Swahili in Kenya

Household Goods

In Kenya, the lifestyle extends from the traditional ways of the village to the westernized styles of the city. Most major shopping takes place in the cities. The villages continue to remain relatively self-sufficient, buying and bartering with local tradesmen and farmers.

There are four major malls in Kenya, which sell virtually everything from clothing, to furniture, to food. In addition to retail stores, there are banks, movie theatres, restaurants and even doctors’ offices located inside or nearby.

Open air markets can be found in the cities and are generally open one or two days per week. In Nairobi, Gikomba open market operates every day and sells just about everything. It is popular among locals and foreigners alike. At these markets one finds new or used clothing, household appliances, furniture, arts and crafts and food. Crafts are always being sold on the streets, but there is usually one major crafts market day per week. In Nairobi, one is encouraged to go to the Maasai market where extraordinary sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, wood carvings, batik and tie-dye fabric can be purchased at discounted prices. As much as costs may seem significantly less in Kenya, everything is still negotiable. Prices will always be raised for a foreigner; therefore, it is essential to barter, and it is best if one can shop with a native Kenyan.