‘Mitumba’ sellers in Machakos town have castigated plans by the East African Community (EAC) to ban importation of second-hand clothes and shoes (mitumba).
The traders said that the ban would impact negatively on the economy of the country since there are too many Kenyans depending on the sector.
“Over 75 percent of Machakos township residents put on mtumba clothes and shoes since they are cheap and available, and a ban on the same would predispose them to poverty,” said Bernard Mwendwa who sells his wares in the town.
In an interview with the traders in the town, they noted that second-hand clothes is a source of income for many people in the area, and banning it will render them jobless.
“The ban will not only affect traders but many others especially the lower economic bracket who benefit by using the mitumba products as their prices are pocket-friendly,” added Mwendwa.
“I have been selling second-hand clothes for the last nine years and have been able to provide food to my four children as well educate them,” says Naomi Mueni, another mitumba seller in the town.
Residents also were not left behind as they put forward their dissatisfaction with EAC plans of banning the importation of second-hand clothes and shoes claiming that many people buy Mitumba since they are cheaper and good quality.
The EAC has already announced plans to ban the importation of second-hand clothes and shoes in an effort to revive local textile industries.