In the spirit of setting precedence for normalcy, the state through Trade and Industrialisation CS, is set to develop guidelines that will allow resumption of Mitumba importation.
Thousands of second hand apparel traders and casual labourers who solely rely on the sector for livelihood, stand to win big should Mitumba importation resume. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) imposed a temporary ban on Mitumba imports following the onset of Corona Virus which has so far torn across all economies.
In line with the guidelines put in place by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mitumba was flagged as a risk factor when it comes to containing the virus. It was reported that the virus had a relatively longer shelf life on clothing and garment. In the spirit of keeping Kenyans safe, KEBS prohibited purchase of second hand clothes from countries worst hit by the Virus.
However, in recent days, experts have hinted at an endemic whose end cannot be precedented. As a result, Trade CS, Betty Maina has given KEBS a green light to look into the possibility of lifting the Mitumba ban to restore normalcy to the sector.
“The mitumba guys have appealed and we have said that we need to work together to develop protocols for dealing with used clothes in the context of the pandemic. We have received their petition and they need to work together with the bureau (KEBS) to advise if there’s a way or mechanism for handling the matter given the fact that the pandemic is going on for a bit longer than people had thought,” Ms. Maina told a local daily.
Mitumba apparels are relatable to the Kenyan population given their affordability and ‘superior’ quality. This has its demand to a cool Sh. 17.77 billion as valued in 2019.