
Souvenirs & What to Buy in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Kenya
1. Eldama Ravine Beadwork
Intricate beadwork created by the local Kalenjin women, showcasing traditional patterns and vibrant colors.
- Cultural Significance: Preserves traditional Kalenjin art and supports local artisans.
- Unique Designs: Each piece is uniquely handcrafted, making every purchase special.
- Affordable Souvenir: Prices are reasonable, allowing tourists to buy more than one piece.
2. Cherangany Hills Coffee
Fresh, aromatic coffee beans from the Cherangany Hills, known for their rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Quality Produce: Coffee is grown and processed under strict quality control standards.
- Local Impact: Purchases support local farmers and the coffee industry in Uasin Gishu.
- Flavor Variety: Different roasts and blends offer a wide range of flavors to choose from.
3. Kabarnet Market Batik Fabric
Vibrant batik fabric featuring traditional Kenyan patterns, perfect for clothing or home decor.
- Artistic Expression: Batik-making is a time-honored art form in Kenya.
- Versatile Purchase: The fabric can be used for various purposes, making it a practical gift.
- Bargaining Opportunities: Visitors can haggle prices at the bustling Kabarnet Market.
4. Kaptumo Forest Honey
Pure, golden honey harvested from Kaptumo Forest's indigenous bees.
- Natural Ingredient: Honey is wild-collected, ensuring purity and quality.
- Health Benefits: Honey is known for its health benefits, such as soothing a sore throat.
- Supporting Conservation: Proceeds help conserve Kaptumo Forest and its wildlife.
5. Cherangany Pottery
Handmade pottery from Cherangany Hills, characterized by intricate designs and natural colors.
- Traditional Techniques: Pottery is crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Functional Artwork: Items are both beautiful and useful, such as plates, vases, and figurines.
- Cultural Connection: Purchasing pottery helps preserve the pottery-making tradition in Uasin Gishu.
6. Eldoret Soapstone Carvings
Artistic soapstone carvings depicting Kenyan wildlife and landscapes, made by local artisans.
- Cultural Symbols: Carvings often feature traditional symbols or motifs.
- Durable Product: Soapstone is a strong material, ensuring the carvings last for years.
- Affordable Artwork: Prices are reasonable, making it accessible to tourists.
7. Turkana Tribe Baskets
Woven baskets made by the Turkana tribe, featuring unique geometric patterns.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Basket-weaving is a traditional skill passed down through generations.
- Durable Product: Baskets are tightly woven, ensuring their durability.
- Versatile Purchase: Baskets can be used for various purposes, making them practical souvenirs.
8. Sugarcane Farm Products
Fresh sugarcane juice and molasses made from locally grown sugarcane.
- Natural Ingredient: Sugarcane is grown and processed without additives.
- Health Benefits: Fresh sugarcane juice offers hydration, while molasses can be used as a natural sweetener.
- Supporting Local Farmers: Purchases support local farmers and the sugarcane industry in Uasin Gishu.
9. Choma Choma Spice Mix
A unique blend of spices used to make Choma Choma, a popular Kenyan barbecue dish.
- Authentic Taste: Spice mix recreates the authentic taste of Kenyan barbecue.
- Cooking Instructions Included: Instructions on how to use the spice mix are provided with the purchase.
- Versatile Ingredient: The spice mix can be used for various dishes, making it a practical gift.
10. Eldoret Mixed Fruit Wine
Delicious wine made from a blend of local fruits, such as passion fruit and mango.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Fruit wines offer a unique flavor profile not found in traditional wines.
- Supporting Local Producers: Purchases support local fruit farmers and winemakers.
- Gift-worthy Item: Fruit wine makes a great gift or souvenir for friends and family.
11. Eldoret Traditional Dolls
Handmade dolls dressed in traditional Kalenjin clothing, showcasing the region's culture.
- Cultural Preservation: Dolls help preserve and share the cultural traditions of the Kalenjin people.
- Souvenir for Children: Dolls make a great souvenir for children who are interested in different cultures.
- Affordable Memento: Prices are reasonable, making the dolls an affordable memento of your trip.
12. Kabarnet Market Textiles
Colorful textiles with modern designs, created by local artisans at Kabarnet Market.
- Modern Spin on Traditional Art: Textiles feature modern designs while still paying homage to traditional Kenyan patterns.
- Versatile Purchase: Textiles can be used for various purposes, making them practical gifts.
- Bargaining Opportunities: Visitors can haggle prices at the bustling Kabarnet Market.
13. Eldoret Wood Carvings
Carvings depicting Kenyan wildlife and landscapes, made from local woods such as ebony and mahogany.
- High-quality Materials: Wood is sourced from sustainable forests and carved by skilled artisans.
- Versatile Purchase: Carvings can be used for various purposes, making them practical souvenirs.
- Unique Designs: Each carving is unique due to the natural variations in wood grain.
14. Eldoret Crafted Jewelry
Handcrafted jewelry made from local materials such as beads, horn, and bone.
- Cultural Significance: Jewelry often features traditional Kenyan symbols or patterns.
- Versatile Gift: Jewelry can be worn by both men and women, making it a versatile gift.
- Affordable Luxury: Prices are reasonable, offering affordable luxury souvenirs.
15. Kipsaraman Pottery
Handmade pottery from Kipsaraman, featuring simple yet elegant designs and natural colors.
- Traditional Techniques: Pottery is crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Functional Artwork: Items are both beautiful and useful, such as plates, vases, and figurines.
- Cultural Connection: Purchasing pottery helps preserve the pottery-making tradition in Uasin Gishu.