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This is your ultimate and go-to guide if you need a Kenyan shopping list. It features items that are only relevant to the region and all categorized as essentials or non-essentials.

Whether you moved out, switched to a new place, or just wanna stock up on your monthly grocery haul, these are the items you need. You are not reading this post on a supermarket aisle, are you? I knew it.

To avoid wasting your precious time, I will cut to the chase. This article is divided into 9 parts so jump to whatever you are interested in. 

Part 1: Basic Kitchen Ingredients

Part 2: Supplementary Kitchen Ingredients

Part 3: Fridge & Freezer Essentials

Part 4: Personal Care Items

Part 5: Cleaning Supplies

Part 6: Miscellaneous Useful Items

Part 7: Kitchen Utensils

Part 8: Small Appliances & Electronics

Part 9: Big Appliances & Electronics

A big part of shopping is paying as little as possible, to save money then shop at Carrefour outlets as they have the best prices. I’m not affiliated with or sponsored by Carrefour, it is just what works for me.

Read More: Naivas vs Carrefour vs Quickmart: Which Supermarket is the Best?

Read More: Why Carrefour is the Cheapest Supermarket in Kenya.

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Part 1: The Kitchen Basics – Your Must-Have Kenyan Grocery List

This section features items you cannot do without, they are basically basics…Pun Intended. Or call them essentials. To cook any Kenyan meal these are the items you will need, and should be having at all times.

So if you are on a budget, this is probably the most important section for you in this post.

Essential items generally are the most affordable ones, so stock up on them whenever you have extra cash and you will thank yourself later.

1. Maize Flour
2. Wheat Flour
3. Rice
4. Vegetable Oil
5. Sugar
6. Bread
7. Salt
8. Tea Leaves
9. Long Life Milk (UHT)
10. Multi-Purpose Bar Soap
11. Sponge & Scrubber
12. Steel Wire
13. Steel Wool
14. Matchboxes
15. Eggs
16. Bottled Water

Read More (In-depth Coverage): 

The 10 Popular Maize Flour Brands in Kenya 

The 10 Best Wheat Flour Brands in Kenya

10 Popular Rice Brands in Kenya 

The 10 Best Cooking Oils in Kenya 

10 Popular Milk Brands in Kenya Ranked From Worst to Best

Review: The 10 Best Bottled Water Brands in Kenya

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Part 2: More Options – Expanding Your Kenyan Grocery List

If your budget allows, or you are into home cooking then these are other items you need to add on top of the basics list. 

This will ensure you are insured to cook a greater variety of dishes and cuisines or the same dishes but with a different twist. It also includes kitchenware items to make your life more organized and ensure an easier workflow

You must not have all these, just pick whatever is relevant to your use case.

1. Margarine
2. Instant Coffee
3. Coffee Beans or Roasted Ground Coffee
4. Coffee Creamer
5. Porridge Flour
6. Tea Bags: Pure & Flavored Options
7. Pulses: Beans, Lentils, Green Grams…..
8. Baking Powder
9. Pasta
10. Basic Spices
11. Honey
12. Breakfast Cereals
13. Serviettes
14. Kitchen Towels
15. Aluminum Foil
16. Parchment Paper
17. Cling Film
18. Toothpicks
19. Bottled Water
20. Vinegar
21. Soy Sauce
22. Oyster Sauce
23. MSG
24. Olive Oil
25. Bicarbonate of Soda
26. Pasta Sauce
27. Dish Washing Liquid
28. Dish Washing Paste
29. Stainless Steel Polish Spray
30. Scouring Pad

Read More (In-depth Coverage): 

Spice Essentials For Your Kenyan Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide

The 15 Essential Pantry & Fridge Grocery Staples in Kenya

Instant Coffee: Is It That Bad?

Review: The 5 Best Spaghetti Brands in Kenya

The BEST Dish Washing Liquid Soaps in Kenya

Prestige vs Blue Band: Which Margarine is Better?

The 5 Popular Olive Oil Brands in Kenya Ranked Worst to Best

The 3 Best Soy Sauce Brands in Kenya

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Part 3: Fridge and Freezer Essentials

If you own a fridge and freezer then you probably need most of the items mentioned in this section.

The essence of owning and powering a fridge is to ensure perishables are stored at ideal temperatures lengthening their lifespans, and leftovers are stored well reducing food wastage,  you can also freeze foods and make meal preps for busy weekdays

1.  Fresh Milk
2. Yogurt
3. Butter
4. Cheese
5. Fruit Juice
6. Soda
7. Sausages
8. Chicken
9. Smokies
10. Sauces: Ketchup, Mayonnaise, BBQ Sauce
11. Fresh Fruits
12. Fresh Vegetables

Read More (In-depth Coverage): 

What is the Difference Between Sausages and Smokies?

Review: The 7 Best Green Groceries in Nairobi

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Part 4: Personal Care Essentials

Now, let’s talk about personal care items. Here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need to keep yourself clean and comfortable. 

It is universal anywhere in the world in terms of personal care products, and not that different for Kenya

Most items here are not essentials so the essential ones will be in bold

1. Tissue Paper
2. Toothpaste
3. Toothbrush
4. Dental Floss
5. Mouthwash
6. Toilet Soap
7. Bathing Sponge
8. Shower Gel
9. Lotion
10. Glycerine
11. Deodorant
12. Antiperspirant Spray
13. Perfume
14. Facial Cleanser,(Face Wash)
15. Face Mask
16. Toner
17. Serum
18. Moisturizer
19. Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
20. Lip Balm
21. Shaving Cream
22. Shaver
23. Shampoo
24. Hair Conditioner
25. Sanitary Pads
26. Panty Liners
27. Tampons
28. Wet Wipes
29. Cotton Ear Buds
30. Massage Oil
31. Nail Polish
32. Nail Polish Remover

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Part 5: Cleaning Supplies

Maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment is essential for your health and well-being. Here’s a list of cleaning supplies you’ll need for your Kenyan home, most of these are essentials so get as much as you can, especially bolded ones

1. Hand Wash Liquid
2. Washing Powders
3. Washing Gel (Doesn’t Leave White Stains on Black Clothes)
4. Washing Machine Detergent Gel
5. Washing Machine Detergent Powder
6. Multi-Purpose Bar Soap
7. Toilet Gel WC (e.g Harpic)
8. Disinfectant Block Air Freshener
9. Toilet Brush
10. Plunger
11. Rubber Gloves
12. Bleach
13. Fabric Softener
14. Antiseptic Disinfectant
15. Floor Cleaner Detergent
16. Carpet / Upholstery Cleaner
17. Multipurpose Surface Cleaner
18. Dry Air Air Freshener
19. Toilet Disinfectant Balls
20. Window Cleaner
21. Scouring Powder( e.g VIM)
22. Mop & Bucket
23. Squeegee
24. Hand Brush
25. Broom + Dustpan
26. Rubber Gloves
27. Garbage Bags

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Part 6: Miscellaneous Useful Items

In addition to groceries, personal care items, fridge and freezer essentials, and cleaning supplies, there are some miscellaneous items that can come in handy. 

These mostly forgotten items can make a big difference in your daily life:

1. Flash Light
2. Dry Cells (AA, AAA, D-Size)
3. Shoe Polish
4. Shoe Brush
5. Suede Cleaner
6. Shoe Cream
7. Shoe Wax
8. Candles
9. Mosquito Coil
10. Mosquito Repellent Sticks
11. Insect Spray (e.g Mortein Doom)
12. Socket Plug-In Mosquito Repellent 
13. Hand Paper Towels

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Part 7: Kitchen Utensils

1. Cups / Mugs
2. Plates
3. Bowls
4. Metal Spoons
5. Wooden Spoons
6. Mwiko
7. Silicone Spatulas
8. Knife Set & Holder
9. Chopping Board
10. Chapati Roller Stick
11. Chapati Round Board
12. Forks
13. Bread Knife
14. Saucers
15. Mixing Bowls
16. Non-Stick Pan
17. Stainless Steel Pan
18. Cast Iron Pans
19. Double Grill Pan

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Part 8: Small Appliances & Electronics

1. Toaster
2. Toaster Oven
3. Microwave Oven
4. Air Fryer
5. Deep Fryer
6. Slow Cooker
7. Rice Cooker
8. Electric Pressure Cooker
9. Sandwich Maker
10. Waffle Maker
11. Bread Maker
12. Egg Cooker
13. Popcorn Maker
14. BBQ Grill

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Part 9: Big Appliances & Electronics

1. Refrigerator
2. Standing Cooker & Oven
3. Dishwasher
4. Water Dispenser

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