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Uhuru confirms intended ban on mitumba


President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated the need to grow the country’s textile industry, consequently confirming plans to ban ‘mitumba’ import.

During a meeting with the Association of Mitumba Importers in Kenya (AMIK), on Wednesday, the president acknowledged the contribution made by the sector.

He however said the ban seeks to promote local manufacturers while ensuring the mitumba business is not interrupted.

“Ultimately, the key is for the mitumba industry to slowly move into the new clothes market, supporting local production and local jobs,” the President said.

The planned ban on mitumba import was announced in October last year when the then Industrialization Principal Secretary Wilson Songa said the move would be executed in phases.

Among the benefits cited in the proposal include the elimination of health risks associated with imported used clothes and protection of the local textile and leather industries.

‘BUY KENYA, BUILD KENYA’

During Wednesday’s meeting, the President said his administration aims to promote ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya.’

“There is need to provide competitive alternatives for mitumba traders through Kenyan manufactured apparel, to be sourced locally at competitive prices whilst ensuring adequate supply of good quality products,” the President said.

The Association and the government, through the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Trade agreed to collaborate to address issues that currently affect the second-hand clothes market.

The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Investment and Trade, Adan Mohamed and his Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, as well as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich.

Others present at the meeting were elected leaders representing the area covered by the largest mitumba market, Gikomba who included MPs Yusuf Hassan Abdi (Kamukunji) Maina Kamanda (Starehe) and MCA Kenneth Irungu (Pumwani ward).