Biashara Street, Nairobi

What to buy here: Kikois and Khangas | Maasai blankets.

-Traditional Maasai blankets (also known as “Shukkas”) are made of either cotton or wool and are perfect for cozying up on the couch back home or as bed covers or even picnic blankets. To the Maasai, the blankets constitute a very important piece of clothing, worn draped across the shoulders. Buying a blanket at a local Maasai market is probably the best idea, as you’ll get something more authentic and probably not mass produced. A traditional Maasai blanket is red blended with one other color, usually blue or black. Biashara Street is the place to go to for shukkas at bargain prices. A basic blanket should not cost more than U$4, but prices can go up if you’re buying a blanket with a special design, batik applications or an extra-large size. The Karina Emporium Limited on the first floor of the Yaya Centre also has blankets, but these are machine-produced, which means better quality and softer materials, but also less authenticity.