Shopping in Nairobi: My Top Picks for Kenyan Fashion Designers

During my recent visit to Nairobi, the only thing stopping me from actually shopping until I dropped was the inevitable baggage fees on my return flight home. Kenya’s fashion scene seamlessly blends traditional African craftsmanship with global modern trends, making shopping in Nairobi a worthwhile experience in itself. I knew I was in for some inspiring retail therapy, but I didn’t realize how widely regarded Nairobi is as one of Africa’s trendsetting fashion capitals. 

When I landed in the city, I fully embraced the adventure ahead, although I didn’t have much insight into the Kenyan fashion designers I should be familiar with. So, I went to Instagram and my friends’ networks, discovering brands that left me excited to add to my wardrobe. For years, I secretly wondered if I had a style problem — anxious about the small-size, ill-fitting fast-fashion culture that has taken over in the U.S. However, it turns out that I was just shopping in the wrong country, and Kenya was the answer.

If you’re heading to Nairobi and shopping is on the agenda, here are my favorite fashion designers and places to shop in the city.

My Favorite Fashion Designers in Kenya

For those who love to shop, particularly for clothing and accessories, this is one of the best places to do it. Kenya’s fashion scene doesn’t boast too loudly, but it also doesn’t have to. From market finds to custom-made pieces, Kenyan fashion designers deliver a wide range of apparel and accessories, from affordable ready-to-wear to one-of-a-kind statement pieces. And the best part of the experience is supporting the local economy, particularly the designers, businesses, and artists that fuel the culture.

Bloom Kenya

Instagram: (@bloom_kenya)

My discovery of Bloom Kenya was an Instagram find that worked out in the best way. The brand describes its apparel and accessories collection as “comfortable, lush, and timeless,” which explains why I found pieces I’m now obsessed with. Their brick-and-mortar location is situated in Lana Plaza, Nairobi’s Kilimani area, but you can also view their latest merchandise on Instagram and the brand’s website. 

Bloom’s collection is a cross between elevated, chic everyday looks and effortless business casual. Expect coordinated sets, flowy dresses and jumpsuits, and tailored tops you can wear from the boardroom to the bush. Bloom is a great place to shop for solid wardrobe essentials with a resortwear feel or that pair easily with statement accessories. 

I found pieces that I absolutely love at Bloom, and even squeezed in a second visit before leaving, so it’s definitely on my must-visit list when shopping in Nairobi.

Hawi Ready to Wear

Instagram: (@hawi_rtw)

Located in the Embe Creatives collective in Lavington, Hawi RTW creates affordable pieces that are timeless, bold, and effortlessly flattering. Loose silhouettes and bright colors capture the brand’s vibrancy, while tailored options give every size an hourglass look. 

I got to meet with the collection’s founder and CEO, Scovia Owino, during my visit, and she steered me toward the beautiful Nawiri Set (in mustard yellow). The high-quality polycotton blend set features an adjustable puff-sleeve crop top and high-waisted, wide-leg trousers. Its versatility makes it great for both Sunday brunch and an evening event — and it costs around $60 (KSh 7,500) for the entire set.

My favorite part of the shopping experience was getting my set tailored in real time. The hem and waist of the pants needed a slight adjustment, and Scovia had a tailor on it in minutes. I opted to have it delivered the next day, since I visited toward the end of business. It became one of my favorite looks for my birthday shoot in Lamu, which I shot a few weeks later.

African Inspired

Instagram: (@african_inspired.ke)

African Inspired is another Nairobi-based fashion brand that I discovered on social media. This is the place to go when you want bold prints that embody African fashion, without the negotiation tactics required to navigate the markets. The quality-crafted collection primarily focuses on women’s apparel and accessories, with men’s and children’s apparel also available.

African Inspired’s collection features shift dresses, ankara kimonos, kaftans, and coordinated sets. Think lots of colorful, curvy girl-friendly silhouettes, and print combinations that garner unsolicited compliments in every season. I did enough “damage” here that I had officially reached my limit and had to purchase an additional suitcase. My favorite purchase was an off-the-shoulder white-and-black kaftan (pictured above) that made me feel like that girl in my birthday photoshoot. (Shout out to the sales associate for suggesting it and styling me during my visit!) I also got a multi-color floor-length Kifalme Kimono that’s waiting for its debut on a winter outing.

The brand has three locations in Nairobi where you can shop in person — Jitihada Shopping Complex, Adlife Plaza (Kilimani), and Greenhouse Mall — but it also sells and ships globally.

RAHI

Instagram: (@rahi_apparel)

A girl on the hunt for fashion is not to be defeated, and my meeting with the founder of RAHI is proof of that. While in Malindi, I learned about a fashion show event happening nearby, which was sadly sold out (and no luck pulling the media card, either). But, in my search for event details, I came across a list of the Instagram accounts of the participating designers and went to work (because who’s gon’ check me boo?). 

I DM’d the founder, coordinated a post-event meetup, and wasn’t shy about sorting through the remainder of her collection. The result was discovering two halter-neck jumpsuits, in caramel and orange, that I’ll cherish on every vacation where sun and sand are in the mix. I love that the brand’s current signature items lean heavily into resortwear — casual yet still sexy, not overdesigned, and very affordable.

This growing brand is just getting started, so you’ll need to be on the ground to shop with them, as they only deliver within the country. The best way to see their latest pieces is to visit their Instagram story or DM them directly to inquire about availability.

Shopping Malls in Nairobi

Although you’ll get more than enough retail therapy supporting Kenyan designers, Nairobi’s shopping malls might also satisfy your needs. What I love about the malls in Nairobi is that they’re not just built for clothing stores. This is where you can handle essential tasks while traveling, such as obtaining local SIM cards, purchasing groceries, managing banking, and visiting the pharmacy. 

There are more than a dozen malls throughout the city, so no matter where you stay, there’s likely a major shopping complex nearby. Here are some of the most popular shopping malls in Nairobi.

Two Rivers Mall

Two Rivers Mall is the largest in East Africa, with 180 retail shops, nearly 20 dining options, an entertainment park, a supermarket, and a movie theater. Located in Runda, an affluent neighborhood on Nairobi’s north side, Two Rivers offers a mix of local businesses and globally recognized brands. It’s also where you can take in panoramic views of the city from the Eye of Kenya, the largest Ferris wheel in Africa.

Westgate

Westgate Mall’s 80+ stores sell a wide range of fashion, electronics, and home goods. Situated along Mwanzi Road in Westlands, it’s actually not far from Two Rivers, which could make for a successful day of shop hopping. Westgate offers more global brand names, such as Aldo, Mango, Miniso, and Reebok.

Grab a meal at one of 18 restaurants — pan-Asian at Akira, Mediterranean at Onza, or a quick bite and coffee at Art Caffe. The Westgate Cinema, Strikez Bowling, and W-Exclusive Fitness are only a few of the highlights that make this mall worth a visit.

Village Market

Village Market was an underrated find thanks to a local friend. The indoor-outdoor shopping and entertainment center features more than 250 stores, a cinema, an art gallery, a gym, and several restaurants. Its location in the diplomatic area of Gigiri makes it one of Nairobi’s premium shopping spots, attracting more tourists. Expect prices to match accordingly. 

I’m still raving about the fresh oysters I had at Oysters & More and can’t wait to return to shop Ikwetta and Zia Africa, two local brands I’ve had my eye on.

Sarit Centre

Sarit Centre is one of Nairobi’s oldest malls and the first shopping center to open in independent Kenya in 1983. Despite its longstanding history, this Westlands neighborhood mall is anything but outdated. It’s easy to spend a day at Sarit Centre, with 80 stores, dining, bowling, laser tag, and a trampoline park.

After exploring the mall, head to The Summer Lounge to enjoy a cocktail with a dreamy aesthetic as the backdrop. Or, the luxurious setting of Alloy Bar and Lounge, a popular pick for its vibey Sunday brunch.

Nairobi remains one of my top three cities in Africa for many reasons, and creative inspiration is one of them. These shopping and fashion designer suggestions only scratch the surface of the city’s incredibly talented artists. While you can browse touristy markets — and no one’s criticizing you for doing so — connecting with local businesses is the best way to find items that will spark conversations.  

Looking for other recommendations for Kenya? Check out the Kenya travel itinerary I put together from my recent visit.