Capital Centre — Attraction in Nairobi

Capital Centre Mall was constructed at the advent of the revival and boom of the construction industry after the end of Moi's 24-year grip on power. In the age of the Sarits, Adams Arcades, Yayas and Valley Arcades of Nairobi, the now pervasive mall culture was largely confined to the upper classes. With the boom of the construction industry in those mid-2000's and perhaps more economic gains, Capital Centre was among the malls that blazed the trail in making malls more accessible to a much wider class of consumers. Their anchor tenant, for the initial years until it unraveled, was Uchumi - the people's supermarket. When Uchumi closed down due to cash crunch, the mall went into a tail spin as more and more shoppers who had relied on it fled to newer malls that were closer to it in areas like Embakassi and other environs of Nairobi's Eastlands suburbs who had been driving out of their way to enjoy the shopping experience. When Naivas filled the void left by Uchumi, the mall saw a revival in its fortunes and has even expanded its facilities to create space for new businesses. There are now hospital clinics operating from the mall (Nairobi Hospital and Aga Khan) a couple of banks and several retail shops selling everything from wine to salon services, clothing, flowers and even tatoo services. Very few of the initial popular outlets still operate from the mall. Fox Cinemas closed down shop as did Zebra Bar and Restaurant and even the popular Anghiti Restaurant which served some of the best Indian cuisine I've personally had! They have since been replaced by the steadier Java's and Arte Cafes, Nyama Mama and a host of new businesses operating out of the mall. Maasai Market is hosted at this mall once a week (currently on Wednesdays), and every so often there are outdoor sales organized at the mall that run for several days at a time. The retail shops obeservably tend to experience high turnover and that may have something to do with the overheads of operating out of the mall. But some, like South African fashion retailer Mr. Price have managed to weather out the highs and lows of the mall culture here. The food court hasn't changed much over the years either but fortunately, with the expansion, there is significantly more choice. If you're transiting to take a flight at JKIA, this would perhaps be the best place to make a quick stop for any last-minute purchases as it is only a short 20-minute drive to the airport (maybe I should issue the disclaimer that Mombasa Road is perrenially a traffic hotspot!). In all, Capital Centre can be described as a mall that is established. And in Nairobi, there is something to be said for those malls that have stared down the competition and survived the fickleness of Nairobian's tastes and...

I visited Capital Centre in Nairobi for lunch and some shopping at the Masai Market, and it was a delightful experience.

We started our visit with lunch at one of the center's popular restaurants. The dining options were impressive, offering a variety of cuisines to choose from. We opted for a meal at Mister Wok, where the food was delicious and the service exceptional. The restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends.

After lunch, we explored the Masai Market, which was bustling with vibrant colors and activity. The market is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. The vendors were friendly and welcoming, and we enjoyed browsing through the diverse selection of items. We found some beautiful souvenirs and unique pieces that captured the essence of Kenyan culture.

Overall, our visit to Capital Centre for lunch and Masai Market shopping was a fantastic experience. The combination of great food, excellent shopping, and a lively atmosphere made for a memorable outing. I highly recommend visiting Capital Centre for anyone looking to enjoy a mix of culinary delights and cultural...

We had a terrible experience at Capital Center mall along Msa Road due to the unprofessional behavior of their security staff. My group of friends and I were harassed by the security guards, who were extremely unfriendly and rude to us for no apparent reason. We were made to feel unwelcome and uncomfortable, which completely ruined our shopping experience. We had picked it as our meet up point before a road trip. We were extremely disappointed with how we were handled despite the fact that everyone was shopping and also paid for their parking. As paying customers, we expected to be treated with courtesy and professionalism, but instead, we were forced out of the mall with hostility and aggression. It's unacceptable for a shopping mall to have such untrained and ill-mannered security personnel. I would not recommend anyone to visit this mall. It's a shame that such behavior exists in a place that's supposed to be a safe and welcoming...