A collection of traditional Kenyan souvenirs, including hand-painted drums, decorative plates, and wooden carvings, displayed in a vibrant market stall.

What to buy in Kenya

Kenya has a plethora of unique gifts and trinkets you can buy as a souvenir. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the East African country’s most iconic souvenirs and where to find them.

1. Tea and Coffee

Kenya produces some of the world’s best tea and coffee. The tea is often robust with a bright, brisk character, while the coffee is known for its full-bodied flavor with fruity and wine-like undertones.

When shopping, look for high-quality loose-leaf types like black tea, purple tea, or blended chai. For coffee, buy single-origin Arabica beans from regions like Nyeri or Kirinyaga. You’ll find them in supermarkets. However, for the best experience and fresh products, go to tea and coffee farms like Karunguru Estate.

Regardless of where you choose to shop, make sure the package is vacuum-sealed to preserve its freshness when travelling.

2. Soapstone Carvings

Soapstone carvings, known locally as Kisii stone, are handmade in the Kisii region. These handmade sculptures come in various forms, including animal figurines, decorative bowls, and even chess sets. Usually, artists paint them in vivid hues or leave them natural in cream, pink, or gray tones.

For the best selection, head to Maasai Markets or gift shops in Nairobi.

3. Kikoy Fabric

The Kikoy is a traditional cotton wrap made of a lightweight fabric. It is versatile and made in vivid colors and patterns. As a result, you can wear them as sarongs, beach towels, or even fashioned into bags and pillow covers.

You can buy this in most markets, from roadside vendors, and malls.

4. Handmade Crafts

Kenya’s handmade crafts are diverse and stunning, ranging from wooden bowls to beaded baskets, and even metalwork sculptures.

Maasai Markets are your go-to for the sheer variety, but you’ll also find them in stores.

5. Maasai Jewelry

A symbol of Maasai heritage, Maasai jewellery is both beautiful and meaningful. Artisans create each piece, whether a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, using colourful beads that reflect tribal stories or status symbols.

To buy Maasai jewellery, visit the pop up markets, curio shops, or rural communities where the women create and sell these stunning ornaments.

6. Maasai Shuka

The Maasai Shuka is a traditional plaid fabric worn by the Maasai tribe. It comes in vibrant reds and blues.

You can get them from Maasai Markets or souvenir shops.

7. Kitengela Glass

Kitengela Glass is a haven for handmade, recycled glass art pieces. It comes in a variety, from vases to jugs and jewelry. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Visit Kitengela Hot Glass studios just outside Nairobi to watch the artisans at work and purchase directly.

8. Ebony Wood Carvings

Ebony wood carvings are prized for their deep black hue and fine craftsmanship. They come in interesting designs like animals, abstract art, and masks. Since Ebony is rare and durable, this is a premium gift worth getting.

You can also get this in Maasai markets or curio shops.

Where to shop in Kenya

Maasai Markets

Maasai Markets are pop-up markets selling a wide range of crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. They rotate locations across Nairobi on different days of the week. Most Kenyan gifts and souvenirs can be bought here, so it’s a must-visit.

Village Market

Village Market is an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi with a mix of boutiques, craft shops, and local vendors. You’ll find high-quality Kenyan crafts, including Kikoys, Kitengela glass, handmade jewelry, and some international goods.

Utamaduni Craft Centre

Utamaduni Craft Centre in Nairobi is a one-stop shop for authentic Kenyan art and souvenirs. The center houses several stalls featuring wood carvings, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.