Are you thinking of restocking your retail shop or starting up a new line of shoes in Nairobi? Nairobi is one of the most active trade cities in East Africa. In knowing where and how to buy shoes in bulk in Nairobi, it may be the difference between moderate margins and wonderful profits. I’ve sources shoes in wholesale for over 10 years, and it’s easy to observe how a good supplier, good markets, and good negotiation skills can contribute to the success of a small retail idea to a successful small business. Nairobi has an interesting mix of formal wholesalers, active open-air markets, and even direct manufacturers supplying shoes to the region, all of which lead to Nairobi being a thriving city to bulk source footwear.
In this blog, I will go through everything from why Nairobi is such a great sourcing destination, to the recommended wholesale markets and suppliers to check out. I will also share some real-world perspectives from my sourcing trips covering valuable lessons for negotiating, quality assurances for products, and logistical considerations. I will also cover potential risks, limitations, and due diligence practices intended to manage your risk and protect your investment. Let’s get into it and explore how to source shoes in bulk confidently in Nairobi.
Why Nairobi Makes Sense for Bulk Shoe Sourcing
Before diving into specific markets, you might ask: Is Nairobi really a good spot to buy shoes in bulk? The answer is yes.
Market Growth & Import Reliance
According to 6Wresearch, the Kenya footwear market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% through 2031, driven by rising urbanization and disposable income. 6Wresearch
The domestic industry is unable to meet demand: Indonesia imports approximately KSh 6 billion (~USD 45 million) worth of footwear annually. Kenya Association of Manufacturers
This presents opportunities for buyers who can source from the wholesale networks seen in Nairobi. If you know how to source in the right way, you will be able to compete based upon quality, price, and delivery.
If your business model involves new shoes (e.g. sneakers, sandals, dress shoes), make sure to target formal wholesalers & manufacturers. If you also want to explore budget or niche segments, Mitumba markets can be additional sources.
Top Places in Nairobi to Buy Shoes in Bulk
Below are the most established shoe markets in Nairobi that I’ve personally scouted. Each comes with unique opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned from real sourcing experience.
Kamukunji Market
Why it’s good:
Kamukunji is one of Nairobi’s oldest and busiest wholesale hubs, well-known for its variety of shoes — from casuals and sneakers to sandals. Many traders from across Kenya and neighboring countries source here.
What I’ve observed:
- Buyers can often mix different brands and styles within one bulk order.
- Shopkeepers expect a commitment to minimum quantities, but prices can drop significantly once you negotiate.
Tips & lessons:
- Visit early in the morning for fresh stock and stronger bargaining power.
- Bring along someone fluent in Swahili/Kiswahili — it helps secure better deals.
- Always inspect sample pairs on-site (stitching, soles, materials) before paying any deposit.
Gikomba Market (Mitumba Hub)
Why it’s relevant:
Gikomba is the beating heart of Nairobi’s mitumba (second-hand) shoe trade. It’s massive, chaotic, and full of opportunities if you know how to navigate. Traders import bales of shoes from abroad, making it a hotspot for bulk buyers.
Challenges:
- Quality variation is very high, with some pairs requiring repair.
- Lots sometimes include damaged or mismatched pairs.
- Transport and storage logistics can be tricky.
Tips:
- Always preview the bale before purchase.
- Negotiate to exclude the top 5–10% that’s usually lower quality.
- Carry a scale since mitumba is often sold by the kilogram.
Industrial & Mall-Based Wholesalers
If you prefer something more formal and reliable, Nairobi also has large malls and industrial districts with wholesale footwear suppliers.
Examples:
- Some malls in Nairobi host wholesale footwear shows or sections
- Industrial estates in Kasarani or Embakasi may house distribution outlets
What to watch out for:
- Ensure trade licenses and VAT compliance
- Confirm warranty or damage replacement policies
- Check delivery lead times carefully
Direct Manufacturers & Exporters
If you want better margins and more control, consider sourcing directly from manufacturers (in Kenya or regionally) and cutting out middlemen.
What reports say:
Leather footwear production in Kenya (formal + informal) was estimated at 10 million pairs annually in past assessments. allpi.int
Things to negotiate:
- Minimum order quantities (MOQ)
- Sample approval process
- Payment terms, quality assurance, and returns
How to Evaluate & Negotiate When Buying Shoes in Bulk
Having picked a market, your next challenge is making the deal smartly. Here’s a step-by-step strategy I’ve refined over years:
1. Start with a Small Pilot Lot
Never commit to 1,000 pairs on the first outing unless you are extremely confident. Order a test 50–100 pairs, sell them locally, and measure return rates (defects, returns) before scaling. This helps avoid large losses due to surprise defects or style mismatch.
2. Quality & Inspection Checklist
Before sealing a bulk deal, check:
- Stitching integrity and seam alignment
- Consistency in brand/size labeling
- Sole attachment (glue vs stitched)
- Insole quality and finishing
- Smell (bad odor can hint at low-grade materials)
If possible, bring a loupe or magnifying glass so you can inspect stitch density.
3. Negotiation Levers
Based on experience, effective levers include:
- MOQ flexibility: Ask to scale down if you commit to repeat orders
- Bundling items: Request complementary products (shoe laces, insoles)
- Deposit & balance terms: Pay 30% upfront and 70% on delivery
If you are building a relationship, you can ask for price breaks at higher volumes, such as per 500, 1,000, 2,000 pairs, etc.
4. Logistics, Shipping & Customs
Some real-world pain points I’ve faced (and solved):
- Transportation delays: Kenyan roads can be congested, so plan buffer days
- Customs duty & VAT: Second-hand shoes attract different tariffs — always check HS codes
- Packaging & labeling: Request neat cartons with your branding if needed
- Insurance: At least cover the shipment for theft or damage
A useful trick: I once cross-checked local freight rates using an online freight aggregator to see if the supplier’s quoted shipping was inflated. It showed me a margin cushion to negotiate.
Common Challenges & How to Mitigate Them
In my sourcing runs, I’ve repeatedly bumped into these common issues. Here’s how I overcame them and how you can before you commit:
| Challenge | Lesson Learned | Mitigation Strategy |
| Quality inconsistency across lots | Even good suppliers slip up | Always sample and reserve 5% as “buffer stock” |
| Counterfeit or fake “brands” | Some wholesalers mislabel generic shoes as known brands | Ask for originals or proof-of-license |
| Delayed delivery | Local holidays, customs, road disruption | Build buffer days into your schedule |
| Currency fluctuations | Bulk importers sometimes increase price mid-order | Negotiate in a stable base (e.g. USD) or add clause |
| Import duties on second-hand shoes | Misdeclaration can lead to holdups | Use correct HS codes; hire a customs consultant |
From my experience, having a local contact or agent in Nairobi (someone who knows the market, speaks the language) pays dividends. When I first started sourcing there, I partnered with a Kenyan sourcing consultant — their local insight shaved off hours of wasted visits and chaff.
Conclusion
Buy shoes in bulk in Nairobi is both promising and complex. From Kamukunji’s formal wholesalers to Gikomba’s mitumba bales and direct manufacturer partnerships, each source offers a strategic path — but success lies in inspection, negotiation, and logistics.
I’d be more than happy to help you vet suppliers, build order contracts, or design sourcing trips. And if you ever want me to share a vetted supplier list or how I used Picaaso Footwear in one of my sourcing flips — just let me know!
Which of these sourcing routes interests you most (mitumba, direct factory, mall wholesalers)? I can help you plan the next steps.
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.
