Why Gikomba Might Be Here to Stay for Some Time.

In the mtaa, we refer to those who are well dressed as “kupiga luku.” This phrase is commonly heard in many communities, especially in Nairobi and throughout Kenya. It is used to describe individuals who wear genuine, original outfits—whether it’s shoes, jeans, or any authentic item. People wearing counterfeit clothes do not qualify as kupiga luku ambassadors.

Gikomba is known for selling second-hand clothes mainly from Europe and America, both the US and Canada. How these clothes find their way to Gikomba is a story for another day. So, if you want original sneakers or denim jeans in good condition, then you should head there. It’s an open-air thrift shop, you could put it that way.

Just next to Gikomba, we have Kamukunji Market, well known as a headquarters for counterfeit goods. These items mainly come from China, including fake Nike and Adidas sneakers.

Here, you can find Nike sneakers that retail for 21,000 Kenyan shillings going for as low as 2,500 Kenyan shillings. In fact, if you walk around downtown Nairobi, also known as the CBD, you will hardly find original sneakers; almost everything is fake. This issue is not limited to Nairobi alone but affects the whole of Kenya. Since Kenya is the powerhouse of East Africa, most probably our neighbors are also affected.

In recent days, news has emerged across social media and mainstream outlets about raids on shops selling counterfeit goods, particularly clothing. These operations have primarily targeted stores specializing in sneakers. As noted earlier, authentic Nike, Adidas, or Puma products are difficult to come by. In fact, many people in Nairobi, especially from the middle class, are among the largest consumers of counterfeit items.

Things are taking a new direction. Major companies are establishing their presence in Nairobi. Recently, Nike opened its first official store at Sarit Center, Nairobi. This store was previously unavailable in the city. With this development, the rules are shifting, and I believe these companies are leading the change to eliminate the sale of counterfeit shoes.

Returning to my initial question, the only option left now is Gikomba for those seeking original clothes at affordable prices. This should be your new go-to shopping destination. Additionally, this presents a great opportunity for creative Kenyans to start selling their own brands. Moving away from cheap imported counterfeit goods.

For most Nairobians, Gikomba has been a lifesaver, offering a reliable source of goods in various styles. Now, it’s a wait-and-see situation to understand how things will unfold.

written by Olwah