Souvenir shopping in Nairobi can be overwhelming, which is why a guided stop at two trusted craft addresses makes life easier. Kazuri, in the leafy suburb of Karen, is a workshop that has made handmade ceramic beads and pottery since the 1970s and is known for employing local women, many of them single mothers, in a pleasant, shaded compound. Visitors can walk through the production areas and watch the clay being shaped by hand, painted, glazed and fired before being strung into necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are sold in the shop on site. A short distance away in Lang’ata, the Utamaduni Craft Centre gathers Kenyan craftsmanship under one roof in a garden setting, with a wide range of wooden carvings, soapstone, beadwork, woven baskets, fabrics and jewellery. Prices are marked and the atmosphere is calm, a welcome change from the haggling of street markets. The combination makes a relaxed half-day activity that fits neatly beside a visit to the Giraffe Centre or the Karen Blixen Museum, because all of these places are close together in the south-west of the city. If you are travelling with family and friends and have a gift list to complete, this is one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to do it.
How it works
A shopping tour usually includes a pickup from your hotel, a guided visit to the Kazuri workshop and a stop at Utamaduni, with a driver or guide who knows the area. Some tours link the stops with the Giraffe Centre or the Maasai market, so look at the itinerary when you choose. Entry to both places is generally free, and you pay only for what you buy.
At Kazuri
The factory tour shows how every bead is shaped, painted and fired by hand. The women who work there are glad to explain each step, and the showroom sells beads, necklaces, mugs, plates and decorative pieces. Colourful, lightweight and easy to pack, the jewellery is among the most popular gifts to take home.
At Utamaduni
Allow time to wander through several rooms of carvings, sculptures, baskets, musical instruments and textiles. The garden restaurant is a pleasant place for a coffee or lunch. Items are usually fixed-price, which is helpful if you do not enjoy bargaining.
Making the most of it
Bring cash and a card, because the shops accept both, and ask staff how to pack fragile items for the flight. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. If you want the street-market atmosphere as well, ask your guide to include a stop at the Maasai market, which operates on rotating days in different parts of the city.
Planning notes
Set aside at least an hour at each address, since there is more to browse than first appears. Compare prices before buying larger items such as carvings, and ask whether shipping can be arranged for bulky purchases. Beads and jewellery pack flat and make easy gifts, while woven baskets can be nested inside each other to save luggage space. If you are travelling on to a safari, remember that airlines on small aircraft have strict luggage limits and soft bags only.
What to expect
The experience
A guided shopping tour with a workshop visit at Kazuri and browsing at the Utamaduni Craft Centre.
Best time
Weekday mornings, when the workshops are active and the shops are quiet.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Bring cash and a card, ask the staff to wrap fragile items and combine with the Giraffe Centre nearby.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants quality souvenirs and a look at how Kenyan crafts are made.
- Families
- Children enjoy watching the beads being shaped and painted by hand.
- Couples
- A calm, unhurried way to find a meaningful keepsake of your trip.
- Pair with
- The Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum, which are close by.
- Time needed
- A half day or less.
Good questions
What is Kazuri?+
Kazuri is a workshop in Karen that makes handmade ceramic beads and pottery and employs local women, many of them single mothers.
Is bargaining expected?+
Not at these two addresses, where prices are usually marked. Street markets such as the Maasai market are where bargaining is normal.
Can I watch the beads being made?+
Yes, visitors can walk through the workshop and watch the clay being shaped, painted and fired.
Is there somewhere to eat?+
Utamaduni has a garden restaurant, and there are several cafes nearby in Karen and Lang’ata.
Can I pay by card?+
Both addresses generally take cards as well as cash, but bring some cash for small purchases.
