Kenya is one of the largest importers of second-hand clothes (Mitumba) in Sub-Saharan Africa, a trade that attracts interest from many Kenyans due to its affordability and variety it offers.
According to the latest trade data compiled by the United States-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Kenya imported second-hand clothes and textiles worth Ksh38.5 billion in 2023.
The second-hand clothing industry significantly contributes to government revenue. The widespread presence of second-hand clothes in the market is more a demand-side issue than a supply-side one.
For many Kenyans, the limited income levels make second-hand clothing the most affordable choice.
Mitumba: Countries Kenya Imports Second-Hand Clothes
1. China
China is the leading country from which Kenya imports its Second-Hand clothes. As the largest supplier of second-hand clothes, China accounts for around 51% of Kenya’s mitumba imports. China’s exports are driven by its large manufacturing base and the large volume of discarded clothing that is shipped worldwide.
2. United States
The U.S. is another significant source, contributing about 10.3% of the mitumba imports. The US has long been a major exporter of second-hand clothes to Kenya, often due to factors such as the availability of surplus clothing and a culture of charitable donations.
3. Pakistan
Pakistan is an important source, providing around 8.65% of the imports. The country is known for both exporting used clothing and manufacturing garments that eventually find their way into Kenya’s second-hand market.
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4. Canada
Canada contributes approximately 4.94% of the total mitumba imports. Moreover, much of the second-hand clothing from Canada comes from donations or surplus clothing, with a significant portion directed to international markets like Kenya.
5 .Germany
Germany supplies around 4.23% of Kenya’s mitumba imports. The German second-hand market is known for its well-organized charity-driven donation systems, which often result in large quantities of clothes being sold or given away for reuse in countries like Kenya.
Other Countries
Other top contributors to Kenya’s mitumba imports include: the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Poland and India.
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Kenya’s Legal Framework on Second-Hand Clothes
The legal framework governing the importation and trade of second-hand clothes in Kenya has evolved over time, with various changes reflecting the country’s economic and industrial priorities.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, the trade in second-hand clothes was banned. This ban was primarily intended to support the growth of domestic production and shield the local cotton industry from foreign competition.
In the mid-1980s, Kenya began to ease the strict policy restrictions on second-hand clothing imports, allowing them primarily as donations to support refugees.
By the early 1990s, the government took a further step by fully lifting the ban on second-hand clothes. This decision was in line with broader economic reforms focused on trade liberalisation.
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