The Best Flea Markets In Nairobi Kenya

Kenya exports several products to the international market, such as coffee, tea, flowers and beans. But 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.

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The Flea Market Schedule

The only Maasai market on Monday is held 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 this every day, not just on Mondays. The mall is located in the leafy suburbia 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

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.

The Junction is located 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.

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 is located 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.