City Market — Attraction in Nairobi

One side of the City Market, facing Koinange street is full of florists displaying their ware.

Early in the morning starting 2am, flower wholesalers, farm trucks and Vans, matatus and even tuktuks and bodas drops large boxes of flowers at the market. Wholesalers pack off countless bunches to eager retailers who immediately go off to their stations to display.

The flowers are freshly cut come in all the beautiful colors you can think of, and in countless varieties too. The place is simply a kaleidoscope of colours in the subtle semi darkness of the early morning

All kinds of flowers including summer flowers, roses, ferns, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, gypsophila, sunflower water lilies, carnations. You name it, it's here.

Even what ordinarily looks like wild bushes turns out to be very expensive flowers like the local terere which grows wild, yet is a very expensive flower.

All the bushes I thot were wild when I was growing up are now very expensively on sale here.. . What can I say. . . Flowers are just that. Flowers. Wild. Beautiful. Carefree.

Early in the morning, around 2am, wholesale florists display their wares and the retailers get their pick. While the rest of the City is asleep, City Market is teaming up with human activity including tea, mandaji, chapati and Uji for local breakfast

Shortly after 8 am, the wholesalers quietly gold their shops having paid 50ksh each for sweeping and leaving the place clean. Then the retailers take the floor. It a truly floral sight.

The tail end of the market facing Moi Avenue has every kind of meat, pork, chicken including kienyeji, broiler and improved. In addition, there is all kinds of fresh fish at affordable prices.

Furthermore, fish, chicken and butchery traders are here before first light of day to collect what they need to sell.

That is City...

Nestled along Muindi Mbingu Street, City Market holds a special place in the hearts of Nairobi locals and tourists alike. While renowned for its diverse array of butcher shops offering everything from beef to fish, it's the vibrant craft market that steals the spotlight.

The craft market sprawls across the central area and spills into the semi-open space behind the building, boasting an irresistible visual feast against the backdrop of the market's picturesque ceiling. Visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of African artefacts, beadwork, basketry, jewellery, soapstone carvings, and wooden masterpieces. Lifelike animal sculptures add to the market's allure, captivating the imagination of all who wander through. It's a hotspot for international visitors, with money changers conveniently stationed within to facilitate transactions.

Originally erected in 1930 near the railway line, now relocated to Loita Street, City Market initially thrived as Nairobi's go-to spot for fresh produce. Over time, as Wakulima Market took over as the city's primary fruit and veg hub, City Market diversified its offerings. Today, it's a bustling hub housing a myriad of businesses and services.

Beyond the craft market and butcher shops, City Market boasts florists crafting stunning arrangements for every occasion, alongside restaurants serving up local delicacies like Nyama Choma (grilled meat) to satisfy...

City Market is a historical and vibrant marketplace in the central business district. Operating since the 1930s during colonial times, it offers a variety of goods including fresh produce both , spices, flowers, meats, fish, and handicrafts such as wood carvings, soapstone art, and Maasai jewelry is found in plenty making it an ideal place for souvenir’s. This market is popular among tourists and locals alike for its unique shopping experience and cultural items, often serving as a great spot to pick up souvenirs. Haggling is an integral part of shopping here, so visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices. The market's architecture is notable, designed with reinforced concrete and thoughtful ventilation and lighting to suit Nairobi's equatorial climate. Despite its age, it remains functional, though some parts could benefit from maintenance. The market is also known for its nyama choma (roasted meat) and fresh flower sections, which add to its charm and diversity Visitors are advised to be mindful of personal belongings due to the bustling environment and avoid The market also has people dealing with foreign exchange...