The best available textiles in Kenya are found on the coast, known as the Khanga and the Kikoy. Khangas and Kikois are the local sarongs and serve many purposes. Khangas are colourful prints on thin cotton that are sold in pairs, and are worn as a wrap around garment by both men and women all over the East African coast, similar to the sarong of South East Asia. Kikois are usually made with a thicker, striped cotton cloth and are simpler and more colourful. The khanga is larger, more elaborately patterned and traditionally emblazoned with Swahili proverbs offering a pearl of conventional wisdom. They are originally from Lamu and this is still the best place to buy them. Batik cloth is another good buy and there’s a tremendous range, but the better prints are not cheap and the tradition was imported from elsewhere.

Inland, the most common textile is the Maasai Shukka. This is the blanket seen worn by most Maasai, always red blended with black, blue or other colours. They are warm and functional blankets, ideal for the chill of early mornings on Safari. Many Kenyan clothes designers have incorporated traditional designs and textile patterns into attractive modern garments, which are becoming increasingly popular.