Mitumba dealers seek lift to ban on second-hand clothes imports

Mitumba dealers are seeking for a lift to the ban on second-hand clothes imports forced upon by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mitumba Association of Kenya has consequently staged discussions with Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina as members grapple economic hardships arising from depleting mitumba stocks which has halted operations for many.

On its part, the Trade Ministry has emphasized the need for guidelines and protocols to inform the subsequent lift on the ban with the Association agreeing to working closely with the Ministry to lay out appropriate protocols.

The importation of second hand clothes remains suspended for the better part of two months with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) citing the directive as a temporarily measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Manpower Survey, the popular mitumba trade falls under the second hand clothes and footwear industry which employs an estimated 10% of the extended labour force.

The total extended labour force based on 2020 Labour Force Survey Report is 20,641,175 with the second hand clothes and footwear sub-sector employing at least 2,000,000 Kenyans.

The mitumba dealers argue they have consequently met the demands for affordable clothing and have contributed to the exchequer.

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COVID-19 Mitumba

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