Nairobi’s character is quite eclectic, made up of the quintessential African spirit interspersed with Western culture. Of course, this is expected of any modern city that’s considered a hub of commerce and entertainment. This convergence is evident in the dining scene; there are international eateries like KFC and Subway alongside local hole-in-the-wall restaurants. There are many great places to stay as well, including serviced apartments and Airbnb vacation rentals. Nairobi’s character also shows in the shopping scene, which is made up of open-air markets and state-of-the-art malls. If you’re thinking of where to get some retail therapy done and to make a day of it in the process, we’ve compiled a list of the best shopping malls in Nairobi. So scroll down and find out more.
1. Two Rivers Mall
If you’re looking for fun things to do, there’s no better place to start this list than at Two Rivers Mall. It is a beloved shopping and entertainment complex tucked away in Nairobi’s Ruaka neighborhood. This is arguably Kenya’s largest mall, a claim that’s hard to dispute. With a massive real estate that’s made up of over 200 stores and numerous eateries, Two Rivers is a constant beehive of activity, often reaching its peak at the weekend. Its magnetic appeal lies, not in the shopping outlets, but in the entertainment options, with an impressive amusement park as the main attraction.
Two Rivers Mall
Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi
Website: Two Rivers Mall
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
2. Thika Road Mall
This much older mall is located about 20 minutes outside of Nairobi’s CBD, along the Nairobi-Thika superhighway. Although not as large as Two Rivers above, it still packs quite a punch, offering over 100 stores within its reasonable 10,000 square feet (930 square meters). If you prefer one location for all your shopping, then Thika Road Mall should suffice. A weekly Maasai market also features, so some souvenir shopping wouldn’t hurt either.
Thika Road Mall
Address: TRM Dr, Nairobi
Website: Thika Road Mall
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
3. The Junction
The Junction boasts a whopping 256,000 square feet (24,000 square meters) of real estate. Within this space, you’ll find about 120 stores made up of a number of international brands that you might recognize. The Junction has been a popular mall among Nairobians for years, owing much of the fame to its vibrant nature. Not only do people troop here to do their shopping, but they also prefer The Junction as an ideal entertainment location; there is a movie cinema, along with a casino and a children’s play center.
The Junction
Address: Ngong Rd, Nairobi
Website: The Junction
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
The A-Frame | Windy Ridge, Karen
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Nairobi National Park - Kampi of Karin
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Treehouse Nr3 at NgongHouse on 4ha of nature.
Karen Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
SHERRY’s RAHA 1BRM APARTMENT , SCHOOL LANE
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Boushel Place - For best times
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
4. Westgate Mall
If you’re familiar with Kenyan news, then you probably know that Westgate has faced a tumultuous past. In September of 2013, the mall was attacked by terrorists, a tragedy that is today only referred to as Westgate Attack. However, refusing to be cowed, the mall was refurbished and reopened two years later. Today, it has risen from the ashes and regained its position among one of Nairobi’s top shopping malls. In fact, some say that it’s even more popular now than it was before that fateful incident. Whatever the case, Westgate Shopping Mall is a wonderful shopping and entertainment hub.
Westgate Mall
Address: 15 Mwanzi Rd, Nairobi
Website: Westgate Mall
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
5. The Hub Karen
Set in the affluent Karen neighborhood, The Hub is a massive complex that not only includes shopping and entertainment spots but also has a medical and fitness center. Its whopping 380,000-square-foot (35,000-square-meter) area is intended to be a city within a city, and perhaps by the time you visit, the construction of its hotel and conference facilities would have been completed.
The Hub Karen
Address: Dagoretti Rd, Nairobi
Website: The Hub Karen
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
6. The Village Market
The Village Market was conceptualized way back in the early ‘90s and was actualized in 1995 with just 10 stores. Today, one of Nairobi’s oldest shopping malls has grown to house over 150 stores. Its design is unique, resembling a typical African market but with modernity breathed into it. The result is a spacious complex that’s home to some of the best brands not only in Kenya but in the world. The Village Market is also home to the city’s only bowling alley, Village Bowl, as well as a massive trampoline park and a VR gaming center.
The Village Market
Address: Village Market, Gigiri, Nairobi
Website: The Village Market
Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm (daily)
7. Galleria Shopping Mall
Nairobi will definitely urge you to visit a couple of its best attractions, like the Giraffe Center or Bomas of Kenya. On your way to these sites, you’ll drive along Lang’ata Road and notice a large complex to your left. This is Galleria Mall, a colorful and vibrant structure that may not be as massive as the likes of Two Rivers or The Village Market but still boasts tremendous appeal. Stop for a meal at one of the eateries, which include familiar chains like Pizza Hut, KFC, and Subway. Then make sure you drop by Planet Yogurt for an unforgettable treat.
Galleria Shopping Mall
Address: Junction of Magadi & Langata Rd, Nairobi
Website: Galleria Shopping Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm; Sun: 8am - 8pm
8. Sarit Centre
Sarit Centre has made a name for itself as one of Nairobi’s best shopping malls. It’s also one of the city’s oldest, and though not as glamorous as the newer ones, it has carved a niche for itself in the local shopping scene. Found within just a few minutes of the CBD, it is probably one of the busiest in Nairobi, and the company mentions as much on its website. Sarit is known to host several expos every year, a testament to its popularity and size. If you’re looking for a convenient place to shop, then consider Sarit Centre.
Sarit Centre
Address: Pio Gama Pinto Rd, Westlands, Nairobi
Website: Sarit Centre
Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm (daily)
9. Garden City Mall
The concept of Garden City is one that’s a trend in Western countries. The developers intend to make this an integrated community, with not just the shopping complex but also residential and commercial properties within the same space. So you could potentially stay inside Garden City and have everything you could need within easy reach. This novel concept is what has brought popularity to the mall. With its over 100 stores, everything you could ever want is available under one roof. If you’re here on a Thursday, you’ll catch the weekly Maasai market; and if Friday finds you at Garden City, then you can settle down for some live Jazz entertainment.
Garden City Mall
Address: Thika Rd, Nairobi
Website: Garden City Mall
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 7:30pm; Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
10. Yaya Centre
Yaya is one of Nairobi’s older shopping malls, and just like The Village Market and Sarit Center, it is considered the “grandfather” of shopping outlets in the city. Yaya Centre has certainly aged well, growing significantly over the years and remaining relevant in an ever-changing shopping scene. Just like the other malls on this list, you’ll find stores that range from fashion to electronics to even home decor. And, of course, you just have to spend time exploring the several eateries.
Yaya Centre
Address: Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi
Website: Yaya Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
A vibrant shopping scene
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or you just want to stock up on groceries, Nairobi’s vibrant shopping scene offers everything you need and more. From the bustling malls to the low-key complexes, our list above offers enough options for you to choose from.
Make your time in Nairobi even more memorable by checking out the city’s best picnic spots and national parks!