This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
Published on July 14, 2020, the ban on importation of second-hand clothes imposed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards in March has left traders in a precarious situation.
As part of efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ban was put in place, but experts have disputed this move, stating that shipments are cleaned and fumigated at source.
Second-hand clothes traders are now calling on the government to fast-track the resumption of importation, citing the potential collapse of their businesses within the next month.
The Mitumba Association of Kenya has expressed its readiness to comply with any guidelines put in place to ensure the safe importation of second-hand clothes.
Association chairperson Teresia Njenga noted that they have already initiated talks with the relevant ministries to develop protocols that would help stop the spread of Covid-19 while ensuring continuity in business.
"We are willing to re-fumigate the clothes when they get here and follow all other containment measures put in place to ensure traders and buyers are safe," Njenga said.
Traders are now urging the government to conclude the process as soon as possible to prevent the collapse of their businesses.
