Maasai Market bigger and better at Westgate

The Maasai market is one of the most famous markets in Kenya.  Curios, paintings, drawings, African garments, jewellery and carvings are some of the items to be found in this market.  With a distinct quality of being hand-made in Kenya by local artisans, these items are sold at a fair price.  Shopping at the Maasai market provides a great experience for souvenir hunters.

In June 2009, Westgate Shopping Mall, - Nairobi’s premier mall, opened its doors to this famous Kenyan market with an aim of making it not only better but different.  Open every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the rooftop parking, Westgate’s Maasai market, is on an upward trend to be the best of its kind in the region.      

                                                                          
According to Mercy Wambui, Marketing assistant at Westgate Shopping Mall, “The idea behind Maasai market at Westgate, was to present more variety in a different venue and still at affordable prices”.                                                                                                                                           

With over 350 vendors, Westgate’s Maasai market sets itself apart from other Maasai markets, by providing an eclectic mix of some of the most beautiful African items.  The vendors were selected in a rigorous process that involved interviews, applying for stalls and presenting item samples.  This ensured the items they brought to sell in the market were as diverse as they were unique.                                                                                                                                                      

 “Unlike what you see in other Maasai markets  where the vendors sell items that are similar, Westgate’s Maasai market has a wide range of different items thanks to the application process”, said Ms. Lucy Masaikey, - Maasai market supervisor, Westgate Shopping Mall.

The art at this market is truly beautiful with a wonderful selection of arts and crafts, wooden carvings and beadwork.  Mr. Simon Khakali, one of the vendors at Westgate’s Maasai market, is an artist whose portfolio includes paintings, batiks, leather picture frames and painted bowls.  He also displays in other markets around the city and according to him, “It works better for me here (Westgate) because the competition is not stiff and even then no one has exactly what I have.”                                                                                                                                                      
 

Orderliness and security, two issues overlooked in other markets, put Westgate’s Maasai market ahead of the pack.  Each vendor and his/her assistant are issued with a badge that displays the vendor’s name and stall number, upon registration.  The vendor’s stalls are also clearly marked out with the stall number in full view for easy identification.  Round the clock security too is assured with guards manning the market place at all times.
Located on Mwanzi road, off Ring Road in Westlands, Westgate Mall lends itself a serene and safe environment away from the city centre hubbub.  And it is in this unflustered atmosphere that the Maasai market operates.  In addition to that, the market is located at the roof top parking thus ensuring that it is open, airy and spacious enough for vendors and shoppers alike.                                                                                                                                                                   
 

To complete Westgate’s Maasai market package, a troupe of Maasai dancers at the market’s entrance welcome shoppers in to the market.  Hardly out of its infancy stage, Westgate’s Maasai market has picked up quite well making it not only a shopper’s destination but the ultimate tourists’ paradise as well.