Where do normal people shop?

Hello there - things in Nairobi are so ridiculously expensive I am starting to wonder if I will ever by anything for our house - simple bath mat KS2600, doormat KES3000, Whicker Laundry basket KES9000 - who pays these prices??

If anyone has advice on places to shop outside these infernal shopping malls, please let me know.

Thanks

Unfortunately you have hit on the household/homemaker items that tend to be imported - and therefore very expensive. A friend of mine was moaning recently about having to pay ksh6000 for a single duvet cover the other day!

All I can suggest is shop around - the Tile and Carpet centre in Lavington off James Gichuru rd has a new shop selling towels/bath mats. These may be cheaper than Mr Price in the shopping centres. Same goes for the out-of-town centres on Mombasa Road - they might be a little bit cheaper (Furniture Palace etc). Also, did you try Nakumatt? (am sure you did) - I bought quite a nice bath towel in the Village Market branch the other day when we realised the kids were in Splash without a towel (and there was a thunderstorm breaking!).

Take heart in the knowledge that fruit and veg is great in Nairobi - and cheap! As is lamb and steak! Keep a list of things you need, then order online and get friends and family to bring out the odd bathmat - or bring it in yourself when you next go out of the country? (I realise this is not practical for a whicker basket!) - when you see hawkers on the road with baskets- get one from them and bargain hard!

Sorry not to be of more help!

Thanks, at least I know I am not the only one and not missing a trick. I have been told Kiambu town (which is near where I live) is also cheaper, but I have not ventured there yet.

I do also recommend the mitumba/second hand markets - if you go with a friend - and not decked in jewellery (take a shopping bag, cash & mobile phone in pocket - wellies if it's muddy) - then you can get some really good stuff. I got a duvet cover and bedspread from there that have lasted really well. You can tell when things are nearly new - some even still have the price tag on. It's a fun challenge to find good makes. I've done really well on finding curtains there too - one price pair is weighted and has blackout lining - they are much admired in our dining room! If you find nice fabric, you can get it made up into cushions/curtains etc by a local tailor at a very low price. I normally go to TOI market behind Adams Arcade shops (you can leave your car in the shopping centre) - off Ngong Road.

It's all a bit of a challenge - but at least these things can bring out the creativity in us!

Thanks, yes, had heard of these markets, but had no idea where to find one. I lived in La Paz, Bolivia for six years so quite used to the markets. I look forward to exploring. Thanks