Shopping malls are a defining feature of urban life, offering a wide range of amenities conveniently located in one expansive setting. They encompass various establishments such as clothing boutiques, supermarkets, dining options, bars, entertainment centers, and accommodations like hotels and residences.
In Nairobi, a bustling metropolis, numerous malls cater to the needs of its residents and visitors, serving as convenient destinations for completing various tasks and errands.
The most exceptional malls are situated in easily reachable areas, house multiple stores, and offer a delightful shopping experience for individuals of all backgrounds.
Whether you have recently relocated to the capital and are settling in or simply passing through the city, it is essential to have a guide highlighting the best shopping malls in Nairobi and what they offer. Below, you will find a list of the ten best malls in the city, along with an overview of their features.
In this article, we walk you through some of the best shopping malls in Nairobi, so keep reading for more.
Shopping Malls In Nairobi
1. Two Rivers Mall
One of Nairobi’s most recent shopping centers is Two Rivers Mall, along Limuru Road. It holds the distinction of being the largest mall in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. This impressive mall is a prominent landmark and offers various amenities, such as an amusement park and residential properties available for rent or purchase.
Additionally, Two Rivers Mall features a spacious water park area, making it an ideal venue for hosting events and small concerts.
Conveniently located on Limuru Road, just before Ruaka Town, Two Rivers Mall houses a range of popular stores, including Carrefour Supermarket, Swarovski, LC Waikiki, and My Curves Kenya which serves as its in-house hypermarket.
The establishment is situated on Limuru Road in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates from 10 am to 7 pm every day. Some well-liked attractions within the vicinity include a Ferris Wheel and a Water Park.
With an impressive rating of 4.6 stars based on 20,591 user reviews on Google, it has gained considerable recognition and positive feedback from visitors.
2. Garden City Mall
Garden City Mall, situated on Thika Road, is a prominent shopping destination in Kenya, known for its expansive size. Compared to other malls in the country, it is relatively new and features a modern architectural design and a selection of up-to-date stores.
The mall offers a dedicated children’s playground and a Water Fountain Play-park for families with young children. Visitors appreciate the mall’s generous parking area and its wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. When it comes to payments, customers have the convenience of using various methods for shopping and dining.
Moreover, Garden City Mall enjoys its proximity to popular entertainment venues along Thika Road, making it an ideal location for a day out. Additionally, the mall provides convenient access to medical facilities, ensuring visitors’ well-being and convenience.
This establishment is situated on Thika Road in Nairobi and operates daily from 9 am to 10 pm. It is well-known for its attractions, including the Art Caffe, Game Nairobi, and IMAX Cinema. With an impressive rating of 4.5 stars based on 18,043 reviews on Google, it has garnered positive feedback from visitors.
3. Westgate Shopping Mall
Westgate Mall is the place to be if you’re seeking entertainment events and daily, weekly, or monthly activities. One of its standout features is a pop-up market filled with various art and craft kiosks. With ample parking space to accommodate over 700 cars, the mall ensures plenty of room for visitors, especially during events.
Westgate Mall offers a relaxed ambiance and convenient services for all shoppers. The security at the mall is excellent, creating a safe and secure environment for visitors. Additionally, the mall boasts several highly-rated restaurants, including notable options like Tapas Kenya and Grill Shack.
The address of the place is 15 Mwanzi Rd in Nairobi. It is open from 8 am to 12 am every day. Some of the popular attractions in the area include a gym, Pop-up Market, and Westgate Cinema. According to Google reviews, it has received a rating of 4.5 stars from 11,720 reviews.
4. The Village Market
Nestled within the vibrant neighborhood of Gigiri, the Village Market is a premier shopping center in Nairobi. This retail hub boasts breathtaking scenery, featuring an exquisitely crafted landscape adorned with trees, lush grass, vibrant flowers, and artificial water features.
Beyond its stunning architecture, the Village Market hosts various stores for various needs and interests. This mall offers diverse options, from restaurants and the Carrefour Supermarket to gaming shops, the Trademark Hotel, clothing boutiques, and banks.
Its inclusive and multicultural ambiance makes it equally appealing to residents and tourists.
Situated on Limuru Road in Nairobi, this establishment operates daily from 8:30 am to 10 pm. It offers attractions such as a Food Court, Ball Point Games, and the renowned Trademark Hotel. Garnering a rating of 4.5 stars from 635 reviews on Google, its visitors highly regard it.
5. TRM- Thika Road Mall
TRM is a well-known establishment situated along the Thika Superhighway. It offers retail space for various department stores and dining options, attracting many visitors due to its convenient location.
As a result, it is a bustling mall that experiences significant foot traffic. TRM boasts an excellent food court featuring several fast-food restaurants for those seeking a quick meal.
The mall is efficiently managed, with clean and well-maintained spaces and escalators that work smoothly. It provides essential amenities such as electronic shops, cafes, banking halls, and supermarkets. There is a gaming arena with various indoor games for entertainment and leisure.
TRM is an ideal destination for meeting up with a friend over coffee or lunch, as it offers a range of coffee shops and restaurants. When shopping for household supplies, shoes, and clothing, you must look at stores like Titan, Hush Puppies, Bata, and Miniso.
Various bank branches are available within TRM, including Barclays, ABC Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and KCB. Remember that weekends tend to be busier at the mall compared to weekdays.
The place in question is on TRM Drive in Nairobi and operates daily from 8 am to 9 pm. Some of the well-liked establishments in the area include Beirut Lebanese Cuisine, Java House on Thika Road, and Carrefour TRM. According to Google reviews, it has received a rating of 4.4 stars based on 21,339 reviews.
6. Sarit Centre
Sarit Centre, established in the 1980s, has been a long-standing and beloved destination for the people of Nairobi. Over the years, it has gained immense popularity and recognition.
After its recent renovation, Sarit Centre has undergone a remarkable transformation, boasting a wide selection of internationally renowned brands. Visitors now have many choices, making it a truly delightful shopping experience.
The establishment is at Pio Gama Pinto Road and Karuna Road in Nairobi. It operates from 8 am to 8 pm every day.
It offers popular attractions like The Library, Newscafe Sarit Centre, and Woolworths. With an impressive Google rating of 4.4 stars based on 13,952 reviews, it has garnered a positive reputation among visitors.
7. Yaya Centre
Yaya Centre is a spacious indoor shopping mall with numerous stores and a few dining establishments. It offers office and retail spaces to various businesses in the Kilimani-Kileleshwa region. As one of the oldest malls in Nairobi, it has gained a reputation for its longevity and popularity.
Among its notable dining options are Dim Sum House and Chinese Kitchen, which cater to individuals who prefer oriental cuisine. Additionally, Yaya Centre is renowned for Bookstop, a well-stocked bookstore that provides a wide range of books and stationery supplies.
For the convenience of foreign visitors, the mall also offers accessible forex services.
The establishment is situated on Argwings Kodhek Rd in Nairobi and operates from 8 am to 9 pm every day, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.
It attracts many visitors and offers various attractions such as the Maasai Market, Bookstop Ltd, and Sierra Brasserie. It has garnered a positive reputation on Google, receiving a rating of 4.4 stars based on 12,859 reviews.
8. ABC Place
The ABC Place is a unique establishment in Nairobi that distinguishes itself as a women-owned business, featuring numerous shops and round-the-clock accessibility. Unlike the bustling malls in the city, it offers a refreshing abundance of parking space for visitors and a spacious atmosphere.
Furthermore, it prides itself on being a highly secure mall. The stores within ABC Place include furniture shops, fashion boutiques, beauty galleries, and a selection of food joints. Getting to the mall from the CBD is convenient, with easy access via Waiyaki Way.
Located in Nairobi, specifically on Waiyaki Way, this establishment operates round the clock, providing services and experiences to its customers at any time of the day.
It is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and offers two popular spots: Seven’s Grill and Zucchini Mercury Lounge. Garnering positive feedback from visitors, it has accumulated a Google rating of 4.4 stars based on an impressive 1,329 reviews.
9. Rosslyn Riviera
Rosslyn Riviera Mall and Two Rivers Mall were constructed around the same period and are located close to each other. However, Rosslyn Riviera offers a notably more peaceful environment than Two Rivers.
While it provides all the necessary stores, it lacks the extravagant amenities found at Two Rivers. Rosslyn Riviera Mall prides itself on being eco-friendly and offers ample space for visitors to navigate without feeling crowded.
The mall features renowned establishments like Java House, 360 Degrees Pizza, and Chandarana Foodplus, well-known brands. One of the highlights of Rosslyn Riviera Mall is Nyumba Cinema, a private movie theater where you can reserve with friends and choose your preferred film to watch.
The address of this place is Limuru Road. It operates from 0800hrs to 2000hrs daily, and on Sundays, it opens at 0900hrs. Some well-known attractions in the vicinity include Java House, Nyumba Cinema, and Chandarana Foodplus. It has received 2,805 reviews with a 4.5-star rating.
10. Gateway Mall
Situated conveniently on Airport North Road in Syokimau, Gateway Mall offers residents and travelers a comprehensive range of amenities. It is a one-stop destination for various needs, making it a convenient place to shop for household supplies.
Moreover, the mall features a club where you can have an enjoyable night out with friends. One notable aspect of Gateway Mall is the presence of a branch of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, which ensures easy access to healthcare services for families in the area.
A designated children’s play area is also where your little ones can have a delightful weekend time. What’s more, the mall operates round the clock, making it an ideal option for any late-night emergency store visits you may have.
The specified address is Airport North Road in Nairobi, which operates round the clock. Some well-liked establishments are the 254 Lounge, Naivas Supermarket, and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
It has received a high rating of 4.5 stars on Google, based on a substantial number of reviews of 10,010.
Summary
You have numerous options if you find yourself in Nairobi and are looking for a place to shop, dine, or enjoy yourself. The city offers a wide selection of malls where you can fulfill all these desires and more. Each mall boasts its distinctive feature or a well-known store that attracts visitors seeking a unique experience.
Your preference for a particular mall will also depend on your residential location and the convenience of accessing it. Whether you’re a visitor exploring Nairobi or a local seeking a convenient lifestyle, these highly-rated malls provide an array of choices for you to enjoy.
