Secrets of Kenya’s Village Market

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Elisha Mayallah

21 May 2011

Here is what I love about travel: strangers get a chance to amaze you and so on. Sometimes a single day can bring a blooming surprise, and makes you a different person when you go to sleep.This day began after my friend and I had arrived in Nairobi by train from Mombasa. It was just after dawn, and so we had to be outdoors to enjoy a day of outing, for we had a free day to kill.

We found ourselves in the Village Market, which is famous for a cultural mix of an African village and world-class shopping. A 20-minute drive from Nairobi CBD, the Market is one of the largest in the East African region.

The trip to the Village Market is an adventure in itself. Apart from the attractive scenery, one must drive through some of the best looking estates in Kenya. The traffic on this day had eased a bit. The Village Market is located in a prime area, Girgir, one of Nairobi’s upmarket suburbs. It is a little town in itself, beautiful with a striking harbour that’s full of luxurious art and craft shops.

It is pretty much the only place around Nairobi with a sense of recreational complex. There are shops, services and leisure activities to suit the interests of many, and which try to give meaning to a typical African village.

The vast market, where haggling is uncommon, is good for Maasai beadwork, souvenirs, jewellery, basketwork, handcrafted leather goods, hand-woven fabrics, footwear, electronics and more.

A refreshing holiday spot

I was hugely impressed by the gentle hospitality and awe-inspiring scenery this place has to offer. It is fitting to call it a refreshing holiday spot. On this day, thousands of customers were jostling around the market area turning the whole place into a hive of activity. People networked in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, reflecting the comfort and style that comes with places highly acclaimed for international business quality.

Visitors who are keen on combining activities here are spoiled for choice. There is bowling, minigolf, water-park, pool, Foozball, Nu Metro Cinemas, and discos. Large Kenyan companies and stores such as Nakumatt supermarket, Nairobi Sports House and Woolworth that reach out to the market’s predominantly wealthy clientele have also kept their place in the market, occupying big, modern spacious spaces.

In addition, the Village Market comprises several interesting food outlets, each decorated with a different style and theme within the overall continental context. All the food outlets here are outstandingly busy and offer delectable and plentiful food.

We passed through a horde of people chatting and some biting snacks at a pavement leading to where we were going to take our lunch. We took our seats at a congenial table with other visitors, with all of us sharing a table as we talked and giggled into the evening.

Beside us sat animated whites (possibly tourists). I liked one of them who looked tipsy and would recite the words: Hakuna matata, hakuna matiti and hakuna matatu – time and again – seemingly he was learning the language. Behind us locals were in jovial mood. The food served here is some of the best in Kenya: Service is enticing and the scenery is gentle.

Our final hour, after lunch, was spent at the Maasai craft market that comes out every Friday here, where hundreds of craftsmen, traders and artisans showcase and come to sell unique arts and crafts. No wonder visitors to Nairobi love the Village Market. It is really in a stunning location and it is a good place to delve and ease into adventures. I guess there is no better time to be a tourist here, than now!

AllAfrica – All the Time