Are you aware that the footwear market in Kenya is expected to exceed USD400 million by 2026 (Statista, 2024)? From the bustling Kamukunji Market in Nairobi, to the rapidly developing retail centres in Mombasa, there is a growing demand for footwear, which is primarily driven by the fastest growing middle class in Africa and a desire for high-quality yet affordable fashion shoes.
If you currently own a shoe shop or are in the planning phases to open a shoe store, your success is determined by one responsibility: choose the best wholesale shoe supplier. You need a wholesale shoe supplier that can do more than just supply shoes; you need a partner that can grow your retail operation through consistency of product, variety of product, and consistency of profitability.
In this complete guide, we will be examining the best wholesale shoe suppliers in Kenya, practical tips for selecting the right one for you, and why Picaaso Footwear is ranked the No. 1 wholesale shoe supplier in Kenya—used by traders in Nairobi and Kisumu, and beyond.
Understanding the Wholesale Shoe Supply Chain in Kenya
The Kenyan shoe supply chain is diverse, balancing between import-based suppliers and locally manufactured brands. Most traders source from:
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- Kamukunji Market, Nairobi – Known as East Africa’s largest footwear hub.
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- Gikomba and Eastleigh Markets – Popular for affordable imports and mixed footwear.
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- Online B2B platforms like Jumia, Alibaba, and TradeIndia for bulk imports.
Top 5 Wholesale Shoe Suppliers in Kenya
Let’s review the top companies in Kenya’s wholesale shoe industry—and what makes Picaaso Footwear the top choice among them.
1. Picaaso Footwear
Why Picaaso Leads:
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- Durable Quality: Picaaso specializes in PU, EVA, and PVC slippers, designed specifically for African weather conditions—heat, humidity, and rough terrains.
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- Vast Range: The assortment of products, from men’s palm slippers to ladies wedges and school shoes, covers all market segments.
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- Fast Bulk Delivery: The brand exports 10+ containers of footwear to Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania multiple times a month for restocks.
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- Affordable Pricing: Thanks to economies of scale and captive production, Picaaso footwear’s pricing can be as low as 20% lower than most local suppliers.
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- Trust Factor: The brand has a registered entity, NexGen Footwear Pvt. Ltd., that follows BIS certification and IFLDP export obligations.
2. Toi Market Traders (Nairobi)
Specialty: Second-hand and affordable casual shoes.
Why It’s Popular: Offers volume deals for budget-conscious retailers.
Limitation: Inconsistent stock quality and design variety.
3. City Walk Kenya
Specialty: Premium footwear distribution across major malls.
Strength: High-end branded shoes; caters to urban consumers.
Limitation: Not ideal for bulk resellers due to premium pricing.
4. Soko Directory Footwear Supplies
Specialty: Connecting traders with regional B2B suppliers.
Strength: Wide network across East Africa.
Limitation: Acts as a connector platform—quality depends on third-party vendors.
5. Kamukunji Wholesale Market Group
Specialty: Multi-supplier cluster offering both imported and local footwear.
Strength: Price competition and wide variety.
Limitation: Limited quality assurance and after-sale service.
How to Choose the Best Wholesale Shoe Supplier in Kenya
1. Check Product Quality and Samples
Always test a small batch. Look for durability in the sole, upper stitching, and material flexibility.
2. Ask About Consistency
Your supplier must ensure design continuity—so customers can repurchase the same model easily.
3. Evaluate Lead Time
Shipping delays hurt sales. Picaaso ensures 30-day container delivery via Mombasa Port.
4. Negotiate Pricing Smartly
Bulk buying saves cost. Compare per-pair margins, not total invoice value.
5. Analyze Market Fit
Sell what your local customers want—comfortable, durable, stylish footwear with value-for-money pricing
Comparison Snapshot
| Supplier Name | Product Range | Price Level | Quality | Ideal For |
| Picaaso Footwear | PU, EVA, PVC, Ortho, Wedges | Low to Mid |  |
Retailers seeking consistency |
| Toi Market Traders | Used & mixed footwear | Very Low | |
Budget buyers |
| City Walk Kenya | Premium shoes | High | |
Boutique retailers |
| Soko Directory | Mixed B2B network | Mid | |
Regional buyers |
| Kamukunji Market Group | Local & imported | Low | |
Local startups |
Conclusion:
The Kenyan footwear market is full of opportunities—but success ultimately depends on the strength of your supply partner. While low-cost imports may offer short-term savings, only quality, consistency, and brand reliability can sustain long-term growth.
Retailers who choose dependable wholesale shoe supplier gain the confidence to offer durable, stylish, and affordable shoes that customers love—building trust, boosting repeat sales, and ensuring steady business growth.
Dev Sharma is a dedicated and industrious Content Writer at Picaaso Footwear, India’s trusted footwear brand for global traders and wholesalers. He stands out as a skilled and passionate writer committed to creating impactful, SEO-optimized content that connects with business audiences worldwide. With over 2 years of experience in keyword research, content strategy, and storytelling, Dev Sharma focuses on helping traders and wholesalers explore new opportunities in the global footwear market. Passionate about entrepreneurship and brand growth, he writes insightful guides that inspire new business ideas and empower traders to scale successfully.
Through his expertise, he supports Picaaso Footwear’s mission to build long-term partnerships and drive sustainable international growth.
