Discovering the Best Spots for Unique Art Materials in Kenya

HIMI Gouache Paints SetHIMI Gouache Paints Set: Amazon

Have you been looking for genuine leads to get quality, unique art supplies in Kenya? Look no further as there are now many local market and online platforms offering a variety of options to boost your creativity. In this article, we compare some of the most popular Kenyan e-commerce sites including Jumia, Kilimall, Jiji, Textbook Center, and Bristles Arts. We look at delivery options, user-friendliness, pricing, payment methods, and the risk of scams.

Jumia Kenya: A Reliable Art Haven

Jumia offer a wide range of drawing and painting materials including quality acrylic paints, paintbrushes, sketchbooks, and canvases, among others. Despite sourcing from a wide range of independent suppliers, their delivery is fast, often within 2-5 days. I live outside Nairobi and they’ve mostly delivered my orders in less than 48 hours.

They offer multiple payment options. They have options for cash on delivery, mobile money like M-Pesa, and credit card options, which is super convenient. Their pricing is competitive; sometimes you can take advantage of their frequent discounts and offers. But you need to be timely on this. Some users complain of occasional stock issues, but that’s attributed to demand. Anyway, they clarify when items are out of stock so you don’t spend your money on non-deliverable items.

There is no risk of scams. They refund your money within a week if your complaint is genuine and covered by their return/refund policies.

Personally, I love how easy it is to use their site, their variety of local and international brands, and customer support.

Kilimall Kenya: Budget-Friendly but Basic

Kilimall is another excellent option for both quality and budget-conscious artists. You can find all basic art supplies including colored pencils, paper, and affordable paint sets, pretty much like Jumia and they also deliver within 3-5 days. The slight delay may be attributed to use of a third party for delivery, G4S Security. Prices differ slightly than Jumia’s, but for a basket of products, it can be difficult to establish which one is cheaper.

They are cheaper than Jumia in deliver fees but items change hands from the independent suppliers, Kilimall, and G4S. This could explain why some online reviews mention delays or items arriving damaged. These case are significantly rare and the best part is that no scams. You can always seek refund but you’d need to follow a strict return policy.

Jiji Kenya: Local Deals with Caution

Jiji is another great platform if you are looking for unique but locally sourced art materials from individual sellers. You need to do a background research about the seller though. Due to cases of scams and other risks associated with having to meet seller in person, the site cautions users about paying before delivery. They do not take responsibility for what happens between the buyer and seller.

I have made successful deals on the site but I can say that until the deal is sealed, you should always remain cautious. Most of the users are trustworthy though but for a site that does not control how users interact, caution is never a choice at Jiji. You can get the best deals, cheap and quality products, better than anywhere else in the country if you are keen enough.

Text Book Centre

I have shopped at Text Book Centre multiple times, for art material and books, and I can attest that it’s a shopping experiences worth spending your time on. You can visit either or both their online and physical shops. They are strategically located in Nairobi CBD and other outlets in major shopping malls.

I’ve never tried their online shop yet, it offers the opportunity to search for their products online before deciding to pay a visit to their outlets. It can be a wise move to save your shopping time.

Text Book Centre deal in quality pencils, paints, and canvases with reliable delivery across the country. They also offer easy online payment options. Prices are generally good though comparatively higher but their products offer guaranteed quality and the risk of loss is minimal. Besides, you get the chance to select products directly from their outlets. These explain why they have such excellent reviews although their high level of professionalism contributes a lot.

Bristles Arts

Bristles Arts focus on premium supplies like watercolor paper and artist-grade brushes. They are just as professional as Textbook Center but they are specific to art products and offer free shipping in Nairobi. Although relatively pricier, the quality of their products is top-notch. Most importantly, they offer expert advice.

My Verdict

I consider Bristles Arts to be the ultimate choice for professional artists who are focused on taking their career to great heights. Jumia strike the best balance for Kenyan artists as it’s affordable and convenient, with the opportunity for new and upcoming artists to get access to new material and tools. Kilimall is mostly like Jumia with mostly similar offerings. Jiji are good for budget buys and local finds, but you will have to watch out for risks.

What’s your experience?