What to Buy in Kenya

You may ask yourself What To Buy in Kenya while on your vacation - we are happy to show you all you need to know about shopping in Kenya.

So........ What do you need to Buy in Kenya

Kenya is famous for many handicrafts, which are often the signature of a particular tribe or region. Look for Kisii stone (soap stone) carvings, Maasai jewelry, Mkonde wood carvings, Lamu chairs and batiks.

The largest selection of handicrafts can probably be found at the Maasai Market in downtown Nairobi on Tuesdays, although expect plenty of hassling and hard bargaining.

If you do not wish to go to the downtown Maasai Market, there is always the Village Market in Gigiri (Close to UNEP Headquarters) where a small number of the vendors go once a week to sell their ware.

This is usually at a higher price because Gigiri is a plush suburb, so vendors price their goods accordingly. There is also a fine selection of stores selling craft goods in Mombasa, where the atmosphere is somewhat more relaxed. However, the best prices can be found by buying direct from the artisans in their villages in the countryside.

Apart from the typical souvenirs such as wood carvings, it may be a good idea to buy one of the large books with photos of wildlife, nature, or culture.

Do listen to and buy some local Kenyan music. Reggae is also quite a frequent feature of matatu journeys.

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