Gikomba Market Nairobi - bus parked near buildings during daytime
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Gikomba Market Nairobi

4
·14k reviews·Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi's bustling Gikomba Market: a vibrant hub for incredible second-hand clothing, shoes, and more, where bargaining is key.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings (weekdays)

Best selection & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Gikomba Market Nairobi - bus parked near buildings during daytime

Gikomba Market Nairobi

Best Time

Early mornings (weekdays)

Best selection & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nairobi's bustling Gikomba Market: a vibrant hub for incredible second-hand clothing, shoes, and more, where bargaining is key.

4
(14k reviews)

"Gikomba is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave the crowds, it's a treasure trove."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go Early for Best Finds

Arrive early to snag the freshest bales and best deals before the crowds descend.

💰 Master the Art of Haggling

Prices are negotiable! Start low and bargain politely for great deals.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Second-Hand Clothing Galore

Second-Hand Clothing Galore

Throughout the market

Discover a vast array of pre-loved fashion, from trendy tops to durable jeans and unique pieces.

Footwear Paradise

Footwear Paradise

Dedicated shoe stalls

Score amazing deals on sneakers, boots, official shoes, and casual footwear for all ages.

Gumboots & Workwear

Gumboots & Workwear

Specialized stalls

Find sturdy gumboots and practical workwear, perfect for various needs and professions.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hustle: Your Gikomba Prep

Gikomba is a vibrant, bustling market. Go early for the best selection and to avoid peak crowds. Be prepared to haggle; prices are negotiable! Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and keep valuables secure. It's a sensory experience, so dive in with an open mind!

Bargaining & What to Expect

Haggling is key at Gikomba! Sellers often start high, so don't be afraid to negotiate firmly but politely. Many TikToks show impressive deals, with prices slashed significantly. Knowing a few Swahili phrases can also help secure better prices. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings (weekdays)
Why
Best selection & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Friday mornings
Why
Chilled vibe, work flows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I learnt a new word at Gikomba! BOIRO 😅 This was my first time at Gikomba and it was VIBES. What snack should I try next? ☺️ #tiktokkenya #kenyantiktok #shikshaarora #gikomba
@shiksha.arora
189.2K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Go Early for Best Finds

Arrive early to snag the freshest bales and best deals before the crowds descend. Reddit

💰 Master the Art of Haggling

Prices are negotiable! Start low and bargain politely for great deals. Instagram

Part2. Language used to buy shoes in gikomba. #thrift #thrifted #tipsandtricks #gikomba #gikombachronicles #kalundakalunda #azziad #pennycharles #CapCut
@penny_charles
110.9K likes • 2.1M views
#secondhandseptember where your donated clothes end up: Gikomba Market, Nairobi. As we celebrate slowing down on our clothing buying habits and how we care for them while they're still in our wardrobes, here's a visual reminder of how much excess clothes we already have. The process of making these donated clothes fit for the market here involves alterations as well because some of the clothes tha...
chemiteijanet
166 likes • 4K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so closed-toe, comfortable footwear is essential. Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Valuables

Keep your belongings safe and close, especially in crowded areas. Reddit

Nairobi’s Gikomba Market is a major hub for second hand fashion. Receiving 900 million articles of clothing a year into East Africa (primarily from North America and Europe), over 40% of these garments are destined for landfill because of their poor quality. We spent the day understanding the good, the bad and the ugly of how our ultra-fast fashion consumption in the West that has now become a pro...
ash.mcdonnell
336 likes • 11.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go Early for Best Finds

Arrive early to snag the freshest bales and best deals before the crowds descend. Reddit

💰 Master the Art of Haggling

Prices are negotiable! Start low and bargain politely for great deals. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so closed-toe, comfortable footwear is essential. Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Valuables

Keep your belongings safe and close, especially in crowded areas. Reddit

🗣️ Try a Little Swahili

Speaking Swahili can help you get better prices and connect with vendors. Instagram

🛍️ Bring Your Own Bag

Carry a reusable bag to pack your amazing finds. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gikomba Market is a vibrant, bustling hub offering incredible value and variety, especially for second-hand clothing and footwear. While the crowds and sensory intensity can be overwhelming for some, most visitors appreciate the affordability, the thrill of the bargain hunt, and the authentic Nairobi experience. It's a place that rewards patience and a willingness to engage with the local culture.

"My Visit to Gikomba Market: A Crowded Treasure Trove of Affordable Finds

If you live in Nairobi or you’re visiting and love a good bargain, Gikomba Market is one place you simply can’t ignore. I recently visited, and while I’d heard a lot about it before, nothing quite prepared me for the vibrant chaos and the sheer variety of what the market had to offer.

First Impressions:

The moment I arrived, I was greeted by a wave of activity. Gikomba is busy. People are everywhere — walking, bargaining, calling out, weaving through tight spaces with armfuls of clothes or pushing loaded mkokoteni carts. It’s loud, it’s alive, and it doesn’t stop. At first, it can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But once you get past the initial rush, you start to realize that this market is a true reflection of Nairobi’s hustle spirit.

What You’ll Find:

One word: everything. Gikomba is most famous for its second-hand clothing, and for good reason. I found stalls packed with piles and piles of clothes — from jackets and jeans to baby wear, dresses, office wear, shoes, and designer labels if you’re lucky. Most items were very affordable, and with a bit of patience, I scored some beautiful, high-quality pieces at a fraction of what they’d cost elsewhere.

The Experience:

Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s dusty in some parts. But it’s also full of life and community. Vendors are friendly (though persistent), and most are open to negotiation. If you enjoy bargaining, this is the place to test your skills.

I’d recommend dressing simply and comfortably — closed shoes are a must — and carrying small change in a secure bag. If you’re not sure where to begin, go early in the morning, when new bales are being opened, and the best finds are still available.

Tips for First-Timers:
• Go early: The earlier you go, the better the deals and selection.
• Be alert: Like any busy marketplace, pickpocketing can happen, so keep your belongings safe.

• Don’t dress flashy: Blend in — it’s not a fashion show; it’s a bargain hunt.
• Ask around: Locals and vendors can guide you to the specific sections you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts:

Gikomba Market is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave the crowds, it’s a treasure trove. I left with a bag full of affordable, quality items and a deeper appreciation for Nairobi’s market culture. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, and every item has potential. If you haven’t been — go. If you’ve been — go again. You never know what you might find."

Rachel Mbanje

"A place that welcomes all economical classes to trade all sorts of items with affordable prices. There are varieties of goods in all sections just within the market; kwa fish, kwa mitumba, kwa viatu , kwa uniform and many others including the ones dealing with food beverages and groceries. In and out every hour quality goods are exposed for locals to buy to their excitement and attraction."

Richard onyango

"This is the place you get to shop every from baby wear to adult wear. You can get groceries at affordable prices, I mean throw away prices.
The hardware here are very many and you can source everything here from timber, paint, steel, aluminum and many other items. I recommend this place."

Village Elder Tours

What People Like

Incredible affordability
Vast selection of goods
Thrill of bargaining

What People Dislike

Overwhelming crowds
Can be dusty/chaotic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gikomba Market is easily accessible by public transport in Nairobi. Matatus (minibuses) are the most common and affordable way to get there. Look for routes heading towards Gikomba. Many local errand services also offer transport to the market. TikTok+1

Yes, Gikomba is a well-known and large market in Nairobi. You can ask any local for directions to 'Gikomba'. It's a central hub, so most transport routes will pass by or near it. Reddit

Absolutely. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi and can drop you off directly at Gikomba Market. This offers a more comfortable and direct route. TikTok

The market is vast and can be overwhelming. It's best to have a general idea of what you're looking for. Don't be afraid to ask vendors for directions to specific sections. Reddit

Gikomba is a sprawling area. Key landmarks include the numerous stalls selling second-hand clothes, shoes, and hardware. The sheer volume of activity is a landmark in itself. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to Gikomba Market. It's a public market, and you can freely browse the stalls. Reddit

Gikomba Market is generally open from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. However, the best time to visit for selection and fewer crowds is in the morning. Reddit

The early morning, especially on weekdays, is often recommended for the best selection and deals as new bales are opened. Fridays are also mentioned as being more relaxed. TikTokReddit

New bales of second-hand clothing often arrive throughout the week, but mornings are generally when vendors are unpacking and setting up their best items. Reddit

Gikomba Market is a large, open-air market with multiple entry points. You can enter from various streets surrounding the market area. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining

Gikomba is famous for its vast selection of second-hand clothing for all ages, shoes, gumboots, and even hardware. You can find everything from baby wear to adult fashion, official wear, and casuals. TikTokReddit+1

Prices are incredibly affordable. You can find items for as little as Ksh 250-400, with many TikToks showcasing hauls of multiple items for under Ksh 1000. TikTokInstagram

Yes, bargaining is a core part of the Gikomba shopping experience. Sellers expect you to negotiate prices, and you can often get significant discounts. InstagramReddit

Start by offering a significantly lower price than the quoted one (e.g., 30-50% of the asking price) and work your way up. Be polite but firm. Instagram

It's possible to find designer labels and unique pieces if you're patient and lucky. Many items are donated from abroad, so quality and brand variety can be high. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

While many creators share videos and reels from Gikomba, it's always respectful to ask vendors before taking close-up photos or videos of them or their stalls. TikTokInstagram+1

Gikomba is a lively, bustling, and sometimes chaotic market. It's a sensory experience with lots of activity, sounds, and people. It's a true reflection of Nairobi's hustle culture. InstagramReddit

Like any busy market, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing. Dressing modestly and not flashing valuables can help. Reddit

Comfortable, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. Avoid flashy attire to blend in and deter unwanted attention. Reddit

Be respectful of vendors and their space. Bargaining is expected, but do so politely. Engaging with vendors can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you can find various food and beverage options within and around Gikomba Market, including local snacks and meals. TikTok

While Gikomba is primarily known for clothing and goods, there are often small eateries and vendors selling food and drinks within the market vicinity. Reddit

You might find local snacks like 'mandazi' (doughnuts), 'viazi' (potatoes), and other street food options. TikTok

As with any street food, it's advisable to choose vendors that appear clean and busy, indicating fresh preparation. Reddit

Some food stalls may have limited seating, but it's generally a place for quick bites rather than sit-down meals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gikomba can be an adventure for families, but it requires preparation. The crowds can be overwhelming, so keep a close eye on children at all times. Reddit Consider going early in the morning when it's slightly less chaotic. Focus on specific sections like children's clothing or shoes, which are plentiful and affordable. TikTokReddit

Bring snacks and water, as options might be limited or require navigating through dense areas. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for everyone to navigate the sometimes dusty and uneven terrain. Reddit While it's a great place for budget-friendly kids' wear, be mindful of the sensory overload and ensure the experience remains enjoyable for the little ones.

💰 Budget Travelers

Gikomba Market is a paradise for budget travelers. You can find incredible deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories, often for a fraction of retail prices. TikTokReddit The key is to embrace the bargaining culture and be prepared to spend time sifting through items. InstagramReddit

Carry small denominations of Kenyan Shillings (KES) and keep your money secure. Reddit Avoid flashy purchases and dress modestly to blend in. Reddit Consider hiring a local guide or errand runner if you're unsure about navigating or bargaining, as they can help you find specific items and secure good prices. TikTok+1

🛍️ Fashion Enthusiasts & Thrifters

For fashion lovers and thrifters, Gikomba is a goldmine. You can discover unique vintage pieces, designer labels, and trendy items at unbeatable prices. TikTokInstagram+1 The sheer volume of second-hand clothing means there's always something new to find, especially if you're patient and persistent. Reddit

Look out for specific sections for different types of clothing, such as jeans, dresses, or outerwear. TikTok Don't be afraid to inspect items for quality and any minor flaws. Many items are in excellent condition, and with a bit of tailoring, you can create amazing outfits. Instagram Follow creators who showcase Gikomba finds for inspiration and tips on what to look for. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The World of Second-Hand Fashion

Gikomba Market is a global phenomenon, a testament to the massive trade in second-hand clothing. Millions of garments arrive annually, primarily from North America and Europe. Instagram This influx provides affordable fashion for many in Nairobi and beyond, creating a vibrant ecosystem of buyers, sellers, and tailors. Instagram However, it also raises questions about textile waste, as a significant portion of donated clothes are deemed unsuitable for resale and end up in landfills. Instagram+1

The market is a treasure trove for bargain hunters. You can find everything from everyday wear to unique vintage pieces. Many TikTok creators showcase their incredible hauls, often getting multiple items for less than $10. TikTok The key is patience and a willingness to sift through piles to find those hidden gems. Knowing the right bargaining techniques can also significantly lower your costs. Instagram

Beyond just shopping, Gikomba is a hub of economic activity. It employs millions and supports local tailors who can alter or repair garments. Instagram+1 The market's energy is infectious, offering a glimpse into the daily hustle and entrepreneurial spirit of Nairobi. It's an experience that goes beyond just acquiring clothes; it's about immersing yourself in local culture and commerce. Reddit

Navigating the Bargaining Culture

Bargaining is not just a suggestion at Gikomba; it's an integral part of the shopping experience. Sellers expect it, and it's how you'll secure the best prices. TikTok and Instagram reels often highlight successful haggling, with prices being dramatically reduced from the initial quote. TikTokInstagram

A common strategy is to offer a price significantly lower than what the seller asks. For example, if an item is quoted at Ksh 1,800, aiming for Ksh 500-800 is a good starting point. Instagram This might seem aggressive, but it's the norm. Remember to remain polite and friendly throughout the negotiation. A smile and a bit of humor can go a long way. Reddit

Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can also be advantageous. Phrases like 'Bei gani?' (How much?) and 'Naweza kupata kwa bei rahisi?' (Can I get it for a cheaper price?) can help you connect better with vendors and potentially get better deals. Instagram Don't be afraid to walk away if you can't reach an agreement; sometimes, this can prompt the seller to offer a better price. Reddit

The Economic and Social Impact

Gikomba Market is more than just a place to buy clothes; it's a vital economic engine for Nairobi and Kenya. It provides employment for millions of people, from vendors and traders to tailors and transporters. Instagram+1 The market is a testament to the power of the informal sector, offering opportunities for entrepreneurship and livelihood. Reddit

The sheer volume of goods passing through Gikomba highlights its significance in the global textile trade. While it offers affordable options, it also brings attention to the environmental impact of fast fashion and the challenges of managing textile waste. Instagram+1 Efforts are being made to address these issues, but the market's role in providing accessible clothing remains crucial for many. Instagram

For visitors, Gikomba offers a unique cultural immersion. It's a place where you can witness the daily hustle, interact with local communities, and understand the dynamics of a thriving marketplace. InstagramReddit The experience is raw, authentic, and unforgettable, offering a different perspective on consumption and commerce. Reddit

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