About
Paper Café is an independent print store in Nairobi: magazines, art-books, photo-books and prints from around the world, chosen one title at a time.
The story
Paper Café started in 2022, when Michael Kainga, a graphic designer, set out to build the collection of independent magazines Nairobi didn’t have. It began online, with every sale made in conversation, and has grown into exhibitions, events and shelves in partner spaces.
How titles are chosen
Visual strength
Covers and photography come first. A magazine has to be worth looking at before it’s worth reading.
Editorial depth
Enough pages to take a subject seriously, not skim it.
Ten-year relevance
If it won’t still matter in ten years, it isn’t on the shelf.
Every title is read cover to cover before it’s listed.
How buying works
Find a title
Browse the shop, or tell us what you’re into and we’ll recommend something.
Message us
Tap Inquire & buy. WhatsApp opens with the title already filled in.
Confirm
We confirm availability, payment and delivery with you.
Find us
The Canteen
Gedi Road, Nairobi
The Good Grain
AK119, Waiyaki Way Slip Rd, Westlands
Second left after Sanlam Towers