NAIROBI, Kenya, May 14 – A new report by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) is calling on governments to support the strategic coexistence of second-hand clothing imports and domestic apparel manufacturing as dual engines of economic growth.
The report, A Future Look at the Apparel and Footwear Industry in Kenya (2022–2037), provides a 15-year roadmap for the country’s apparel sector, showing that Mitumba and local manufacturing can complement, not compete with, each other.
“Second-hand clothing isn’t a barrier to textile industry growth – it’s part of the solution,” said MCAK Chairperson Teresia Wairimu Njenga during the report’s launch in Nairobi.
The study forecasts that as Kenyans’ incomes rise, demand for both new and used clothing will grow.
By 2037, the average Kenyan income is expected to double, fueling parallel growth in Mitumba consumption and new apparel sales.
The report reveals that the Mitumba sector supported 2 million livelihoods in 2022 and generated about Sh12 billion in taxes.
It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing textile waste and promoting circular economy practices.
“This is about smart policymaking grounded in evidence—removing needless barriers and leveraging the strengths of both sectors,” IEA CEO and lead researcher Kwame Owino said.
The report recommends harmonising import rules, enforcing clothing quality standards, offering tax breaks and skills training for manufacturers, and promoting eco-friendly industry practices.
