Nairobi, March 28 -- There was a time when carpet prices were ludicrous. Homeowners had to wait for months for a specific carpet to be imported and buy it at very high prices. Others had to shop abroad.

But now prices of floor rugs and carpets have fallen sharply as many importers join the business, bringing in from Turkey, Indonesia, and China, the main suppliers.

More Kenyans are also weaving carpets, giving consumers variety from handwoven tribal prints to jute.

Prices in most markets have started to fall lately as technology evolves. A burst bubble, maybe?

Some buyers simply want a decorative covering and there are those who collect out of passion.

Therefore the old-fashioned designs may be cheaper but shoppers who favour pieces ...