This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
Kenya's second-hand clothes and shoe dealers are facing a crisis as the government's four-month ban on imports of the products takes its toll.
Trade CS Betty Maina's ministry imposed the ban in April, citing the need to stem the spread of Covid-19.
However, the Mitumba Association of Kenya, which represents the traders, is now calling on the government to lift the ban, saying its members are ready to observe all Covid-19 health protocols to ensure the safety of products in the market.
According to the association's chairperson, Teresia Njenga, every week of delay means approximately 35,000 traders are seeing their stocks get depleted.
“Every week of delay means approximately 35,000 traders are seeing their stocks get depleted. This is despite the fact that the World Health Organisation has not prohibited the movement of goods or commodities as a measure to contain the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Njenga.
