Finding the right textbooks for learners under Kenya’s evolving education system, especially the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), can be a challenge for parents, teachers, and students alike.
Nairobi, being the country’s educational and commercial hub, offers a wide range of top bookshops that cater to these needs with updated materials, competitive pricing, and convenient shopping options.
Whether you’re looking for approved CBC textbooks, revision guides for JSS, or KCSE preparation materials, this guide highlights some of the top bookshops in Nairobi that consistently deliver quality and reliability.
Text Book Centre (TBC)
Text Book Centre is Kenya’s largest and most established bookstore chain, renowned for its wide selection of educational materials, including CBC, JSS, and secondary school textbooks.
It serves students, teachers, and institutions across the country with both physical and online shopping options.
The bookshop’s inventory includes all approved CBC textbooks, JSS learning materials, KCSE revision guides, and teachers’ guides.
It also offers a user-friendly e-commerce platform with nationwide delivery and same-day dispatch in Nairobi.
Text Book Center has multiple branches:
- Sarit Centre
- Junction Mall
- Prestige Plaza
- Yaya Centre
- Westgate
- Two Rivers.
The bookstore accepts mobile money (M-Pesa), cards, and cash on delivery, making it ideal for schools and institutions that need large quantities of textbooks.
The bookshop also stocks stationery, learning aids, and digital devices like tablets and e-readers.
Savanis Bookshop
Savanis Bookshop has been a cornerstone of Nairobi’s academic supply scene for over five decades, located in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) on the ground floor of Mulji Jetha Mansions, Latema Road.
It stocks Ministry of Education-approved books for CBC, JSS, and 8-4-4 secondary levels.
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Savanis Bookshop is known for its competitive prices, especially for bulk purchases by schools and institutions, and its traditional walk-in experience with knowledgeable staff to assist with book selection.
Savanis is ideal for those who prefer in-person shopping and want to benefit from decades of experience in educational book retail.
Halfpriced Books
Halfpriced Books is a unique bookstore chain in Nairobi that offers both new and gently used books at discounted prices.
It has carved a niche for itself by making educational materials, including CBC, JSS, and secondary school textbooks, more affordable for parents and students.
The bookstore has multiple branches located at Village Market, Lavington Mall, Bihi Towers (CBD), and Crossroads Mall in Karen.
Halfpriced books allows customers to sell their used books and buy others at half price while offering a cozy browsing experience with helpful staff.
The store is important because it promotes book reuse and recycling, making it a green choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
It’s ideal for families looking to stretch their education budget without compromising on quality.
The availability of second-hand books makes it especially attractive for CBC and secondary school learners who need multiple titles each term.
Prestige Bookshop
Prestige Bookshop is a boutique bookstore known for its curated selection of books, including educational materials for CBC, JSS, and secondary school learners.
Located in the Prudential Building on Mama Ngina Street (CBD), it combines a love for literature with a commitment to academic excellence, making it a favorite among students, teachers, and book lovers.
It stocks CBC textbooks, revision guides, and secondary school books approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
It is mainly known for African literature, fiction, and non-fiction titles, making it ideal for learners and readers alike.
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Prestige Bookshop offers online browsing and ordering through its website and social media platforms.
SchoolMall Bookshop
Established in 2017, SchoolMall Bookshop has quickly become one of Nairobi’s most trusted sources for CBC, JSS, and secondary school textbooks.
With a strong focus on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), it serves thousands of families and over 500 schools across the city with the help of a dedicated team of over 40 full-time staff.
The bookshop offers Ministry-approved textbooks, teacher’s guides, activity books, assessment workbooks, charts, and storybooks for Grades 1–9.
It has five branches located in:
- Ruai – Ruai Plaza
- Utawala – Kimson Plaza
- Donholm – Greenspan Mall
- Fedha – near Nyayo Estate
- Embakasi – next to Quickmart Supermarket
Their e-commerce platform, schoolmall.co.ke, allows customers to order books and stationery for delivery anywhere in Kenya.
SchoolMall Bookshop collaborates with schools for bulk supplies and technical support and actively participates in school events like Sports Days and AGMs.
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