Here Is The Speech By Teresiah Wairimu, Chairperson of Mitumba Consortium Association Of Kenya That Everyone Is Talking About
As the Chairperson of the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya, I have witnessed firsthand the immense potential of this industry and the positive impact it can have on our economies and communities.
The second-hand clothing sector is not just about selling used clothes; it represents a powerful force for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation in East Africa.
It is a sector that empowers millions of people, particularly women and young people, by providing them with employment opportunities and the chance to establish thriving micro-businesses throughout the second-hand clothing supply chain.
Let us not be swayed by those who argue for imposing barriers and restrictions on the second-hand clothing sector. Such measures would only undermine the livelihoods of 3.4 million hardworking individuals in East Africa and hinder the progress of the majority.
How I pray we recognize instead that reducing the size of the second-hand clothing industry is not the solution required. It is time to embrace its potential and work together to create a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future for East Africa. The world is awakening to the environmental imperative of extending the life of clothing through reuse and reducing textile waste.
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In this regard, the second-hand clothing sector aligns perfectly with the global focus on the circular economy. East Africa has a unique opportunity to lead the transition from low-cost “fast fashion” to a sustainable circular production model. By supporting the second-hand clothing industry, we are not only championing economic growth but also embracing environmental responsibility.
Allow me to share with you some compelling reasons the second-hand clothing sector deserves your support and investment, as well as everyone else’s within and without this room:
First, a strong second-hand clothing sector creates employment opportunities. Every ton of second-hand clothing imported into the EAC states generates an impressive 7.58 jobs, providing a significant source of income for millions of individuals involved in second-hand clothing distribution chains across East Africa. If we further support the growth of this sector, we are empowering our people and fostering economic development.
Secondly, the second-hand clothing market makes substantial contributions to GDP growth and government revenues. In 2021 alone, the industry delivered government revenues estimated at US$419 million across East Africa. These revenues are without a doubt used to fuel public sector development, improve infrastructure, and provide essential services for our citizens.
Thirdly, the availability of second-hand clothing enhances consumer welfare. It provides affordable options for those on low incomes, helping to ease poverty and improve living standards. At the same time, it appeals to the rising African middle class, offering them quality clothing at affordable prices. It is a choice that benefits both the economically vulnerable and those aspiring to improve their lives.
Should the aforementioned grounds not feel sufficient, I will share two more grounds as follows:
It is crucial to dispel the misconception that a growing second-hand clothing industry undermines domestic textile production. In fact, let me tell you what could happen when second-hand clothing is suppressed; cheaper garment trade in other parts of the world, such as China will benefit.
By supporting the second-hand clothing industry, we stimulate our own textile production, using recyclable m