Welcome to the definitive guide to bookshops in Nairobi. Whether you're searching for the storied Savanis Bookshop Nairobi, the educational giant Text Book Centre, specialized Christian bookshops in Nairobi, or the most affordable bookshops in Nairobi, we've got you covered. Explore the best bookshops in Nairobi CBD, the biggest bookshop in Nairobi, bargain spots, and even where to find Islamic bookshop Nairobi options.
Address: Ground Floor, Mulji Jetha Mansions, Latema Road (Lagos/Latema Road), Nairobi
Contact Number: +254 20 2222405 (also +254 735 825 555 reported) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Monday–Saturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Savanis Bookshop (Savani’s Book Centre Ltd) is one of Nairobi’s oldest and most trusted book shops in Nairobi Town. Established over five decades ago, they supply a wide range of school, technical, commercial books plus stationery and art materials—reliable for school books across levels. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Founded in 1964, Text Book Centre (TBC) is Kenya’s largest bookstore chain with multiple branches in Nairobi—including Sarit Centre, Junction Mall, Prestige Plaza, Yaya Centre, Westgate and more. Contact numbers: 0111 011 300, 0114 509 617. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
As one of the best bookshops in Nairobi, TBC serves the education sector with unrivaled retail, wholesale, and distribution capacity. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Known as one of the biggest bookshops in Nairobi, Halfpriced Books offers both new and pre-owned titles at deeply discounted prices—often half off the original. With branches at Village Market (largest outlet with kids’ corner and gift shop), Lavington Mall, Bihi Towers in CBD, and Crossroads in Karen—they’re a go-to for cheap bookshops in Nairobi.
Reddit users praise them:
"Half-Priced Books at Village Market… used books are 'Half-priced'… find uncommon books…"
A charming spot on Kimathi Street offering premium new and pre-owned books, often with sales—affordable and cozy.
Located at 2nd Floor, Yaya Centre, Bookstop stocks a comprehensive collection for all ages and interests.
A hybrid bookshop, book café, subscription service and club located at The Greenhouse Mall—ideal for readers who enjoy a blend of café ambience and community engagement.
Nairobi is home to a variety of reputable Christian bookshops in Nairobi: ─ Keswick Books & Gifts (CBD, Sarit Centre, Parklands)
─ God is Able Christian Bookshop (Kenyatta Market)
─ Enjoy Christian Bookshop (Church House, Moi Avenue)
─ Scripture Union Bookshop (various CBD locations)
─ The Catholic Bookshop (Holy Family Cathedral, Kaunda Street)
These outlets specialize in theology, devotionals, Christian living, children’s faith literature—with some offering gift items like journals and travel mugs.
While no specific Islamic bookshop in Nairobi was found via the queries performed, several Christian and general bookshops like Text Book Centre and Savanis may carry Islamic or interfaith titles. For a dedicated Islamic bookshop, consider exploring Islamic centers or contacting religious institutions directly.
Located at ACCRA Trade Centre, 3rd Floor Shop T1, Kibangabooks focuses on Kenyan and African authors—ideal for enthusiasts of local literature. Contact: 0704 893 746.
Based in the University of Nairobi, UNES stocks a broad selection including primary, secondary, tertiary textbooks, stationery, electronics, and even uniforms. They offer reasonable pricing and an online store option.
| Need | Recommended Bookshop(s) |
|---|---|
| Biggest in CBD | Halfpriced Books – Bihi Towers (Moi Avenue), Text Book Centre branches |
| Affordable / Cheap | Halfpriced Books, Attic Books, Savanis |
| School & Academic books | Text Book Centre, Savanis, UNES Bookstore |
| Christian Literature & Gifts | Keswick Books & Gifts, God is Able, Scripture Union outlets |
| African / Kenyan Authors | Kibangabooks, Prestige Bookshop, Halfpriced Books (selected titles) |
| Café & community vibe | Soma Nami Books |
While no direct price list PDF for Text Book Centre was located through the searches, many of their branches (online or physical) can provide current price lists upon request—especially for school textbooks. Contact TBC directly or visit any branch to obtain a PDF or printed catalog.
Nairobi offers an impressive array of bookshops—from historic institutions like Savanis Bookshop and sprawling networks like Text Book Centre, to the budget-friendly treasure troves at Halfpriced Books and the spiritually focused Christian bookshops in Nairobi. Whether you're after schoolbooks, theology, African literature, or a calm café spot with books, you're sure to find the perfect fit in this vibrant city.
Happy reading and discovering! Nairobi truly is a booklover’s haven.
Savanis