Nairobi is a hub for commerce and entertainment in Kenya and Africa at large. With the increase in taste for sophisticated lifestyle trends by the middle-class and an increasing need for space by retailers to meet the demand, there has been a number of malls coming up in Nairobi. Here’s my list of the top 11 malls in Nairobi.
1) Two Rivers Mall
Two Rivers Mall is a fairly new mall and one of the biggest in East Africa. It’s located in Ruaka, along Limuru Road. The mall has more than 200 stores including food and beverage outlets, health and beauty shops, children’s play areas, and fashion stores among other stores. Looking for fun activities to do in Nairobi? Two Rivers Mall has a cool amusement park with the main attraction being the eye of Kenta. A Ferris wheel with a view of Nairobi’s skyline. The mall is a must-visit when in Nairobi.
2) Village Market
The Village Market is one of the oldest malls in Kenya. It’s located along Limuru Road and there are a number of foreign embassies in its vicinity which explains its international influence in regard to brands available at the mall. The mall houses over 120 stores including a bowling alley and a virtual reality gaming center.
3) The Junction Mall
The Junction Mall is quite popular owing to its having over 120 stores and its proximity to the CBD. It’s also easily accessible by public transport. The mall is vibrant and boasts of being an entertainment hub with a cinema, a children’s play center, and a casino. There’s also a huge food court where you get to choose from an array of local and international cuisines.
4) Westgate Shopping Mall
Despite its infamous past, Westgate Shopping Mall is quite popular. It’s located in Westlands, only a few minutes from the CBD, and is easily accessible as it’s on Waiyaki Way. The mall houses various retail outlets and international brands. It’s popular with foreigners and has numerous high-end brands within its walls. There’s a cinema for movie lovers and the food court offers a variety of local and international cuisines.
5) Thika Road Mall
Popularly known as TRM, the mall is located along the Thika Superhighway and serves residents of Roysambu, Zimmerman, and Kasarani. There are over 80 brands including eateries, supermarkets, and fashion stores. TRM is also big on promoting local traders by having a weekly Maasai Market.
6) Sarit Centre
Sarit is one of the busiest malls in Kenya, and also one of the oldest malls. It’s located in Westlands, just a few minutes from the CBD. There are over 100 stores, both local and international outlets. The mall also hosts a number of expos owing to its popularity.
7) The Waterfront Karen
The mall mostly serves residents of Karen. There are a number of local and international outlets which promise to meet all your shopping needs. The mall also offers free parking for the first 90 minutes. Its grounds are frequently used to host musical festivals. One of the mall’s main attractions is the water park. It’s the perfect place for families to have fun.
8) Yaya Centre
Yaya Centre is one of the oldest malls in Nairobi. It’s located on Argwing Kodhek Road, some 5 km from the CBD, and mainly serves residents of Kilimani and its environs. The mall has several major retail outlets, both local and international, and numerous eateries to explore within its walls.
9) Galleria Shopping Mall
Galleria is located along Lang’ata road and is home to over 70 outlets including brands such as KFC, Carrefour, Pizza Hut, and Java. With the variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping outlets, you are spoilt for choice at Galleria. Its proximity to Bomas of Kenya and the Giraffe Center allows for a quick stop for food or shopping as you visit their attraction sites.
10) The Hub Karen
The Hub Karen is huge, classy, and a fun place to go to. It’s located in the suburbs of Karen and is popular with foreigners. At the mall, you have everything under one roof. Food courts, banking services, fashion outlets, and more. The kids also have an indoor amusement park to enjoy. This is a must-visit if you’re ever in Nairobi.
11) Garden City Mall
Popularly known as GCM, it’s the second-largest mall in Kenya. GCM is located along Thika Superhighway. One of its more popular attractions is IMAX Cinema. An ideal cinema to watch movie premiers and also has a VIP cinema hall that houses about 100 seats.Whatever your purpose of going to GCM, you’re sure to have a great time.
I am a charismatic 23-year-old student at the University of Nairobi. I enjoy traveling be it planned or impromptu. I also enjoy partying. I'll be there with a drink in my cup all through the night, chasing the sun. Life's too short not to choose the fast lane. Carpe diem!
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