Kenya’s mall scene has exploded over the past decade, evolving from a handful of neighborhood centers into full-blown lifestyle destinations with global brands, cinemas, indoor parks, artisan markets, and even a giant Ferris wheel. Whether you’re chasing fashion, family fun, weekly groceries or a coastal day out, here’s a comprehensive guide to the 10 best malls in Kenya—what makes each special, who they’re great for, and smart tips to get the most from your visit.
How we chose
To make this list, malls needed to tick several boxes: strong tenant mix (anchors + specialty stores), good dining and entertainment, accessibility and amenity (parking, security, family facilities), consistent footfall, plus distinct experiences that set them apart. Where size or “firsts” are claimed, we’ve cited reliable sources and noted when figures are reported by media versus directly confirmed.
Quick-glance table
| Mall | City / Area | Why it stands out | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBS (Business Bay Square) Mall | Nairobi – Eastleigh | Reported to be Kenya’s largest by floor area; dense retail mix with banks, dining, clinics and more | Deal-hunters, variety seekers, one-stop errands |
| Two Rivers Mall | Nairobi – Runda/Limuru Rd | 67,000 m² of retail; outdoor plazas, The Eye of Kenya Ferris wheel, big events | Families, entertainment, brand variety |
| Sarit Centre | Nairobi – Westlands | One of Kenya’s original malls (opened 1983) plus a modern expo center for year-round fairs | Long-time Nairobi favorite, expo-goers |
| Village Market | Nairobi – Gigiri | Open-air vibe; bowling, VR & leisure wing; next to UN hub | Leisure days out, dining, expat hangouts |
| Westgate | Nairobi – Westlands | Upmarket shopping & dining; strong security and international brands | Date nights, brand-focused shopping |
| The Hub Karen | Nairobi – Karen | Alfresco piazzas, lake feature, zip-line & a large new indoor family park | Families, weekend brunch, outdoor feel |
| Garden City Mall | Nairobi – Thika Rd (Kasarani) | Big box retail + the country’s IMAX screen; part of a mixed-use estate | Movies, bulk shopping, easy parking |
| The Junction Mall | Nairobi – Ngong Rd | One of the city’s earliest Grade-A centers; strong F&B and essentials | Everyday errands + cafés |
| City Mall Nyali | Mombasa – Nyali | Coast’s flagship modern mall; convenient for beach hotels & tourists | Beach holiday shopping & dining |
| Rupa’s Mall | Eldoret – Uganda Rd | North Rift’s lifestyle hub with a Dolby Atmos cinema and family features | Rift Valley families, leisure + dining |
Note on sizes: Two Rivers is widely cited at 67,000 m² of lettable retail space. BBS Mall is reported at ~130,000 m² by multiple outlets; the developer/consultant figure is still often quoted with a disclaimer that independent confirmation is limited. We’ve flagged this where relevant.
1) Business Bay Square (BBS) Mall — Eastleigh, Nairobi
Why go: A colossal, bazaar-meets-mall experience with an enormous variety of retailers, financial services and eateries under one roof. Several sources report ~130,000 m² of space and thousands of shops; while exact audited numbers are hard to verify publicly, BBS has undeniably reshaped shopping in Eastleigh and draws huge crowds.
Highlights
Retail density for days (fashion, jewelry, housewares, electronics), plus banks and clinics all in-mall.
Anchor presence from Carrefour and large on-site parking (reports indicate ~1,400+ slots).
Good to know: It’s a vast six-storey complex—use the wayfinding maps/signage to navigate quickly between entrances, levels and parking. Weekday mornings are quieter.
2) Two Rivers Mall — Runda/Limuru Road, Nairobi
Why go: A lifestyle destination with 67,000 m² of retail, sprawling plazas, events, and the Eye of Kenya Ferris wheel dominating the skyline. It’s among the largest malls in Sub-Saharan Africa (outside South Africa)
Outdoor fountains and event spaces, plus an amusement zone anchored by the 60-metre “Eye of Kenya” Ferris wheel.
Big-brand mix and extensive parking; part of a larger mixed-use district.
Pro tip: For sunset views, time a Ferris wheel ride for golden hour—then dine on the terraces afterward.
3) Sarit Centre — Westlands, Nairobi
Why go: A Nairobi icon since 1983, often credited as the country’s first modern mall. Today it’s thoroughly revamped, and its adjoining Sarit Expo Centre hosts a stream of trade fairs, pop-ups and consumer events.
Highlights
Historic pedigree + modern retail (groceries, fashion, tech) in the heart of Westlands.
Sarit Expo Centre: 3,300 m² column-free events hall with year-round exhibitions.
Good to know: Check the expo calendar—home shows, beauty expos and international trade fairs can transform your visit.
4) The Village Market — Gigiri, Nairobi
Why go: An open-air, landscaped complex with boutique shopping and one of Nairobi’s most fun leisure wings—including Village Bowl (an 11-lane Brunswick bowling facility), VR experiences and plenty of eateries.
Highlights
150+ stores and services, relaxed courtyards, and family-friendly entertainment (bowling, VR, games).
Easy hop from the UN complex and diplomatic quarter, so expect an international crowd.
Pro tip: Bowling gets busy on weekend nights—book or arrive early.
5) Westgate Shopping Mall — Westlands, Nairobi
Why go: A polished, upmarket mall with fashion, dining and a strong security profile. After the 2013 attack, Westgate reopened in July 2015 and has continued to attract international retailers; Carrefour is now the anchor supermarket.
Highlights
80+ stores across five levels; premium cafés and restaurants make it a solid date-night option.
Good to know: Parking fills at peak dinner hours—aim for earlier slots on Fridays/Saturdays.
6) The Hub Karen — Karen, Nairobi
Why go: A leafy, piazza-style mall built around gardens and a lake feature—seriously pleasant for weekend strolls. It’s also known for quirky attractions: a zip-line across the water feature and (newer) The Hub Park, billed as East Africa’s largest indoor family entertainment center.
Highlights
Kenya’s first Carrefour hypermarket opened here; F&F’s first Africa store and Burger King’s first Kenya branch also launched at The Hub.
Regular community events and seasonal festivals on the piazzas.
Pro tip: For families, time the visit around The Hub Park sessions, then book brunch overlooking the lake.
7) Garden City Mall — Thika Road (Kasarani), Nairobi
Why go: A big-box, easy-parking mall within a larger mixed-use estate—great for practical shopping and cinema nights. It’s home to Kenya’s IMAX screen (Century Cinemax Garden City).
Highlights
Opened in 2015; integrated with residential and business park components for convenience.
Pro tip: Combine a grocery run with an evening IMAX show—the car stays in one spot.
8) The Junction Mall — Ngong Road, Nairobi
Why go: One of Nairobi’s modern pioneers, opened in 2004, and still a reliable, centrally-located stop for fashion, dining, services and weekly essentials. Carrefour took over the former Nakumatt anchor space in 2017, improving the supermarket offer.
Highlights
Grade-A shopping center with a strong daily-needs mix and plenty of cafés for meet-ups.
Pro tip: If you’re coming from Kilimani/Karen or using the Southern Bypass, Junction is one of the more convenient all-rounders.
9) City Mall Nyali — Nyali, Mombasa
Why go: The coast’s best-known modern mall—perfect for stocking up between beach days, grabbing a meal, or catching a movie. Architecture and services were designed for a fully air-conditioned coastal retail experience; completed in 2011 with ongoing expansions.
Highlights
Handy for North Coast hotels; broad retail + dining lineup and frequent weekend promos.
Pro tip: Hit it midday when the beach is hottest; parking is easier and the AC is bliss.
10) Rupa’s Mall — Eldoret (North Rift)
Why go: Eldoret’s flagship lifestyle mall—think cinema, family amenities, recognizable F&B, and regular community events. The on-site theatre advertises Dolby Atmos sound (rare locally), and the mall continues to grow as Eldoret booms.
Highlights
50+ stores and services; strong family focus; convenient location on Uganda Road.
Pro tip: Check the cinema’s Atmos listings if you’re a film buff—it’s one of the most immersive screens outside Nairobi.
Handy tips for mall-hopping in Kenya
Peak times: Friday evenings and weekend afternoons are the busiest; arrive early for easier parking and restaurant seating. (Particularly true at Westlands and Karen destinations.)
Payments: M-Pesa is widely accepted, alongside cards—use the mall’s ATMs only if needed to avoid unnecessary fees.
Security: Kenya’s major malls employ visible and layered security. Allow a few extra minutes for vehicle and bag checks.
Family amenities: Look for dedicated nursing rooms, kids’ play zones and stroller-friendly lifts/ramps—standout options include The Hub Park (Karen) and leisure wings at Village Market & Two Rivers.
Public transport: Many Nairobi malls sit on or near major arteries (Thika Road, Ngong Road, Limuru Road) with frequent matatus; check each mall’s site or social channels for the latest directions and parking updates.
Honorable mentions
If you’re around Nairobi for longer, also consider Thika Road Mall (TRM) for everyday shopping on Thika Superhighway, Yaya Centre (Hurlingham) for a classic city experience, Galleria Mall (Lang’ata) for gateway-to-Nairobi National Park errands, and Westside Mall (Nakuru) for Rift Valley trips.
Final word
From record-setting size to open-air leisure and regionally unique attractions, Kenya’s top malls are more than places to shop—they’re where the city (and coast, and highlands) meet to eat, play and catch a film. If you want breadth and buzz, start with BBS or Two Rivers; for leafy weekends, pick The Hub Karen or Village Market; and if you’re outside Nairobi, City Mall Nyali (Mombasa) and Rupa’s (Eldoret) deliver the goods.
