COVID-19: State bans Mitumba business and importation in Kenya -Trade CS Betty Maina

Mitumba importation in Kenya suspended until further notice

Government bans Mitumba trade in Kenya. The government, however, directed Kenya Airways not to carry any second-hand clothes from any country to curb the importation of coronavirus.

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Second-hand clothes’ traders are gazing at turbulent moments after the government suspended importation of mitumba.


Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina said public safety and the need to improve sales of locally made apparel informed the decision.


“Importation of used clothes is suspended with immediate effect to safeguard the health of Kenyans and promote local textiles,” said the CS Wednesday.


The Cabinet Secretary also mentioned the spread of the Coronavirus amongst the reasons for the move, although used clothes are normally fumigated before being shipped to Kenya.


The Cabinet Secretary spoke when she received a proposal from the private sector on intervention measures needed to restore vibrancy in the small and medium enterprise sector.

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" Sustainability and transformation of the apparels and textiles and activation of the cotton value chain," is the proposal urging the government to give incentives to local garment makers to boost their production.