hand-carved ebony and soapstone

items, all made by indigenous people of Kenya. Otherwise, head to Jigsaw

Designs, on the

ground floor of the Sarit Centre, if you’re looking for large items. Jigsaw stocks

carved items that go from small figurines, that would look good on a mantle, to
four-poster beds and major objects of art made completely out of wood. Prices start

at U$50 and up for the smaller items, so expect to spend some money there.

(https://www.thedreamafrica.com)

6. ADELPI LEATHER STORE.

The store is located in the serenity of Kilimani area, Yaya center in Nairobi. the

store widely deals in hand-woven baskets ,locally known as Kondo’s , they are

used to carry groceries, they differ in size and the prices. The main materials

used in weaving are ;sisal fiber, leather trimmings, weave beads and shells.

Their kiondos have a fabric lining (not part of traditional kiondos), which

makes them suitable as handbags and to carry small objects without the risk of

losing any of them. Cheap kiondos can be found for as little as a couple of

dollars at markets, but the ones at Adelphi sell for U$15 and

up.(https://www.tripadvisor.com)