President William Ruto has reaffirmed that second-hand clothes (mitumba) are here to stay in Kenya, emphasizing that the government has no plans to ban their importation.
Speaking to the Nairobi Markets leadership at State House on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the President said Kenya’s position remains constant despite several countries imposing restrictions on second-hand clothing.
Balancing New and Used Clothing Markets
Ruto explained that the government recognizes the need to maintain a balance between the market for new clothing and the thriving second-hand clothes industry.
“Tumekubaliana ya kwamba kufikia sasa serikali ya Kenya tumesema ya kwamba nchi zingine nyingi zimepiga marufuku mambo ya mitumba, lakini sera ya serikali ya Kenya ni kwamba kuna sehemu ya wananchi wa taifa letu la Kenya, na ni sehemu kubwa, wanaotumia nguo ya mtumba Kenya,” he said.
Loosely translated, the President noted that while other countries have banned mitumba, Kenya will continue to respect the balance between new and used clothing markets.
“There is a large part of our population that directly depends on the mitumba clothing and industry. For that reason, we must strike a balance between the market for new clothing and the mitumba market. So it is clear that the policy of Kenya is not going to change.”
Economic and Social Importance of Mitumba
The second-hand clothing industry plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, providing affordable clothing options for millions of households and creating jobs across the value chain from importers and wholesalers to market traders.
By maintaining the policy, the government acknowledges the industry’s contribution to livelihoods, especially for low-income communities that rely heavily on mitumba for affordable fashion.
Previous Rumours of a Ban
In 2022, former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria suggested that Kenya might eventually ban mitumba imports, but only after the domestic textile industry could provide affordable alternatives. He emphasized that revitalizing local manufacturing was a necessary precursor to any restriction, citing models like South Africa, where stronger local production supports clothing markets.
President Ruto’s remarks put to rest speculation about a possible ban, making it clear that second-hand clothes will remain part of Kenya’s economic and social fabric. The government’s stance underscores the importance of balancing industrial growth with the realities of consumer demand and livelihoods.
