From hospital halls to Nairobi streets: How crocs became Kenya’s favourite shoes
What was once laughed off as clunky rubber clogs, crocs have marched their way from hospital corridors to Nairobi’s matatu culture, from Mombasa’s beaches to fashion runways in Milan.
In Kenya, the shoe has carved out its own identity – affordable, versatile, and increasingly stylish.
Crocs first arrived in Kenya as practical imports, quietly embraced by nurses, chefs, and casual wearers. Their waterproof design and comfort made them ideal for long hours in hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital or Aga Khan. For parents of young children, the wipe-clean surface was a lifesaver.
Soon, roadside traders in Gikomba and Toi markets began selling both original and knockoff crocs, at prices ranging from Sh70 to Sh1,000, depending on authenticity and quality. What started as a “niche shoe” gradually became everyday footwear, spotted across estates from Umoja to Nyali to Garissa.
Pandemic popularity
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Crocs surged in popularity. With Kenyans working from home, comfort became a priority, and online vendors on Instagram and Jiji capitalised on the trend. Demand rose sharply, prompting some traders in Kamukunji to double their stock and add charms and bling, raising prices in the process.
“The pandemic really pushed Crocs into the mainstream here,” says fashion entrepreneur Grace Naliaka in an interview with The Eastleigh Voice on Thursday.
“People realised they could be practical in the house but still playful outside. Especially since parents will not feel the pinch once their children outgrow them, since they are cheap and affordable.”
For Halima Abdi, 30, a mother of three in Eastleigh, practicality comes first. She prefers buying crocs for her children because they are durable, especially as her kids, all under ten, spend most of their free time running and playing outside.
“They don’t outgrow them as fast as they would if I bought regular shoes from the shops,” she explains.
“So I would rather buy them crocs; they’re easy to wash, last longer, and the children actually like them because they are also comfortable.”
Reliable household staple
For parents like Halima, crocs have become less of a passing trend and more of a reliable household staple, balancing affordability, durability, and comfort.
For Kenya’s Gen Z, crocs are more than just shoes—they are a form of self-expression. Jibbitz charms (small decorations clipped onto crocs) are a hit in Nairobi, featuring everything from cartoon characters and football logos to chains and cool phrases. On TikTok Kenya, young creators post skits and styling tips, pairing Crocs with jeans, sundresses, or even kanzus.
Despite the hype, not everyone is a fan. Many Kenyans still dismiss Crocs as “m-shoes” (mzee shoes) or clownish. Yet, that very division has cemented their iconic status.
As cultural analyst Kevin Ochieng puts it, “Crocs are like Ugali. Some people complain, but everyone ends up using them.”
