The Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK) has called for a review of taxes on second-hand clothing imports, saying the current duty structure does not adequately recognise the sector’s contribution to livelihoods, affordable clothing and environmental sustainability.

“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,” MCAK chief executive Martin Gitau said during the Mashujaa Day Thematic Exhibition Week at Eldoret Polytechnic.

“Second-hand clothing extends the useful life of garments, provides affordable clothing to millions of Kenyans and supports livelihoods across the country. Our tax policies should recognise these contributions while ensuring that the government continues to collect revenue."

Gitau called for a review of the import duty charged on second-hand clothing, arguing that the taxation framework should recognise the sector’s contribution to employment and access to affordable clothing.

Gitau said the sector supports millions of Kenyans through importation, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, sorting and other related businesses.

He said women and young people were among those who depend on the trade for income.

“Mitumba also provides an alternative for consumers unable to afford new clothes as households continue to grapple with the cost of living,” said Gitau.

Gitau said the government should pursue 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,” he said.

MCAK said the trade contributes to the circular economy by extending the useful life of garments through reuse, repair, redesign and upcycling.

The association said these activities create additional business opportunities and help reduce textile waste. It added that the environmental benefits depend on the responsible handling of garments that can no longer be reused.

MCAK called on policymakers to adopt measures that protect jobs, sustain access to affordable clothing and promote responsible resource use across the textile value chain.

The association said decisions on taxation should be guided by evidence, fairness and the realities facing ordinary citizens.