The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) has called for a review of taxes on second-hand clothes, saying the current rates put pressure on a sector that supports millions of livelihoods.
MCAK Chief Executive Martin Gitau said the taxation of mitumba should take into account the sector’s contribution to employment, affordable clothing and the environment.
Gitau made the remarks during the Mashujaa Day Thematic Exhibition Week at Eldoret Polytechnic.
“The taxation of mitumba should be looked at in a way that recognises the unique role this sector plays in our economy and the environment,” Gitau said.
He raised concern over the 35 per cent import duty imposed on second-hand clothing, compared with the standard 25 per cent tariff for finished products under the East African Community tariff framework.
MCAK says the difference should be reviewed, particularly given the role of the second-hand clothing trade in supporting businesses and keeping clothes affordable for consumers.
Mitumba supports jobs and businesses
According to Gitau, the sector supports livelihoods across several parts of the clothing trade, including importation, wholesale and retail, transportation, sorting and other related businesses.
Women and young people are also among those who rely on the trade for income, he said.
“Mitumba also provides an alternative for consumers unable to afford new clothes as households continue to grapple with the cost of living,” said Gitau.
The association wants the government to adopt policies that allow second-hand clothing traders and local textile manufacturers to operate alongside each other.
“Kenya should pursue a balanced policy approach that allows the second-hand clothing trade and the local textile and apparel manufacturing industry to coexist, rather than treating the two sectors as competing interests,” Gitau said.
Sector highlights environmental role
MCAK also says the mitumba trade contributes to the circular economy by extending the useful life of clothes through reuse, repair, redesign and upcycling.
The association argues that these activities create additional business opportunities while helping to reduce textile waste.
It, however, acknowledged that the environmental benefits depend on how garments that can no longer be reused are handled.
MCAK has called on policymakers to consider measures that protect jobs, maintain access to affordable clothing and encourage responsible use of resources across the textile value chain.
The association said decisions on taxation should be based on evidence, fairness and the economic realities facing ordinary citizens.
