I don't know if you all now this, but Kenya is the largest 2nd hand clothes importer in the world. We import thousands of tonnes of second hand clothes from USA,UK etc creating thousands of jobs and also revenue for the government through customs.
All these clothes after importation find their way to Gikomba in Nairobi. Now here is a goldmine for designer merchandise that you will not find else where for the price of less than a dollar. Small scale traders will rise up very early in the morning to go there in time for when the bales are being open. Here they will get very unique pieces in pristine conditions for even $.5. These they will go clean them up and resell to customers who would rather not deal with the headache of going to Gikomba for a kill...about $10 or even more on Average.
When am in the mood to thrift shop, I prefer going to Gikomba myself. It is not for the faint-hearted. You have to prepare yourself physically and psychologically because to have to deal with many factors:
- Time:- Wake up early. If you want to get some good pieces, you have to get there early otherwise you wont get good ones and if you do, they will be sold to you at a slightly more expensive rate.
- Public transport:- If you drive a car, prepare to leave it somewhere safe in town, you cannot possibly drive yourself down to Gikomba. Best to take public means to the location. We call ours matatus.
- Dress code: Gikomba is filthy. and its worse when it rains. Don't dress in your good clothes or shoes. In fact wear boot or rubber shoes that are comfortable because you will walk very far in the market in search of what you want.
- People: Be prepared to deal with many people.. all manner of people. There are possibly thousands of people in this market at any given time of the day.
- Security: Now you have to guard your phone and money very carefully. There are petty thieves who have no problem getting away with your belongings . Another thing you have to look out for are the con men who will sell to you items at a very high price if you are not vigilant.
- Energy: You are going to need a lot of this. You are going to walk far and wide and you are going to search through thousands of cloths to find the perfect ones.
It sounds scary but its not so bad if you know what you are doing and where you are going. Best thing is to go with a friend so you look out for each other. I personally prefer going alone so I can take my time going through all the clothes.
I visited this past weekend and these are some of pictures I managed to take. It was an overcast day, very cold so the pictures may not be very clear.
Happy shopping:-)