Last Saturday I was at the Westgate shopping mall with friends and fond memories of it being of it being an entertainment hub in the city came back to us (and that has not changed yet).
If you have been reading my articles, Westgate shopping mall is one of the finest malls in Kenya and located in the heart of Westlands Suburb of Nairobi.
But before we look at things you can do at Westgate, here is a bit of its history.
A bit of History
Most of us will remember the horrific events that brought the mall to its knees when the suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked it.
That aside, Westgate mall has a rich history that spans almost two decades. The mall opened its doors in 2007 and flourished as a center for shopping and entertainment until that fateful day in 2013 when it fell to terrorist attack and subsequently closed.
67 lives were lost with more having non-fatal injuries. As a result, the mall closed only to re-open again on 15th July 2015 after two years of renovation.
5-Things to do at Westgate Shopping Mall
Shopping
As a mall this is there core business. You and I know that malls offer various shopping experiences under one roof.
You don’t need to look anyway else for your shopping experience especially if you are in Westlands. Westgate shopping mall has over 350,000 square feet (33,000 m2) of retail space that houses over 90 stores.
But don’t take my word as the gospel truth…..here is what they have to say;
“Westgate, Nairobi’s premier shopping mall is East Africa’s finest shopping, leisure and pleasure destination for millions of residents and international visitors. With lots of daily, weekly and monthly entertainment options for the whole family; Westgate is the only shopping mall in East Africa that has shoppers engaged in exciting and enlightening
events for all.
With over 80 stores and a variety of art and craft kiosks all open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as well as entertainment outlets and restaurants that are open till midnight seven days a week; Westgate upholds the standards to keep our shoppers happy and give them the best variety.
Westgate Shopping Mall attracts a highly cosmopolitan and sophisticated clientele, and reaches a well-defined and attractive demographic audience.”
Entertainment
Most Nairobians will tell you that Westlands is the Entertainment Capital of Nairobi and true to their word, it does not disappoint. And one of the places that give this suburb this title is the Westgate Shopping Mall.
Last weekend I was at the mall for a movie and you had just to look at the people that were trooping in to understand that this is a famous entertainment joint.
You can enjoy movies every Tuesday all day for Ksh. 200.00 on 2D or if you want to get to enjoy the 3D experience, then, you only pay Ksh. 300.00.
Besides, you can enroll your kids for the kids club which will give them external memories of their childhood.
Dinning at Westgate Mall
Eat out has always been my favorite thing to do to pass time, either with my family or friends. And one of the places I frequent most…..you guessed it, the Westgate mall.
They say if you want to get to man’s heart, then, go through his stomach.
You can dine and wine at this mall and leave a happy wo(man).
Conclusion
If you are introducing anyone to Westlands, then you cannot do so without talking about the Westgate Shopping Mall. The mall has risen again from the ashes of the 2013 terrorist attack to reclaim its position among the best malls in Kenya.
A visit to Westlands Nairobi cannot be complete until you get to experience what the Westgate Shopping Mall Offers.
And if you have been there, then share with all of us your experiences.
