Kenya is not just a land of majestic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes — it’s also a treasure trove of culture, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling Maasai Market in Nairobi, sipping fresh chai on a coastal veranda, or shopping online from miles away, Kenya offers countless meaningful souvenirs that capture its soul.
From hand-beaded jewelry to gourmet tea, every item tells a story. If you’re wondering what the best thing to get from Kenya is — for yourself or as a gift — this guide will walk you through some of the country’s most beloved and iconic products.
1. Authentic Kenyan Handicrafts & Art
Kenya is world-renowned for its artisanal talent. Crafted with passion and heritage, Kenyan handicrafts are not just decorative — they are expressions of identity, history, and community.
A. Maasai Beaded Jewelry
- Why it’s special: Crafted by Maasai women using intricate patterns and colorful beads, each piece represents aspects of their culture — from age to marital status.
- What to buy: Bold necklaces, bangles, earrings, headbands, beaded belts, and sandals.
- Where to buy: Weekly Maasai Markets in Nairobi (e.g., Galleria, Village Market), Bombolulu Workshops in Mombasa, or directly from community cooperatives.
B. Wooden Carvings & Sculptures
- Why it’s special: These hand-carved artworks, often made from ebony, mahogany, or soapstone, showcase African wildlife and spirituality.
- What to buy: Safari animal figurines, tribal masks, salad servers, and candleholders.
- Where to buy: Akamba Handicraft Cooperative Society (Machakos), Nairobi’s City Market, Kazuri Beads Centre.
C. Kiondo (Traditional Woven Baskets)
- Why it’s special: Traditionally woven by Kikuyu women using sisal and dyed wool, these baskets are as stylish as they are sustainable.
- What to buy: Totes, planter baskets, laundry hampers, and colorful clutches.
- Where to buy: Utamaduni Craft Centre, Maasai Markets, women’s co-op stalls across the country.
2. Kenyan Coffee & Tea
If you love rich, full-bodied flavors, you’ll adore Kenya’s premium coffee and tea — globally recognized for their exceptional quality and taste.
A. Kenyan Coffee
- Why it’s special: Grown on volcanic soil at high altitudes, Kenyan coffee is known for its bright acidity, fruity notes, and smooth finish.
- Top brands: Dormans, Java House Coffee, AA Plus Coffee, Savannah.
- Where to buy: Java House outlets, major supermarkets (Carrefour, Chandarana), or roastery shops like Spring Valley Coffee.
B. Kenyan Tea
- Why it’s special: Kenya is the third-largest exporter of tea worldwide. The highlands of Kericho and Nandi Hills produce strong, aromatic brews.
- Best brands: Ketepa Pride, Kericho Gold, Highlands Tea, Tahira.
- Where to buy: Supermarkets, tea farms in Kericho (many offer tours and tastings), or online.
3. Kenyan Fabrics & Fashion
Kenyan clothing and fabrics offer a vibrant, wearable canvas of African identity and innovation.
A. Kitenge & Kikoy Fabrics
- Why it’s special: Kitenge features bold patterns and is commonly used in East African fashion, while kikoy is a soft, coastal wrap made of fine cotton.
- What to buy: Dresses, shirts, scarves, headwraps, or uncut fabric for tailoring.
- Where to buy: Gikomba Market (great for budget shopping), Biashara Street in Nairobi, Mombasa’s Old Town boutiques.
B. Leather Goods & Sandals
- Why it’s special: Locally sourced camel and cowhide are hand-stitched into durable, stylish items.
- What to buy: Maasai sandals (with or without beadwork), handmade wallets, leather backpacks, and belts.
- Where to buy: Kariokor Market, Kitengela Glass shops, and selected boutiques in Nairobi.
4. Kenyan Spices & Food Products
Take home the taste of Kenya with authentic spices and locally grown delicacies.
A. Kenyan Spices
- Why it’s special: Coastal regions like Lamu and Mombasa are spice havens, heavily influenced by Indian, Arab, and Swahili culinary traditions.
- What to buy: Whole cloves, cardamom pods, turmeric, pilau masala, and Swahili-style curry blends.
- Where to buy: Mombasa Spice Market, local shops, and spice vendors in Nairobi.
B. Kenyan Honey & Macadamia Nuts
- Why it’s special: Kenyan honey is raw, pure, and often sourced from acacia or wildflower nectar. Kenya’s macadamia nuts are also a top export.
- Recommended brands: Honey Care Africa, Baraka Honey, Jungle Macadamia.
- Where to buy: Organic stores, open-air markets, and online natural food retailers.
5. Kenyan Art & Paintings
Kenya’s art scene is as diverse as its landscape. From colorful wildlife paintings to textile-based pieces, art lovers will find plenty to admire.
A. Tinga Tinga Art
- Why it’s special: Inspired by East African wildlife and folktales, these colorful paintings are a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
- Where to buy: Nairobi’s Maasai Markets, Banana Hill Art Gallery, or from street artists in tourist towns.
B. Batik & Fabric Art
- Why it’s special: Batik involves wax-resist dyeing, resulting in rich, intricate designs often portraying daily life and African motifs.
- Where to buy: Local craft shops, art galleries, and community art centers like Kuona Trust.
6. Unique Kenyan Souvenirs
Looking for something fun or symbolic? These items add a playful yet meaningful touch to your souvenir collection.
A. Safari-Themed Gifts
- What to buy: Plush animal toys, wildlife-printed shirts, guidebooks, safari hats, postcards, and fridge magnets.
- Where to buy: National park gift shops (e.g., Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre), souvenir shops in Karen and Diani Beach.
B. Kenyan Music & Instruments
- What to buy: Benga or Genge music CDs, wooden drums, kalimbas (thumb piano), rattles, and traditional flutes.
- Where to buy: Music stores in Nairobi, Maasai Markets, or at cultural festivals and exhibitions.
7. Where to Buy Kenyan Products Online
Can’t travel to Kenya? These online platforms make it easy to get authentic Kenyan goods from anywhere in the world.
- Etsy: Handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and baskets from Kenyan sellers.
- Amazon: Kenyan tea, coffee, books, and spices.
- Jumia Kenya: Ideal for local delivery within Kenya.
- Kazuri Beads: Shop fair-trade ceramic jewelry made by women artisans.
- Jadala.com: Pan-African e-commerce platforms featuring Kenyan fashion and décor.
Final Tips for Buying the Best Kenyan Gifts
- Bargain respectfully in open markets — it’s part of the culture!
- Buy directly from artisans when possible to support local communities.
- Inspect quality — especially when buying leather or carved items.
- Check import regulations if traveling abroad with food, wood, or plant products.
- Ask for packaging to ensure fragile items make it home safely.
Conclusion
So, what is the best thing to get from Kenya? It depends on what speaks to your heart. From the elegance of beaded jewelry to the comfort of kikoy wraps, from the taste of single-origin coffee to the rhythm of African drums — Kenya offers gifts that are authentic, soulful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re shopping during your safari adventure or browsing from across the globe, Kenyan gifts are more than just souvenirs — they’re stories, traditions, and symbols of a country rich in beauty and heritage.
What’s your favorite Kenyan souvenir or product? Share it in the comments
