Market

Ever wondered what a market built for colonialists looks like? Right here in the heart of Mombasa stands MacKinnon Market, or Marikiti as the locals affectionately call it. This isn’t just any market. It’s a living monument, breathing history and spice-filled air into the bustling city. MacKinnon Market officially opened its doors in 1914. It was named after Sir Henry MacKinnon, the colonial governor of Kenya at the time. Originally, this market catered solely to Europeans and Asians living in Mombasa. They’d come here for their daily dose of fresh vegetables and exotic spices, while Africans were directed to a different market altogether. Imagine that segregation! The market’s design itself is a testament to its colonial past. The tall iron-rail windows and whitewashed archaic walls stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Swahili architecture. Inside, you’ll find an engraved mast, tracing the building materials all the way back to Bristol, in the United Kingdom. MacKinnon Market isn’t just a historical relic. It’s a vibrant hub for over 200 entrepreneurs. They sell everything from fruits and spices to traditional beads and kikois. It’s a feast for the senses, a place where you can sample baobab seeds, haggle for souvenirs, and soak in the authentic Mombasa atmosphere. MacKinnon Market isn’t frozen in time. It has evolved. It has adapted. After Kenya’s independence, the market opened its doors to everyone. The surrounding area grew into a sprawling open-air market, adding another layer to the Marikiti experience. The market even became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to glimpse its history and sample its wares. This blend of old and new, of colonial history and modern Kenyan life, is what makes MacKinnon Market so unique. It’s a place where the past whispers stories into the present, a place where the aroma of spices mingles with the echoes of history. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to truly experience the heart and soul of Mombasa.