Why Kenyan Mitumba Sector Should Be Supported To Grow Further

We all love mitumba. Mitumba has been here for decades. I our wardrobes at home, however rich we are, there is a mtumba somewhere. It might be shoes, pieces of clothes, curtains, blankets, among others. It is all about mitumba. We are mitumba, and mitumba is us.

There is no doubt that Kenya’s mitumba sector, the trade in second-hand clothing, is a vital component of the nation’s economy and labor market. Employing approximately 2 million people, it supports about 10 percent of the extended labor force, offering livelihoods across various roles from importation to retail.

In 2021 alone, the sector contributed Ksh 15.85 billion in taxes, highlighting its significant fiscal impact. Such an amount coming from one sector alone, who would want to kill it?

In 2022, Kenya imported 177,664 tonnes of Mitumba, supporting approximately 2 million livelihoods, especially for women and youth. The trade also contributed Ksh 12 billion annually in tax revenue.

Read Also: Why The Mitumba Sector Cannot Be Wished Away

Beyond employment and revenue, mitumba provides affordable clothing to the majority of Kenyans, with 91.5 percent of households purchasing second-hand garments. This accessibility supports household budgets, allowing families to allocate resources to other essential needs.

The sector also stimulates ancillary industries, including logistics, tailoring, and retail, creating a ripple effect that bolsters the broader economy. Moreover, mitumba contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting the reuse of clothing, thereby reducing textile waste. By 2037, the Mitumba market is projected to grow to 587,526 tonnes, driven by rising incomes and population growth.

While concerns exist about the impact on local textile industries, evidence suggests that mitumba and domestic manufacturing can coexist. Policies fostering collaboration, such as establishing sorting centers, can enhance quality control and create additional jobs.

In summary, the mitumba sector is integral to Kenya’s economic health, providing employment, affordable clothing, and environmental benefits. Supporting and regulating this industry ensures its continued contribution to national development.

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Join the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) this Thursday as they launch yet another report; A Future Look at the Apparel and Footwear Industry in Kenya (2022-2037) . The report will be live on https://youtube.com/@mitumbaconsortiumassociationke?si=4gIzpcUnHvTtD-cS