Introduction
Nairobi has a vibrant art scene with many markets, galleries, and informal spaces where artists sell their work. Whether you want to buy unique Kenyan art for your home or office, or you are an artist looking for places to sell your creations, knowing where to go will help you find what you need.
This guide will show you the main art markets in Nairobi, what you can find there, how much things cost, and tips for buying or selling art successfully.
Main Art Markets in Nairobi
Maasai Market
What It Is
The Maasai Market is Nairobi’s most famous art and craft market. It moves to different locations on different days of the week. You will find handmade crafts, jewelry, paintings, carvings, beadwork, textiles, and more.
Locations and Days
- Tuesday: Village Market, Gigiri (9 AM - 6 PM)
- Wednesday: Westgate Mall parking area (10 AM - 6 PM)
- Friday: Junction Mall, Ngong Road (10 AM - 6 PM)
- Saturday: High Court parking area, City Hall Way (9 AM - 5 PM)
- Sunday: Yaya Centre, Hurlingham (10 AM - 5 PM)
Days and locations can change, so check online or call venues to confirm before going.
What You Can Buy
- Beaded jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings): KES 200-2,000
- Wood carvings (animals, masks, bowls): KES 500-10,000
- Soapstone carvings: KES 300-5,000
- Paintings (canvas, fabric): KES 1,000-20,000
- Bags and baskets: KES 500-3,000
- Kikoi and fabrics: KES 500-2,000
- Musical instruments (drums, thumb pianos): KES 1,000-8,000
Tips for Buying
- Bargain politely - starting prices are usually high
- Quality varies greatly - inspect items carefully
- Look for well-made pieces with good finishing
- Buy from several vendors to compare prices
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds
- Bring cash (most vendors do not accept cards)
Tips for Selling
- Rent a stall (daily rates around KES 500-1,000)
- Arrive early to set up and get good position
- Bring your own table, cloth, and display materials
- Price items reasonably but leave room for bargaining
- Be friendly and ready to explain your work
- Bring business cards or contacts for follow-up sales
- Accept M-Pesa payments (most customers prefer it)
Banana Hill Art Gallery & Craft Market
Location: Off Kiambu Road, past Runda Estate
About This Market
This is a permanent art gallery and craft center in a beautiful garden setting. It has a restaurant, gallery spaces, and craft shops. Good for a relaxed art shopping experience.
What You Can Find
- Contemporary Kenyan paintings
- Sculptures and installations
- Handmade furniture
- Textiles and home decor
- Jewelry by local designers
- Photography prints
Prices: Generally higher than informal markets (KES 2,000-100,000+) because items are curated and quality-controlled.
For Buyers
- Open Tuesday to Sunday (10 AM - 6 PM)
- Free entry
- Can enjoy lunch or coffee while browsing
- Good for gifts and serious collectors
- Artists and craftspeople often present
For Sellers
- Apply to rent gallery or shop space
- Must meet quality standards
- Commission-based sales possible
- Good exposure to middle-class and expat customers
Kazuri Beads & Pottery Centre
Location: Karen, near Langata Road
What It Is
Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili. This is a factory and shop where women make handmade ceramic beads and pottery. You can tour the workshop and buy directly.
Products
- Ceramic bead jewelry: KES 500-3,000
- Pottery (bowls, vases, cups): KES 800-5,000
- Home decor items
- Custom orders available
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Why Visit
- Fair trade products - profits support women workers
- Unique handmade items
- Can see production process
- Fixed prices (no bargaining needed)
Red Hill Art Gallery
Location: Off Limuru Road, near Redhill
About
A permanent exhibition space featuring Kenyan contemporary artists. The gallery has indoor and outdoor spaces with sculptures, paintings, and mixed media art.
What to Expect
- Professional gallery setting
- Rotating exhibitions
- Mostly contemporary/modern art
- Higher price range (KES 10,000-500,000+)
For Buyers
- Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- Staff can explain artworks
- Suitable for serious collectors
- Can commission custom pieces
For Artists
- Submit portfolio for consideration
- Gallery takes commission on sales (usually 30-50%)
- Good reputation in Nairobi art scene
One Off Contemporary Art Gallery
Location: Off Rosslyn Grove, Rosslyn, Nairobi
About
Established gallery showcasing East African contemporary art. Features painting, sculpture, jewelry, and textiles.
Products and Prices
- Original paintings: KES 15,000-1,000,000+
- Sculptures: KES 20,000-500,000
- Prints: KES 3,000-50,000
- Jewelry: KES 2,000-30,000
For Buyers
- Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
- Café on site
- Regular exhibitions and events
- Can advise on investment art
For Artists
- Selective about artists represented
- Strong marketing and networking
- Commission-based sales
Kitengela Glass
Location: Kitengela town, off Namanga Road
What It Is
Art studio and workshop specializing in recycled glass art and sculptures. The compound includes gardens, sculptures, and workshop areas.
Products
- Glass beads and jewelry
- Glass sculptures and installations
- Garden art
- Custom commissions
Visit
- Open daily but call ahead for workshop tours
- About 45 minutes from central Nairobi
- Prices vary based on piece size and complexity
For Buyers
- Unique pieces not found elsewhere
- Can commission custom work
- Support recycling and environmental art
Other Places to Buy Art in Nairobi
Nairobi National Museum
Art Gallery Section
The museum has rotating exhibitions of Kenyan art. The shop sells crafts, books, prints, and souvenirs.
Location: Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway Hours: Daily 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Entry: KES 200-1,200 depending on residency
What to Buy
- Art books and catalogs
- Prints of historical and contemporary art
- Educational materials
- Authentic cultural items
City Market (Nairobi Central)
Location: City Market, Muindi Mbingu Street (behind Hilton Hotel)
About
Historic covered market with vegetables, flowers, and a section for crafts and art.
What You Can Find
- Wood carvings
- Soapstone items
- Paintings
- Beaded items
- Batik fabric
Tips
- Bargain hard here
- Quality varies greatly
- Watch your belongings (crowded)
- Good for budget purchases
Craft Markets at Hotels and Malls
Many hotels and shopping centers host occasional craft markets:
The Junction Mall - Regular craft markets on weekends Village Market - Maasai Market on Tuesdays, other events Sarit Centre - Occasional craft fairs Yaya Centre - Weekend markets Westgate Mall - Art and craft events
Check mall websites or social media pages for schedules.
Street Artists
Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue
You will find artists displaying paintings on sidewalks in the CBD. Most are paintings of wildlife, landscapes, and Maasai scenes.
Prices: KES 500-5,000 for most paintings Tips:
- Paintings are often mass-produced, not original
- Good for decoration but not collector’s items
- Bargain expected
- Check painting quality before buying
Online Platforms
Local Platforms
- Artcaffe and other venues host online sales
- Instagram: Many Kenyan artists sell through Instagram (#KenyanArt, #NairobiArt)
- Facebook Marketplace: Search for art groups and sellers
- Website portfolios: Professional artists often have their own sites
Advantages of Buying Online
- See more artists’ work from home
- Direct contact with artists
- Can request custom work
- Compare prices easily
How to Buy Art: Tips for Customers
Know What You Want
Consider Your Space
- Measure wall or display area
- Think about existing colors and décor
- Decide if you want statement piece or subtle artwork
Set a Budget
- Decide how much you can spend
- Remember framing adds cost (KES 1,000-5,000+)
- Quality pieces are an investment
Inspect Quality
For Paintings
- Check canvas quality and stretching
- Look for even brush strokes
- Ensure no damage, tears, or stains
- Ask if varnished or protected
For Sculptures
- Check for cracks or weak points
- Ensure base is stable
- Test if pieces move or are loose
- Verify wood is treated (for wooden sculptures)
For Beadwork and Jewelry
- Check thread or wire quality
- Ensure closures work properly
- Look for even beading
- Test durability gently
Understand Pricing
Original vs. Print
- Original: One-of-a-kind, signed by artist, higher price
- Print: Reproduction, multiple copies, lower price
- Verify which you are buying
Artist Reputation
- Established artists charge more
- Emerging artists offer good value
- Don’t pay premium prices for unknown artists at markets
Market Differences
- Informal markets: Expect to bargain 30-50% off asking price
- Galleries: Fixed prices, limited bargaining
- Direct from artist: Room for negotiation
Bargaining Tips
Start Low
- Offer 40-50% of asking price to start
- Expect to meet somewhere in the middle
- Walk away if price is still too high
Be Respectful
- Bargain politely and with a smile
- Don’t insult the work or artist
- If you can afford the price, don’t bargain too hard
Group Buying
- Buy multiple items for a better deal
- Bring friends and negotiate as a group
Get Documentation
Always Ask For
- Receipt showing price paid
- Artist’s name and contact
- Certificate of authenticity (for expensive pieces)
- Care instructions
This helps with insurance, resale, or if you want more work from the same artist.
How to Sell Art: Tips for Artists
Prepare Your Work
Quality Standards
- Only display your best work
- Ensure pieces are finished properly
- Sign and date your work
- Varnish or seal paintings
Presentation
- Frame paintings if possible (increases perceived value)
- Clean and polish sculptures
- Present jewelry on displays or cards
- Bring portfolio of other work
Set Fair Prices
Research Market Prices
- Visit markets to see what others charge
- Check online for similar work
- Price based on:
- Size of piece
- Time spent creating it
- Materials cost
- Your experience level
Pricing Strategy
- Mark up 40-50% above your minimum acceptable price
- This leaves room for bargaining
- Price similar items consistently
- Consider offering “bundle deals”
Example Pricing
- Small painting (A4 size): KES 2,000-5,000
- Medium painting (A3 size): KES 5,000-12,000
- Large painting (A2 or bigger): KES 12,000-50,000+
- Original vs. print: Originals 5-10 times more than prints
Choose Where to Sell
Consider Your Options
Informal Markets (Maasai Market, street spots)
- Pros: Low entry cost, direct sales, immediate payment
- Cons: Weather dependent, security concerns, price pressure
Galleries
- Pros: Professional setting, wealthier customers, marketing support
- Cons: High commission (30-50%), selective entry, delayed payment
Online
- Pros: Wide reach, low overhead, control over pricing
- Cons: Need good photos, shipping logistics, payment trust issues
Hotels and Restaurants
- Some venues let artists display and sell on commission
- Good foot traffic
- Ask management about opportunities
Market Your Work
Build a Portfolio
- Take good photos of your work
- Create Instagram and Facebook pages
- Post regularly with hashtags
- Share work-in-progress posts
Network
- Attend art events and exhibitions
- Join artist groups on social media
- Connect with other artists
- Exchange contacts with interested buyers
Business Cards
- Always have cards with:
- Your name and artist name
- Phone number
- Social media handles
- M-Pesa number
- Website if you have one
Cost about KES 500-1,000 for 100 cards at print shops.
Handle Sales Professionally
Customer Service
- Be friendly and approachable
- Explain your work if asked
- Don’t be pushy
- Thank customers whether they buy or not
Payment Methods
- Accept M-Pesa (most important)
- Cash is good but less common now
- Mobile banking transfers
- Avoid checks (can bounce)
After the Sale
- Give receipt (use receipt book from bookshop)
- Pack items carefully
- Offer to deliver large items (for a fee)
- Ask if you can share photos of work for marketing
- Get customer contact for future sales
Legal and Tax Considerations
Business Registration
- Not required for small-scale selling
- Consider registering business if earning significant income
- Costs about KES 10,000-15,000 for business registration
Tax
- Income tax applies if you earn over KES 24,000/month
- Keep records of earnings and expenses
- Consult KRA or tax expert as your business grows
Copyright
- You own copyright to your original work
- Consider watermarking photos posted online
- Can register copyright for important works
Best Times to Sell Art in Nairobi
Peak Seasons
November-December
- Holiday shopping season
- Tourists visiting Kenya
- People decorating for celebrations
- Highest prices accepted
July-August
- Tourist high season
- School holidays (more shoppers)
- Good sales period
Special Events
Art Exhibitions
- Check local papers and social media
- Apply to participate
- Network with buyers and collectors
Cultural Festivals
- Blankets and Wine
- Koroga Festival
- Other music and cultural events often include art vendors
Corporate Events
- Some companies buy art for offices
- Network with corporate buyers
- Can lead to commission work
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Work Not Selling
Solutions
- Lower prices to test market response
- Improve presentation and display
- Ask for honest feedback
- Try different markets or locations
- Focus on what sells best
- Improve marketing on social media
Challenge: Customers Bargaining Too Much
Solutions
- Set higher starting prices
- Explain your process and time invested
- Show similar pieces at galleries (higher priced)
- Be willing to walk away from insulting offers
- Create smaller, more affordable pieces
Challenge: Competition from Mass-Produced Items
Solutions
- Emphasize your work is original and handmade
- Sign your pieces
- Explain your creative process
- Create unique styles that can’t be copied easily
- Target customers who value originality
Challenge: Weather and Outdoor Markets
Solutions
- Invest in waterproof covers
- Have sturdy display setup
- Check weather forecasts
- Consider indoor markets or gallery options
Challenge: Security Concerns
Solutions
- Never leave work unattended
- Work with other artists to watch each other’s stalls
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash
- Use M-Pesa for payments
- Be cautious in crowded areas
Conclusion
Nairobi offers many opportunities for both buying and selling art. From the bustling Maasai Market to established galleries like One Off and Red Hill, there are options for every budget and style.
As a buyer, visit different markets to compare quality and prices. Build relationships with artists whose work you love. Invest in pieces that speak to you, whether for decoration or collection.
As an artist, choose selling venues that match your work and target customers. Price fairly, present professionally, and market yourself online and in person. Build a reputation for quality and reliability.
The Nairobi art scene is growing. With more people appreciating Kenyan art and more spaces for artists to sell, now is an exciting time to be part of this creative community. Whether you buy, sell, or both, the art markets of Nairobi offer rich opportunities to connect with Kenya’s vibrant artistic culture.